EITC Finder Mobile App

Who is the EITC Finder for?
How does it work?
Why does the EITC Finder refer people to Free File to claim EITC?
How can tax filers get help claiming EITC with Free File?
Where can I find the EITC Finder?

Intuit Tax Freedom Project / Free File Alliance

What is the Intuit Tax Freedom Project?
Why does Intuit offer the Intuit Tax Freedom Project?
What is the Free File Alliance?
What are the qualifications for a free federal return?
Why do the qualifications change each year?
Which active-duty military or reserve personnel qualify?
What is the Earned Income Credit (EITC or EIC)?
What IRS forms and schedules does TurboTax Freedom Edition support?
What software do eligible taxpayers use?
Is TurboTax Freedom Edition safe and secure?
Should taxpayers print or e-file their returns?
Do taxpayers need to check the status of their e-filed return?
Is an e-mail address required?
Are e-filing fees included?
Can a taxpayer start their return and finish it later?
What if an individual starts a return but is not eligible for a free return?
What if a taxpayer qualifies for a free federal return but their state return isn’t free?
Why is a taxpayer being charged for their return?
How can a taxpayer pay for TurboTax fees?
Who do taxpayers contact if they have questions?
How can my organization help eligible taxpayers?
Do we have to download anything to use TurboTax Freedom Edition?
Is there training for the Intuit Tax Freedom Project?
Who do I contact if I have questions?
What is Adjusted Gross Income?
Does a child who is claimed as a dependent have to file a tax return?

Product Donation

What software titles can I get?
What if I want a product title that isn’t listed for donation?
How many product copies can I obtain?
How do I choose which software product is right for my clients?
What is a site license?
Is there training available?
Why does Intuit use a third party to administer the donation program?
TechSoup shows a product is out of stock. Will there be more?
I’m having trouble downloading QuickBooks from TechSoup, what can I do?
Who do I contact if I have questions?

Who is the EITC Finder for?

The EITC Finder is a FREE app specifically designed for lower and middle income taxpayers who can access the Internet on their smart phones. It is also for nonprofits and others that serve these tax filers. The app gives staff and volunteers the ease and flexibility of showing families – wherever they may be meeting – how easy it is to determine EITC eligibility.

How does the EITC Finder work?

The EITC Finder asks a few simple questions… things like “Are you married or single?”; “How many children do you support?”; and “How much money did you earn last year?” If the information you enter indicates you qualify for EITC, the app estimates how much you could get back from the IRS and your state. Then it tells how you can easily claim the EITC by preparing and filing your tax return for FREE with one of the free products offered through IRS Free File.

Why does the EITC Finder refer people to Free File to claim EITC?

Free File is a public-private partnership between the IRS and commercial tax software companies. From www.IRS.gov/FreeFile, taxpayers can choose from among more than a dozen brand name software products. Each product provides step-by-step guidance for getting a more accurate tax return and claiming the tax credits and deductions they are eligible for, including EITC. They can transmit their return electronically and if they select direct deposit, they can get their refund in as fast as 7-10 days. All for FREE.

How can tax filers get help claiming EITC with Free File?

More than 300 IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs across the country are providing opportunities for people to use Free File products at their sites. A listing of the VITA sites offering Free File services can be found here .

Where can I find the EITC Finder?

The EITC finder is available on the App Store, Android Market or Amazon Appstore.

What is the Intuit Tax Freedom Project?

Intuit and the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation are proud to sponsor the Intuit Tax Freedom Project. The Tax Freedom Project offers free online tax preparation and electronic filing to people who meet eligibility requirements announced at the beginning of each tax season. Through the Intuit Tax Freedom Project, eligible tax filers can accurately prepare their returns and claim all the deductions and credits they deserve at low or no-cost using TurboTax Freedom Edition. Since its inception in 1998, Intuit has donated 22 million returns to qualified taxpayers. TurboTax Freedom Edition is one of the software programs offered for free through the IRS Free File Alliance (see below) and 22 state Free File Alliances.

Why does Intuit offer the Intuit Tax Freedom Project?

Intuit is committed to give back to the community by sharing a measure of our business success through philanthropic and public service initiatives. The Intuit Tax Freedom Project is a national corporate initiative dedicated to sharing Intuit’s particular expertise and product innovations in online tax preparation and electronic filing with those in our society who are economically disadvantaged or underserved.

What is the Free File Alliance?

