Doing tax returns isn’t usually much fun. For households that can’t afford to hire an expert, it can be a missed opportunity to get the full refund they’re owed. That’s where United Way of South Central Michigan’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program can make a vital difference.
VITA provides free tax preparation to low- and moderate-income households, the elderly, people with disabilities, and people with limited English proficiency. Volunteer preparers are trained and certified annually using an IRS-approved curriculum and certification test. Eligible taxpayers in Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Ionia, Ingham, Kalamazoo, Montcalm, Shiawassee and Washtenaw counties can meet with VITA volunteers to get high-quality tax returns.
“VITA is a powerful tool to help residents who are striving to be financially stable,” said Michele Strasz, Director of Community Impact. Strasz oversees VITA for United Way of South Central Michigan (UWSCMI).
“VITA volunteers bring the knowledge and expertise to find every credit a taxpayer is eligible for. That can mean a bigger refund, meaning more money for families and more money coming back to our communities,” Strasz said.
Saving on preparation fees alone makes a difference. According to the National Society of Accountants, each tax return done through VITA saves a family $273 in preparation fees. For UWSCMI’s VITA region, that totals $730,000 annually, said Strasz. That’s money that can be used for other essentials—food, medicines, utilities, or even emergency savings. Also, VITA partners with local organizations that can help taxpayers make the most of their refund.
Since 2007, VITA has returned over $5 million in refunds to local residents in the area UWSCMI oversees. That includes $2.3 million in federal and $1.5 million in state refunds through 4,000 volunteer-prepared tax forms for local residents with incomes under $58,000.
“Individuals and families can call 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment to have their taxes prepared through VITA at no cost to them,” said Strasz.
Times and locations will be announced soon. More information is available on our VITA web page. VITA is still seeking volunteers who will be trained to provide these free tax preparation services. For more information and to register as a volunteer, please visit bit.ly/uwvita23.