Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the question in the list and the answer will be displayed. For more information about the limitations of YES I-CAN!™ E-File, click here. For more information about the credits YES I-CAN!™ E-File can help you claim, click here

 

What is the cost for using YES I-CAN!™ E-File?

YES I-CAN!™ E-File can help you file your Federal Tax Return for FREE if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $29,000 or less OR your return is eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). If your AGI is over $29,000 and you are not eligible for the EITC then you can print your return for FREE, and E-File it for only $4.99.

When you prepare your federal return, YES I-CAN!™ E-File can also help you prepare your state return if you lived and worked all year in one of the following states: California, Michigan, Montana, New York, or Pennsylvania. YES I-CAN!™ E-File also supports Alaskan resident's dividends. You can always print and E-File your state return for FREE along with your federal return.

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What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a special tax credit for low-income working families that can return up to $5,657 to eligible taxpayers. The EITC was created by congress in 1975 to ease the tax burden on working families and individuals and to offset some of their living expenses. Unfortunately 15 to 25% of those eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit fail to claim it, leaving billions of dollars unclaimed each year. YES I-CAN!™ E-File will help you claim this credit if you are eligible.

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What if I only worked for 2 months of the year?

You may not be required to file a tax return; however, you may be eligible for tax credits that will result in a refund. If your income was low, you may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

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Do I need to download any software?

No, YES I-CAN!™ E-File is an Internet-based application so there is no software to download. If you do not already have Adobe Reader you will need to download it to print your forms. It is free: download it at www.adobe.com

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Is YES I-CAN!™ E-File Secure?

YES I-CAN!™ E-File uses 1024 bit encryption technology to prevent your information being breached through the Internet. Our servers are in a dedicated AT&T DataCenter with full security and biometric access. We are FTC and IRS compliant to ensure your information is safeguarded. You can also click the "Data Policy and Privacy Policy" found on this page for additional information.

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Can YES I-CAN!™ E-File electronically file (e-file) my return?

Yes, YES I-CAN!™ E-File can e-file federal and select state tax returns (I-CAN! does not e-file New York forms). If you are due a refund you can choose to direct deposit your refund or have a check mailed to you. If you owe taxes for Federal or your State you can Free File and mail your payment, or Free File and have the IRS or state withdraw your payment from your bank account. You can choose to mail your returns if you prefer.

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Do I need an email address to e-file my return?

No, an email address is not required; however, you must return to this site (www.yesicanefile.org/) the following business day after you e-file your return to check your status and make sure your return was accepted by the IRS and your state.

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How much time will it take to go through YES I-CAN!™ E-File?

Using YES I-CAN!™ E-File generally takes 30 minutes. If you itemize your deductions or have a more complicated return it will take more time.

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Do I have to finish all the questions at one time?

No. If you don't have the time to finish, or you don't have all the tax information you need, you can exit and return later to continue. The information is saved for you so you will not need to enter it again. To continue your return, log in again with your username and password.

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Will YES I-CAN!™ E-File complete my state return?

When you prepare your federal return, YES I-CAN!™ E-File can also help you prepare your state return if you lived and worked all year in one of the following states: California, Michigan, Montana, New York (I-CAN! does not e-file New York forms), or Pennsylvania. YES I-CAN!™ E-File also supports Alaskan resident's dividends. You can always print and E-File your state return for FREE along with your federal return.

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Why can't YES I-CAN!™ E-File complete state tax returns for all states?

YES I-CAN!™ E-File can only complete state tax returns for California, Michigan, Montana, New York (I-CAN! does not e-file New York forms) and Pennsylvania.

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What if I think I should have a larger refund?

YES I-CAN!™ E-File calculates your tax return for the forms and schedules it can complete. If for any reason you feel your return amount is not correct, you do not have to e-file or mail the tax forms that YES I-CAN!™ E-File completes for you. If you do not e-file or mail the tax forms, you are free to file your taxes with a tax preparer or a different software.

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How do I submit my return?

If you choose to e-file your return, you do not mail any tax forms. If you do not e-file your return, you will need to mail a copy of your federal and/or state return, and any other printed forms with a copy of your W-2(s) to the address located on the instruction page. You will print an instruction page when you print your tax forms.

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How long will it take to receive my refund?

If you e-file(electronically file) your return and use direct deposit, you should receive your return within 10 to 14 days after the date your return is accepted by the IRS. When you use YES I-CAN!™ E-File and you e-file your return the status screen will display "Accepted" as your status when your return is accepted.