The Free File Alliance is a public-private partnership between tax software companies, such as Intuit, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This Alliance enables lower income taxpayers to use the best-known and most-trusted commercial tax preparation software products, including TurboTax Freedom Edition, for free. There is no cost to the government to deliver these free services to hard-working Americans.

In addition, twenty-two states have created Free File programs based on the federal Free File Alliance model: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, North Dakota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.

For each participating state’s Free File program information, select a state from the choices below:

AL AR AZ GA IA ID IN KY MI MN MO MS NC ND NY OK OR RI SC VA VT WV

What are the qualifications for a free federal return?

Taxpayers can use TurboTax Freedom Edition for free if they meet the income-based eligibility requirements that are announced at the beginning of tax season.

To qualify for a free federal return for tax year 2011 a taxpayer must meet one of the following requirements:

For tax year 2011, Intuit offers TurboTax Online Tax Freedom Edition to:

• All taxpayers eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Active Duty Military — includes Reservists and National Guard — with an Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less
• All other taxpayers with an AGI of $31,000 or less. To qualify for a free state return taxpayers must meet both of the following requirements:
  • Eligible for a free federal return
  • — AND —
  • They are filing in one of the 22 states with their own Free File program (Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia).

Why do the qualifications change each year?

Taxpayer eligibility criteria for the Intuit Tax Freedom Project change each year to accommodate the maximum number of taxpayers within the guidelines provided by the IRS and the Free File Alliance.

Which active-duty military or reserve personnel qualify?

The term “active duty military” includes all active armed forces, federal reservists, and National Guard personnel. Taxpayers must have a Form W-2 from the military for the tax filing year and meet the income eligibility criteria.

What is the Earned Income Credit (EITC or EIC)?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), sometimes called the Earned Income Credit (EIC), is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families.

To claim the EITC on your 2011 tax return, you must meet all of the following rules:

Citizenship/Residency:

You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year; a nonresident alien married to a U.S. citizen; or a resident alien and filing a joint return.

Social Security Numbers:

You must have a valid Social Security number that allows you to work.* Additionally, to claim the EITC, you must have a valid Social Security number (SSN) for you, your spouse (if filing a joint return), and your qualifying child. A Social Security number is issued by the Social Security Administration to a U.S. citizen or to a person who has permission from the INS to work in the United States.

Earned Income:

You must have earned income during 2011 from employment or self-employment. Earned income includes disability pay and can include nontaxable combat pay if you wish. You cannot file Form 2555 or 2555-EZ, Foreign Earned Income. Your earned income and AGI must each be less than:

• $43,998 ($49,078 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children
• $40,964 ($46,044 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children
• $36,052 ($41,132 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child
• $13,660 ($18,740 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children**

**Additional criteria if you have no qualifying children: You must be age 25, but less than 65 at the end of the year, live in the United States for more than half the year, and not qualify as a dependent of another person.

Investment Income:

Your investment income cannot be more than $3,150.

Filing Status:

Your filing status can be any filing status EXCEPT “married filing a separate return.”

Qualifying Child:

You cannot be a qualifying child for another person. If you are married, your spouse cannot be a qualifying child for another person. Your qualifying child cannot be used by more than one person to claim the EITC.

What IRS forms and schedules does TurboTax Freedom Edition support?

TurboTax Freedom Edition supports tax forms 1040EZ, 1040A and 1040. Go to www.taxfreedom.com to see the complete list of accompanying schedules supported by TurboTax Freedom Edition.

What software do eligible taxpayers use?

No software is needed. TurboTax Freedom Edition is provided as an online service. Taxpayers will need a computer and an Internet connection to access TurboTax Freedom Edition at www.taxfreedom.com.

Is TurboTax Freedom Edition safe and secure?

TurboTax Freedom Edition uses advanced security technologies to ensure that taxpayers’ information is kept safe and private. As taxpayers answer questions, their data is stored securely on Intuit servers, where the program performs all the necessary calculations and determines which tax forms need to be filed. For more information, see our Privacy Statement.

Should taxpayers print or e-file their returns?

Taxpayer can choose to print and mail their returns or e-file. However, e-filing results in faster refunds. By using direct deposit to their bank account, taxpayers can receive their refund in as few as 8 days.

Do taxpayers need to check the status of their e-filed return?

Yes, taxpayers must check to see if the return has been accepted by the tax authorities. It takes about two days for federal returns to be accepted; up to five days for state returns. They can check to see if their return has been accepted by logging back into TurboTax Freedom Edition at www.taxfreedom.com.

