Free tax return help

by Sara Swanson

It is once again tax time, but did you know that if you live in a low- or moderate-income household, are elderly, or have disabilities or limited English proficiency, you can receive free tax preparation?

In 2021, Volunteer Income Assistance Program (VITA) returned over $1.42 million in refunds to Washtenaw County residents, with 669 free tax returns filed for residents with incomes under $60,000. This saved Washtenaw residents a combined $167,250 in tax prep fees.

Volunteers with the VITA program are trained and certified annually using an IRS-approved curriculum and certification test. It is a powerful program delivering high-quality tax preparation that helps Washtenaw residents become financially stable. VITA is offered locally by the United Way of Washtenaw County and the Community Resource Center (CRC).

Scan and Go intake appointments are being scheduled for the Manchester area through the CRC office for February and March 2023. Please call the CRC at (734) 428-7722 to confirm your eligibility and to reserve your time slot. Once you have scheduled your appointment, you may pick up your intake packet at the CRC office, which includes both federal and state intake forms, a list of items to bring with you, and a letter from United Way explaining the VITA Scan and Go process. You may also request to have the packet mailed to you if your appointment is set for at least two weeks out.

For the first time, this year VITA volunteers are coming to Woodhill Apartments! Apartment residents will have the opportunity to schedule appointments on Wednesdays in February and March to complete the Scan and Go intake without having to leave their apartment complex. If you are a Woodhill Apartment resident who would like to participate, please call the CRC office at (734) 428-7722 to reserve a time slot.

If you don’t live in the Manchester area, call 211 to get connected with VITA in your area. More details about the VITA program and additional tax resources can be found at:  https://www.uwwashtenaw.org/free-tax-preparation 

VITA is seeking volunteers who will be trained to provide these free tax preparation services. For more information and to register as a volunteer, please visit:  https://tinyurl.com/msd86a3w

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.