‘Just File It’ Free Tax Filing Program to Go Live Jan



‘Just File It’ Free Tax Filing Program to Go Live Jan. 17   (Monitor: January 16, 2006)

“Just File It,” the free Web-based income tax filing program available to low-income individuals, is set to go live online on Jan. 17.

The MCUL, as part of its Community Reinvestment Initiative (CRI), invested in the Web-based service to help low-income filers complete their federal and state tax returns and maximize their credits and benefits.  The University of Michigan’s Michigan Poverty Law Program is working with the MCUL and the software author, Legal Aid Society of Orange County, to coordinate the project.

According to MCUL Association Services Vice President Lori Bahnmueller, the launch date was moved to Jan. 17 since Jan. 15 is a Sunday and Jan. 16 is the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

“The response to the Just File It program from credit unions has been overwhelming,” Bahnmueller said.  “It’s obvious that this program is filling a need, and Michigan credit unions can be proud of the role they’re playing in helping low-income individuals.”

All that is required to participate in the program — “Just File It!  We’ll Help!” — is a computer, Internet access, Web browser and printer.  There is no cost for credit unions to offer the service to their members, Bahnmueller said.

“For many years, credit unions have been helping the underserved access their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) through partnerships with the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program,” Bahnmueller said.  “The Just File It program complements the efforts of VITA volunteers by providing recipients yet another alternative to costly, fee-based tax services.

“The addition of the free state component is expected to as much as double refunds and credits for low income families.   More than $200 million in federal tax refunds go unclaimed in Michigan annually by the people who need them most — low-income families and individuals — and many of these people use tax preparation services and take out short-term loans to access their income tax refunds early.

“These services often charge excessive fees and high interest rates to those who can least afford them.”

Michigan credit unions, through their broad geographic and socioeconomic reach, can serve a valuable role providing low-income families and individuals access to much-needed tax credits, Bahnmueller said.  These credits can significantly increase the income available to working people, either by providing refunds up to a maximum dollar amount or by decreasing the amount of taxes due to the IRS, she added.

“Federal income tax benefits alone can be as great as $4,200 for individuals or families with two children — and nearly doubled when paired with state credits,” she said.  “This is money families can use to put food on the table, move into better housing, invest in education, save for the future and contribute back to the community.”

In addition to credit union marketing efforts, the MCUL will be placing a public service announcement (PSA) with radio stations in Michigan.  The PSA will direct listeners to , where consumers can access further information on the program and learn about participating credit unions.

Credit unions can obtain information on participating in the Just File It program by clicking on the link on the homepage of the MCUL Web site, .  The direct link is .

Questions about the program should be directed to Bahnmueller at MCUL Ext. 423 or laz@ .

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