UPDATE- Monday, March 30th will be the last day to participate in the free income tax assistance program at the Community Resource Center. A few appointment times are still available. Call the CRC office for information and to schedule, 734-428-7722.
(Information from the United Way of Washtenaw County-VITA partner of the Community Resource Center)
VITA or Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is a nationwide program sponsored by the IRS that is available during tax season. Volunteers provide basic tax preparation assistance to individuals and families with a household income of approximately $53,000 a year or less. An alternative program helps you prepare your own taxes, if your income is below $60,000 a year.
This service allows low-income families to file their taxes for free – without expensive tax prep services or predatory refund-anticipation loans. Our VITA program also helps you receive valuable tax credits or programs that you may be eligible for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Home Heating Credit.
The VITA Program ensures that low-income individuals receive the maximum refund possible, to meet their own pressing basic needs or save for the future. In 2014, the VITA Program returned approximately $135,000 to our Washtenaw County community.
Have Your Taxes Prepared for Free by VITA
The Washtenaw County VITA Program offers a few services:
•Scan & Go: For qualifying tax clients at the Community Resource Center by appointment. Have your documents scanned and your tax return will be prepared off-site by certified tax preparers to be picked up by you in one or two weeks. Call the CRC at 734-428-7722 to complete the pre-screening survey and schedule your appointment.
•Full-service tax preparation at United Way of Washtenaw County: For qualifying clients and by appointment only; Wednesdays, 5:30-8pm and Saturdays, 9am-4pm, Feb 4-April 15. Call 734-677-7235 to schedule an appointment.
•Onsite or At-Home Self-Preparation: For taxpayers that do not qualify for our full-service tax prep or those who prefer to do their own taxes with a “coach” available. Use our computer and access free H&R Block software to prepare your own taxes. Tax coach assistance is available over the phone if you have questions or need help. You may use the Community Resource Center public computers during our regular office hours, or go to www.MyFreeTaxes.com. Free help is available from 1-855-698-9435. MyFreeTaxes.com is a free service for individuals with a combined income of $60,000 or less in 2014.
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