You don't even need to calculate the EIC as long as you give the necessary information. The IRS will figure it for you. Get free help. VITA sites are open around the country from late January through April 15. Unfortunately, many communities in Missouri do not have VITA sites.
Some sites even have a computer to file a return for a quicker turnaround on a refund.
By providing free tax filing assistance to low-income taxpayers, volunteers can help keep dollars from leaving the community and ensure that families keep more of their refunds. Pay a commercial tax preparer to fill out the forms. Paying for tax preparation takes money away from EIC benefits. If, for some reason, the refund doesn't come back in the amount expected, the taxpayer will still have to repay the commercial preparer the difference. If a taxpayer files electronically but doesn't ask for a quick refund, the refund will come back more quickly than if the return had been filed on paper.