Once the return is accepted, the tax authorities assign a confirmation number (called a Declaration Control Number, or DCN). The taxpayer completes the e-filing process by mailing the required signature forms, and payment vouchers within one business day after the return is accepted.

The TurboTax Freedom Edition interview process helps the taxpayer print the electronic filing paperwork, including forms, payment vouchers, mailing instructions, the Electronic Filing Checklist, and any other required forms and instructions.

Is an e-mail address required?

Yes, TurboTax Freedom Edition requires taxpayers to provide an e-mail address so that they can retrieve their User ID in the event they forget it. Intuit may also send taxpayers a reminder as the tax deadline approaches, an e-mail message indicating their status is ready to be checked, and, occasionally, contact them with special offers.

If the taxpayer prefers not to be contacted, or wants to specify how they would like Intuit to contact them in the future, they may indicate their preferences during or after the registration process. Remaining open to contact is not required to receive these services.

We do not rent, sell, or share any of their personal information with anyone outside of Intuit for their marketing use. Tax return information is never made available to anyone, including Intuit, for marketing purposes.

An e-mail address is not required to check the status of a return. A taxpayer should log back into TurboTax Freedom Edition from www.taxfreedom.com 24-48 hours after e-filing to check the status of their return.

Are e-filing fees included?

Yes. Eligible taxpayers can e-file for free with TurboTax Freedom Edition at www.taxfreedom.com.

Can a taxpayer start their return and finish it later?

Yes. Taxpayers can begin their return, create a User ID and password to save their data, and finish their return at a later time.

What if an individual starts a return but is not eligible for a free return?

If taxpayers discover they don’t qualify for a free return, they can opt to continue and pay the fee when they print or e-file. The fee is $19.95 for a federal return and $27.95 for a state return.(Pricing subject to change. Please check www.taxfreedom.com for current pricing.)

What if a taxpayer qualifies for a free federal return but their state return isn’t free?

Taxpayers not in one of the 22 states with an FFA program may choose to only print or electronically file the federal return (and not the state). Or they may pay a state return fee of $19.95 and print or electronically file both their federal and state returns.

Why is a taxpayer being charged for their return?

Taxpayers who qualify for a free return must begin and finish their return at www.taxfreedom.com.

If these steps are taken and it still isn’t clear why the taxpayer is being charged, please go to www.taxfreedom.com and click on the support tab for technical support assistance.

How can a taxpayer pay for TurboTax fees?

There may be cases where the taxpayer will choose an optional service that requires a payment (such as filing their state tax return in a state that does not offer a free file option). Only one payment option is offered in these cases: payment by credit card.

Who do taxpayers contact if they have questions?

Due to privacy and security reasons, staff at the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation cannot respond to questions from taxpayers. Taxpayers can get help from the Common Questions section on www.taxfreedom.com or within the TurboTax Freedom Edition product. They may also get answers to their technical support questions by going to www.taxfreedom.com and clicking on the support tab. Technical support by phone is not available.

How can my organization help eligible taxpayers?

There are many ways a nonprofit organization can help eligible taxpayers gain access to TurboTax Freedom Edition. Organizations can simply promote this opportunity to the taxpayers they serve, hold a tax assistance event, or offer use of their computers throughout the tax season. Tips and tools to help you can be found in the Tax Toolkit on this Web site.

Do we have to download anything to use TurboTax Freedom Edition?

No. Unlike software products purchased at a store and installed on a computer, TurboTax Freedom Edition is provided as an online service.

Is there training for the Intuit Tax Freedom Project?

There is no formal training program on how to help people use TurboTax. However, volunteers and staff of nonprofit organizations who wish to help eligible taxpayers are welcome to become familiar with TurboTax Freedom Edition by creating a mock return. Beginning mid January, they can start a return at www.taxfreedom.com and input artificial taxpayer data. TurboTax Freedom Edition does not ask for payment until the returns are ready to be printed or filed.

A mock return allows them to experience the easy interview and step-by-step process used to complete a return using TurboTax. There are built-in support tools to assist taxpayers if questions or problems arise.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

We welcome questions and feedback about your experiences with the Intuit Tax Freedom Project. Email us at intuitempowers@intuit.com with your questions or comments. We review every e-mail message that comes in, and we’ll take action when required.

Due to the heavy volume of e-mail messages we receive, we will do our best to respond in a timely manner; please allow ample time if you require a response.

What is Adjusted Gross Income?

Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is the taxpayer’s annual gross income after they have subtracted allowable adjustments, such as moving expenses, IRAs and alimony paid. They can find their AGI on line 37 of Form 1040 (or line 21 of the 1040A).

Does a child who is claimed as a dependent have to file a tax return?

A person who is claimed as a dependent on his/her parent’s tax return, may still have to file a return. A tax return may be required if the dependent had earned income from a job, or unearned income from, for example, taxable interest.

What software titles can I get?

Select Quicken, Mint, and QuickBooks software products are made available for free or at a deeply discounted price to qualified organizations through various donation channels. See the Initiatives page for more information and the source of obtaining the software.

What if I want a product title that isn’t listed for donation?

Intuit is committed to helping organizations serve their clients by providing a wide range of software products. The products we have selected to offer are those that have been identified as best suited to the needs of organizations.

How many product copies can I obtain?

For educational and other support programs:

• Quicken desktop products are available in lots of 25 or 100 (depending on availability), through TechSoup (which charges a small administrative fee).
• Mint is available for free directly from Intuit.
• QuickBooks Pro site licenses are available in lots of 10, 25 or 50 users through the Intuit Education Program.

For managing a non-profit organization’s finances:

Eligible non-profit organizations may obtain one copy of QuickBooks desktop software (depending on availability) each fiscal year (July 1 — June 30) through TechSoup (which charges a small administrative fee). The basic eligibility criteria that a nonprofit organization has:

• A designation as a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization or a U.S. public library
• An annual operating budget of $3 million or less

Go to our partner TechSoup for the complete eligibility rules.

For managing a “B” Corporation’s finances:

Eligible B Corporations may obtain one free copy of QuickBooks desktop software (depending on availability) each fiscal year (Aug 1 – July 31) through B Lab. Go to our partner B Lab for the complete eligibility rules.

How do I choose which software product is right for my clients?

Go to the Initiatives page to learn more about a specific product. If you need to, you can obtain further details about product features and functionality directly from that product’s website (quickbooks.com, quicken.com, or mint.com), but in some cases, you cannot obtain discounted products from those websites. Once you learn what products you are interested in, check the Initiatives page for how to obtain a specific product through the Intuit Product Donation Program.

What is a site license?

A site license allows organizations to install the software on multiple computers at one site. Site licenses of QuickBooks Pro are available in 10, 25 or 50 computer licenses through the Intuit Education Program. QuickBooks Pro site licenses do not allow multi-user access. Multi-user mode means more than one person can work with a single company data file at the same time.

Is there training available?

The QuickBooks Learning Guide is for instructors to introduce students to QuickBooks. The guide contains 15 lessons with step-by-step instructions and illustrations that make it easy to learn to use QuickBooks. Each lesson includes a list of student objectives, handout materials, and review activities. This publication is available for download at no charge within the Instructor’s Resource Center (which you can access after you acquire a Site License).

For additional support, you can access built-in help features and product manuals within Quicken and QuickBooks. You can also visit the QuickBooks or Quicken community forums, or Mint for further help.

Why does Intuit use a third party to administer the donation program?

TechSoup is a well respected non-profit organization with global outreach and extensive expertise in providing technology solutions to the non-profit sector. By partnering with TechSoup, the products offered by the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation are made available to a much broader audience than we could achieve with a stand-alone program. B Lab is the non-profit organization that supports and certifies B Corporations. They are able to provide and approve the most current list of Certified B Corporations. By partnering with B Lab, we are able to offer the product donation to a much broader audience than we could achieve ourselves.

TechSoup shows a product is out of stock. Will there be more?

Intuit provides an initial donation of a product to TechSoup. With some products the inventory is replenished throughout the year; with other products the initial allotment is all that is donated to TechSoup for that year. If you register with the Intuit Financial Freedom Foundation you will automatically receive product availability announcements by e-mail.

I’m having trouble downloading QuickBooks from TechSoup, what can I do?

It is possible that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) may limit the file size you can download. In that case contact your ISP provider to see if they can help.

In other cases contact TechSoup customer service to see if they can help.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

For questions about the product, contact the tech support team listed in the product documentation or visit product website for further tech support options. For questions about the availability of products TechSoup carries, please contact TechSoup. For all other matters, we welcome questions and feedback about your experiences with the Intuit Product Donation Program. Email us at intuitempowers@intuit.com with your questions or comments. We review every e-mail message that comes in, and we’ll take action when required.

Due to the heavy volume of e-mail messages we receive, we will do our best to respond in a timely manner; please allow ample time if you require a response.