1. Serving Immigrants

2. About the Center for Economic Progress Providing free tax preparation to low-income taxpayers for 11 years Served over 25,000 taxpayers during 2005 The Center also runs a Low-Income Tax Clinic (LITC) Provides financial literacy and specialized tax training

3. Keep it simple Basic information is needed on issues like filing requirements, where to get forms Translators are needed in areas where we historically only served English-speaking clients. Number of immigrant taxpayers growing in areas like Minnesota and Colorado. Taxpayer education on W-4 and W-5 forms

4. Issues Surrounding Immigrant Taxpayers “Should I file a tax return?” Abuse by employers of advance Earned Income Credit Need to apply for ITINs for themselves and dependents VITA sites apprehensive about doing ITIN applications VITA volunteers uncomfortable with ITINs

5. Partnership with IRS Local IRS SPEC ( Stakeholders, Partnerships, Education and Communication) ITIN and informational events Education (e.g. 1099s and quarterly pymts) HIRE (Hispanic IRS Employees) Taxpayer Advocate Service TAC Center LITCs (IRS funded)

6. Other Strategies Become a Certifying Acceptance Agent Partnership with other community-based organizations Partnership with the Mexican Consulate Banks