Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the cost for using I-CAN!® Free File?
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?
What if I only worked for 2 months of the year?
Do I need to download any software?
Is I-CAN!® Free File Secure?
Can I-CAN!® Free File electronically file (e-file) my return?
Do I need an email address to e-file my return?
How much time will it take to go through I-CAN!® Free File?
Do I have to finish all the questions at one time?
Will I-CAN!® Free File complete my state return?
Why can't I-CAN!® Free File complete state tax returns for all states?
What if I think I should have a larger refund?
How do I submit my return?
How long will it take to receive my refund?
Can I get "instant cash" or a loan if I use I-CAN!® Free File?
How do I check the status of my federal and/or state return?
What if my return is not accepted?
Will I-CAN!® Free File Direct Deposit my return?
Can I use I-CAN!® Free File to create or file an extension?
Can I-CAN!® Free File amend returns?
How do I get copies of my return if I create it with I-CAN!® Free File?
What changed in the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)?
What happens if I e-file my return on April 15th and it is rejected?
What happens if I e-file my extension on April 15th and it is rejected?
What forms will I-CAN!® Free File complete?
Federal Forms
Federal Worksheets
CA Forms and Worksheets
MI Forms and Worksheets
MT Forms and Worksheets
NY Forms and Worksheets
PA Forms

 

What is the cost for using I-CAN!® Free File?

I-CAN!® Free File can help you file your Federal Tax Return for FREE if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is $32,000 or less OR your return is eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). If your AGI is over $32,000 and you are not eligible for the EITC then you can print your return for FREE, and E-File it for only $9.99.

When you prepare your federal return, I-CAN!® Free 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. I-CAN!® Free 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. I-CAN!® Free 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, I-CAN!® Free 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 I-CAN!® Free File Secure?

I-CAN!® Free 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 I-CAN!® Free File electronically file (e-file) my return?

Yes, I-CAN!® Free File can e-file federal and select state tax returns. 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.icanfreefile.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 I-CAN!® Free File?

Using I-CAN!® Free 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, you can begin using I-CAN!® Free File and 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 and continue entering your information. The information is saved for you and you do not need to enter it again. Log in again with your username and password to continue your return.

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Will I-CAN!® Free File complete my state return?

You can use I-CAN!® Free File to file your Federal and state return if you lived and worked all year in one of the following states: California, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania or Montana. If you lived and worked all year in Alaska, I-CAN!® Free File will add your Permanent Fund Dividend on your federal return.

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Why can't I-CAN!® Free File complete state tax returns for all states?

I-CAN!® Free File can only complete state tax returns for California, Michigan, Montana, New York and Pennsylvania.

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What if I think I should have a larger refund?

I-CAN!® Free 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 I-CAN!® Free 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 I-CAN!® Free 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 I-CAN!® Free File?

No. I-CAN!® Free 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.icanfreefile.org (or click the "Home" at the top of this screen) and select "Check My E-File Status." Enter your name and social security number, 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, I-CAN!® Free 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 I-CAN!® Free 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 I-CAN!® Free File to create or file an extension?

Yes. Starting in January 2010 I-CAN!® Free 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 I-CAN!® Free File will instruct you how to handle mailing your state forms and payments.

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Can I-CAN!® Free File amend returns?

No. I-CAN!® Free File cannot amend returns. If your e-filed return is rejected, I-CAN!® Free 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 I-CAN!® Free File.

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How do I get copies of my return if I create it with I-CAN!® Free File?

If you need copies of your tax return, simply logon to www.icanfreefile.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 15th and it is rejected?

In order to file your return on time, you must e-file it by 11:59pm (local time for the state where you are filing) on April 15th. If you e-file your return before the deadline and it is rejected, you have until April 20th to get it accepted. If it is not accepted by April 20th, you have until April 25th 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 15th and it is rejected?

In order to e-file your extension, you must submit it by 11:30pm on April 15th (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 20th to get it accepted. If it is not accepted by April 20th, you will need to mail your extension by April 25th for it to be considered on time.

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What forms will I-CAN!® Free File complete?

I-CAN!® Free File can complete the following tax forms if applicable

Federal Forms

  • 1040-EZ Tax Return for Single and Joint Filers With No Dependents
  • 1040A US Individual Income Tax Return
  • 1040 US Individual Income Tax Return
  • Schedule A Itemized Deductions
  • Schedule B Interest and Ordinary Dividends
  • Schedule C Profit or Loss from Business
  • Schedule C-EZ Net Profit From Business
  • Schedule D Capital Gains and Losses
  • Schedule D-1 Continuation Sheet for Schedule D
  • Schedule E Supplemental Income and Loss
  • Schedule EIC Earned Income Credit
  • Schedule L Standard Deduction for Certain Filers
  • Schedule M Making Work Pay Credit (1040 and 1040A)
  • Schedule R Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled
  • Schedule SE Self-employment tax
  • Form 982 Reduction of Tax Attributes Due to Discharge of Indebtedness
  • Form 2106 Employee Business Expenses
  • Form 2441 Child and Dependent Care
  • Form 3903 Moving Expenses
  • Form 4137 Social Security and Medicare Tax on Unreported Tip Income
  • Form 4562 Depreciation and Amortization
  • Form 4684 Casualties and Thefts
  • Form 4868 Automatic 6-Month Filing Extension
  • Form 5329 Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans (Including IRAs) and Other Tax-Favored Accounts
  • Form 5405 First Time Home Buyer Credit
  • Form 5695 Residential Energy Credits
  • Form 6251 Alternative Minimum Tax (1040)
  • Form 8283 Noncash Charitable Contribution
  • Form 8812 Additional Child Tax Credit
  • Form 8814 Parents' Election to Report Child's Interest and Dividends (For a child under 14 who gets Alaska Permanent Fund Dividends only)
  • Form 8829 Expenses for Business Use of Your Home
  • Form 8862 Information To Claim Earned Income Credit After Disallowance
  • Form 8863 Education Credits (American Opportunity Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit)
  • Form 8880 Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions
  • Form 8888 Direct deposit into multiple accounts
  • Form 8889 Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
  • Form 8917 Tuition and Fees Deduction
  • Form 6251 Alternative Minimum Tax
  • Form 1040-V Payment voucher

