Record-Setting Tax Season for Just File It!
 The tax season puts an enormous amount of stress on most people. It’s more than just the filing — it’s also worrying about supplying the IRS with all the necessary information and documents, while also making sure you are receiving every available tax credit.
For many a Michigan resident, however, help was on the way as the MCUL underwrote the Just file it! We’ll Help software. This free Web-based tax preparation program is designed for low- to moderate-income families and ensures these filers receive all the appropriate tax credits and refunds available, such as Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
This year marked the MCUL’s third year of participation in Just file it!, and the results were overwhelming. In 2008, the Just file it! program returned more than $12 million to Michigan tax filers, a 240 percent increase over 2007.
“Credit unions were front and center in offering this program to their members,” said MCUL President/CEO David Adams. “It’s just incredible the amount of money returned to Michigan filers. In the current weak economy, this money no doubt helped many people put food on the table or keep a roof over their heads.”
To say credit unions had a banner year is an understatement. Of the more than seven thousand Just file it! returns, nearly half came from the credit union community. Eighty-five Michigan credit unions promoted the program and helped 3,733 filers claim a total of $6,511,263 in tax credits and refunds. More than $1.4 million of that represented EITC, which is designed specifically to help low- to moderate-income families and individuals.
“Credit unions are here to help Michigan through challenging times,” said Adams. “They will continue to live this philosophy through programs like Just file it! that give lower-income households more money they can use to invest in education, save for the future or just meet daily living expenses.”
Dow Chemical Emp. CU (MM) generated the most returns. More than 170 were filed, resulting in $318,000 in refunds and credits, including $65,000 in EITC. Perhaps much of this success is attributable to Dow Chemical Emp. CU’s creative marketing of the program.
The credit union formed a partnership with the Midland Community Center, a local United Way agency. During the tax season, the credit union offered Just file it! two days a week in the community center’s computer lab.
“We were extremely pleased to work with the Midland Community Center,” said Dow Chemical Emp. CU President/CEO Dennis Hanson. “This partnership helped us reach more people, therefore returning more, much-needed money to the community. In turn, that money went directly back into our economy. ”
The credit union also marketed Just file it! through its newsletter, the local newspaper and a local TV message board.
The technology backbone of the program was developed by the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, Calif. The underwriting costs incurred by the MCUL went to developing the state income tax software in conjunction with the Legal Aid Society of Orange County, California and the Michigan Poverty Law Center.
For more information about Just file it!, contact MCUL CRI Coordinator Judy Gardi at jag@mcul.org or (800) 262-6285, Ext. 458.
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Regulatory Affairs