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Can I get "instant cash" or a loan if I use YES I-CAN!™ E-File?

No. YES I-CAN!™ E-File does not support or promote any type of "same day loans", "refund anticipation loans", or "instant cash." These loans can come with interest rates up to 700% APR. If you e-file and use direct deposit, you will receive your refund within 10 to 14 days without paying unnecessary and excessive fees.

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How do I check the status of my federal and/or state return?

If you chose to e-file your return, log on to www.yesicanefile.org (or click the "Home" at the top of this screen) and select "Check My E-File Status." Log in with your username and password, then select "Check my status". The status screen will inform you of the status of your e-filing. When your status displays "Accepted" you need to wait 10 to 14 days. After 10 to 14 days if you have not recieved your refund, you can click on "Where is my refund" to track your refund. If you mail your return, you may have to wait up to 8 weeks before it is processed. You can click the "Where is my refund" link about 8 to 10 weeks after you mail your return.

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What if my return is not accepted?

If your return is e-filed and not accepted, YES I-CAN!™ E-File will tell you what you need to correct to allow you to resubmit your return. About half the returns are not accepted the first time due to Social Security Number errors, so please make sure to double check them for each person listed on your return.

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Will YES I-CAN!™ E-File Direct Deposit my return?

Yes. You can choose to have your refund put straight into your checking or savings account (direct deposit). You can have your Federal Return deposited in up to 3 different accounts. If you decide to use direct deposit, you will receive your refund faster than if you have a check mailed to you. If you decide to use direct deposit, you will need to enter your bank's routing number and your checking or savings account number.

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Can I use YES I-CAN!™ E-File to create or file an extension?

Yes. YES I-CAN!™ E-File can prepare and e-file an extension of time to file your taxes Form 4868. For California, Michigan, Montana, New York, and Pennsylvania filers YES I-CAN!™ E-File will instruct you how to handle mailing your state forms and payments.

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Can YES I-CAN!™ E-File amend returns?

No. YES I-CAN!™ E-File cannot amend returns. If your e-filed return is rejected, YES I-CAN!™ E-File will allow you to make the necessary changes to resubmit your return. If your return is accepted and you need to make changes you cannot e-file again. You must seek assistance from the IRS, or a tax professional. Many times a taxpayer will need to amend their return because they forgot to enter one of their W-2s. If you have worked at multiple jobs, make sure you have all of your W-2s before using YES I-CAN!™ E-File.

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How do I get copies of my return if I create it with YES I-CAN!™ E-File?

If you need copies of your tax return, simply logon to www.yesicanefile.org with your username and password, select "Log in to my return" and then select "Reprint my forms."

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What changed in the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)?

The AMT exemption amount has decreased to $44,350 ($66,250 if married filing jointly or qualifying widow(er); $33,125 if married filing separately). Also the credit for child and dependent care expenses, credit for the elderly or the disabled, education credits, residential energy credits, mortgage interest credit, and the District of Columbia first-time homebuyer credit are no longer allowed against the AMT, and a new tax liability limit applies. This limit is your regular tax minus any tentative minimum tax (figured without any AMT foreign tax credit).

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What happens if I e-file my return on April 17th and it is rejected?

In order to file your return on time, you must e-file it by 12:00 midnight (local time for the state where you are filing) on April 17th . If you e-file your return before the deadline and it is rejected, you have until April 22nd to get it accepted. If it is not accepted by April 22nd, you have until April 28th to print and mail your return. If you meet these deadlines, your return will be filed on time.

Note: If you are receiving a federal refund, you have an automatic 6 month extension of time to file your federal return.

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What happens if I e-file my extension on April 17th and it is rejected?

In order to e-file your extension, you must submit it by 12:00 midnight on April 17th (local time for the state where you are filing). If you e-file your extension before the deadline and it is rejected, you have until April 22nd to get it accepted. If it is not accepted by April 22nd, you will need to mail your extension by April 28th for it to be considered on time.

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What forms will YES I-CAN!™ E-File complete?

YES I-CAN!™ E-File can complete the following tax forms if applicable

Federal Forms

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Federal Worksheets

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CA Forms and Worksheets

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Michigan Forms and Worksheets

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Montana Forms and Worksheets

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New York Forms and Worksheets (I-CAN! does not e-file New York forms)

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Pennsylvania Forms

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