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Federal Worksheets

  • Making Work Pay Credit (1040-EZ)
  • EIC Worksheet A or B
  • EIC Investment Income
  • Child Tax Credit Worksheet
  • Standard Deduction Worksheet
  • Student Loan Interest Worksheet
  • Social Security Benefits Worksheet
  • IRA Deduction Worksheet
  • Pensions and Annuities Simplified Method Worksheet
  • Qualified Mortgage Worksheet
  • Capital Loss Carryover Worksheet (Sch D)
  • 28% Rate Gain worksheet (Sch D)
  • Unrecaptured Section 1250 Gain (Sch D)
  • Qualified Dividends and Capital Gain Tax (Sch D)
  • Schedule D Tax (Sch D)
  • Tax Computation (Sch D)
  • Alternative Minimum Tax (1040A)

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CA Forms and Worksheets

  • 540 California Individual Income Tax Return
  • Schedule W-2
  • Schedule CA California Adjustments
  • 3506 Child and Dependent Care Expenses Credit
  • 3805 Additional Taxes on Qualified Plans (Including IRAs)
  • 540p Alternative Minimum Tax and Credit Limitations
  • 3582 Payment Voucher for Individual e-filed Returns
  • 8455 California e-file Payment Record for Individuals
  • Worksheets: AGI Limitations worksheet, California Standard Deduction Worksheet for Dependents

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Michigan Forms and Worksheets

  • MI-1040 Michigan Individual Income Tax Return
  • MI-1040 Schedule 1 & 2
  • MI-1040CR Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit Claim
  • MI-1040CR-2 Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit Claim For
  • MI-1040CR-7 Michigan Home Heating Credit Claim
  • Schedule CT Michigan College Tuition and Fees Credit
  • Schedule W
  • MI-4642 Michigan Voluntary Contributions Schedule
  • MI-1040v Payment voucher
  • Form 4 Application for Extension of Time to File Michigan Tax Returns
  • Worksheets: Use Tax Worksheet, Worksheet 2 Filer eligible to be claimed as a dependent

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Montana Forms and Worksheets

  • Form 2 Montana Individual Income Tax Return
  • Schedule I: Montana Additions to Federal Adjusted Gross Income
  • Schedule II: Montana Subtractions from Federal Adjusted Gross Income
  • Schedule III: Montana Itemized Deductions
  • Schedule V: Montana Tax Credits
  • Form ECC: Elderly Care Credit
  • Form 2EC: Montana Elderly Homeowner/Renter Credit
  • Form 2441-M: Child and Dependent Care Expense Deduction
  • Form DS-1: Disability Income Exclusion
  • Worksheets: Worksheet II: Tax Benefit Rule for Federal Income Tax Refund, Worksheet IV: Pension and Annuity Income Exemption, Worksheet V: Standard Deduction, Worksheet VIa: Itemized Deduction, Worksheet VIII: Taxable Social Security Benefits

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New York Forms and Worksheets

  • IT-201 New York Individual Income Tax Return
  • IT-201-ATT Other Tax Credits
  • IT-209 Claim for Noncustodial Parent New York State Earned Income Credit
  • IT-213 Claim for Empire State Child Credit
  • IT-213-ATT Children Information for Empire State Child Credit
  • IT-214 Claim for Real Property Tax Credit for Homeowners and Renters
  • IT-215 Claim for Earned Income Credit
  • IT-216 Claim for Child and Dependent Care Credit
  • IT-245 Claim for Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers Credit
  • IT-272 Claim for College Tuition Credit For New York State Residents
  • IT-2 Summary of Federal Form W-2 Statements
  • IT-201-V Payment Voucher

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Pennsylvania Forms

  • PA-40 Pennsylvania Individual Income Tax Return
  • Schedule AB Interest Income/Dividend Income
  • Schedule C Profit or Loss from Business or Profession
  • Schedule D Sale, Exchange or Disposition of Property
  • Schedule E Rents and Royalty
  • Schedule T Income from Gambling and Lottery
  • Schedule O Other Deductions
  • Schedule SP Special Tax Forgiveness
  • Schedule UE Allowable Employee Business Expenses
  • Schedule W-2
  • PA-1000 Property Tax credit (print only)
  • PA-1000 Schedule AB (print only)
  • PA-1000 Schedule DEF (print only)
  • PA-1000 Schedule RC (print only)

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