The national LawHelp.org network of consumer legal information portals offers a range of useful resources for those struggling with their taxes as April 15th approaches.
Resources accessible from LawHelp.org include information, written for the layperson, about both state and federal taxes, including specialized fact sheets for those facing a variety of special circumstances; information about rebates and tax credits, including the earned income tax credit; links to sites offering free tax filing; referrals to organizations that offer free or low-cost help; and more.
In certain states, the LawHelp site includes a link to a free electronic filing system known as I-CAN! E-File. I-CAN! E-File, which was developed by the Legal Aid Society of Orange County with funding from the Legal Services Corporation, can be used to file federal returns as well as state tax returns in California, Michigan, Montana, New York and Pennsylvania.
LawHelp.org provides referrals to local legal aid and public interest law offices, basic information about legal rights, self-help information, court information, links to social service agencies, and more. This site was developed by Pro Bono Net, a nonprofit organization headquartered in New York that works to increase access to justice, in partnership with legal aid organizations around the country.
“With many families under significant pressure due to the economy, it’s imperative that low-income workers obtain all due benefits,” said Mark O’Brien, Executive Director of Pro Bono Net. “LawHelp facilitates this by making a range of tax information and tools easily available on one user-friendly site.”
To find tax help in your state, visit www.lawhelp.org. For more information on Pro Bono Net, visit www.probono.net.
