Free Tax Preparation for Low-Income Native Americans
October 4, 2005

CILS Needs Your Help to Ensure Tribal Members and Families Don't Miss Out
on the Earned Income Tax Credit

How can CILS help your tribal members?

As part of our mission to help low-income Native Americans, CILS helps taxpayers determine if they are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC), a special tax credit for low-income workers that puts extra dollars in their refund check. Many people are not aware of this tax credit and so do not apply! If we determine that an individual qualifies for the credit, we are able to help them prepare their tax returns free of charge and avoid losing part of their refund in fees to commercial tax preparers. CILS also has expertise in tax issues unique to Native Americans, so when preparing individuals' tax returns, we can make sure that they do not pay taxes on certain Indian income that is exempt from taxation. CILS partners with the Legal Aid Society of Orange County to use the Internet-based I-CAN!™ EIC program to determine eligibility and prepare tax returns, and we have worked to make sure these issues are accounted for by the program.

How can your tribe help members get extra money back?

We need your help to make sure California Indians are aware of the EIC and CILS's free tax preparation services. This will help ensure qualified low-income workers claim the credit and don't lose it by paying someone to do their taxes. To meet these goals, WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW FOR THE UPCOMING TAX SEASON! Here is what you can do:

• Allow CILS to present information about our free tax preparation services and the Earned Income Tax Credit at a tribal membership meeting or event. Contact us to if you are interested in having us present.

• Provide room space and internet access for a tax clinic and EIC evaluation for your community members. Contact us to let us know if you would like to host a clinic.

• Mention our tax services in your tribal newsletter. Contact us if you would like us to send you a blurb or longer article for inclusion in your newsletter.

• Post and distribute flyers and posters about our tax preparation services. These will be mailed to you in early December. Contact us if you need more.

If you would like to help out or for more information, please contact Terri Witherspoon, CILS Staff Attorney, at (510) 835-0284, ext 308, or twitherspoon@calindian.org. Tax return preparation services will begin in February 2006.

Click here to view an informational brochure.

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