Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the cost for using I-CAN!™ Legal?Why is I-CAN!™ Legal free?
Do I need to download any software?
Is I-CAN!™ Legal Secure?
What kinds of forms will I-CAN!™ Legal complete?
Can I-CAN!™ Legal electronically file (e-file) my forms?
What credits will I-CAN!™ E-File complete?
How much time will it take to go through I-CAN!™ Legal?
Do I have to finish all the questions at one time?
How much time will it take to go through I-CAN!™ E-File?
Do I have to finish all the questions at one time?
What if I think my forms aren't right?
How do I check the status of my E-Filing?
What if my E-Filing is not accepted?
How do I submit my E-Filing?
What forms will I-CAN!™ Legal complete?
Divorce Forms
Paternity Petition
Order to Show Cause
Guardianship
Name Change
Domestic Violence
Civil Harassment Forms
Small Claims Forms
Fee Waiver Forms
Eviction Forms
Wage and Earnings Forms
Notice of Motion Forms
Income and Expense Forms
Paternity Answer ( Governmental) Forms
What is the cost for using I-CAN!™ Legal?
I-CAN!™ E-File is 100% FREE. There is only a $4 E-Filing fee if you chose to file your forms electronically. Back to question list
Why is I-CAN!™ Legal Free?
I-CAN!™ Legal was created by a non-profit organization, the Legal Aid Society of Orange County (LASOC), as a tool to help those who cannot afford an attorney to prepare thier legal forms. I-CAN!™ is funded by the Legal Service Corporation, California Courts, the AOC, other non-profit organizations, and users like you. You have the option of making a donation to support I-CAN!™ Legal by clicking on the "Make a Donation" link.
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Do I need to download any software?
No, I-CAN!™ Legal 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
Is I-CAN!™ Legal Secure?
I-CAN!™ Legal uses 128 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 compliant to ensure your information is safeguarded. You can also click the "Data Policy and Privacy Policy" found at the bottom of the page for additional information.
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Is I-CAN!™ E-File Secure?
I-CAN! E-FIle uses 128 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 at the bottom of the page for additional information.
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Who can use I-CAN!™ E-File?
You can generally use I-CAN!™ E-file unless you or your employer have a non US address address, own a business, are a church employee or clergy member, or sold real estate in 2007.
If you are in the military or you are disabled you may be eligible for tax credits that are not included in I-CAN!™ E-file.
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What credits will I-CAN!™ E-File complete?
I-CAN!™ E-File can help you get a federal credit or deduction for the following:
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Can I-CAN!™ E-File electronically file (e-file) my return?
Yes, I-CAN!™ E-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 E-File and mail your payment, or E-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.icanefile.org) 2 to 3 days 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!™ E-File?
Using I-CAN!™ E-File generally takes 30 minutes. If you itemize your deductions 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!™ E-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 name and social security number to continue your return.
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Will I-CAN!™ E-File complete my state return?
You can use I-CAN!™ E-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!™ E-file will add your Permanent Fund Dividend on your federal return.
Why can't I-CAN!™ E-File complete state tax returns for all states?
Due to funding limitations, I-CAN!™ E-File can only complete state tax returns for California, Michigan, Montana, New York and Pennsylvania. These state modules are paid for by non-profit organizations within each state.
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What if I think I should have a larger refund?
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 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 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 I-CAN!™ E-File?
No. 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.icanefile.org 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!™ 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 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). 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!™ E-File to create or file an extension?
No. I-CAN!™ E-File cannot file for an extension of time to file your taxes.
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Can I-CAN!™ E-File amend returns?
No. I-CAN!™ E-File cannot amend returns. If your e-filed return is rejected, 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 I-CAN!™ E-File.
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How do I get copies of my return if I create it with I-CAN!™ E-File?
If you need copies of your tax return, simply logon to www.icanefile.org with your name and social security number and 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).
What forms will I-CAN!™ E-File complete?
I-CAN!™ E-File can complete the following tax forms if applicable
Back to question listFederal Forms
Back to question listFederal Worksheets
Back to question listCA Forms and Worksheets
Back to question listNY Forms and Worksheets
Back to question listMT Forms and Worksheets
Back to question listMI Forms and Worksheets
Back to question listPA Forms
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