Local group offers to prepare taxes for free

Home City News Local group offers to prepare taxes for free
Local group offers to prepare taxes for free

Hillsdale County residents who earn less than $57,000 will be eligible for free tax-return services through a new program that begins on Jan. 31. 

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program will also serve residents of Jackson and Lenawee counties. Eligible residents have the opportunity to seek assistance in person at the Arbor Church in Spring Arbor or the Jackson Department on Aging. According to MLive.com, residents may also submit their documents at local drop-off sites where volunteers will be working to prepare tax returns. The Hillsdale Community Library will be the drop-off site for Hillsdale County. 

“The benefit of the program is to help those who are low income to get their taxes done for free,” said VITA director Tami Farnum. “We really try to help the client get the maximum refund possible. We look at all credits that they might qualify for.”

Both in-person assistance and drop-off require an appointment, which can be scheduled at 517-247-2099 or online at the Community Action Agency website

“Our appointments do fill up quickly, so you might be placed on a waitlist,” Farnum said. “But we usually update our schedule every two weeks and call people on the waitlist to get them in.” 

Residents who qualify for assistance must bring their Social Security card, a state-issued photo identification, W-2s, and several other documents to their drop off site or in-person appointment. 

Before working with residents, VITA volunteers undergo a vigorous two week training program taught by a Lansing Community College professor and must pass a IRS certification exam. 

“We don’t just throw new volunteers right into it,” Farnum said. “We have great site leaders who help them every step of the way until they feel comfortable doing it on their own.” 

Farnum added that there are also volunteer positions available answering phones and scheduling appointments for those unable to do the two weeks training program. 

Farnum encouraged all eligible residents to take advantage of the program, since they can receive benefits through Earned Income Tax Credit.  

“There are some that might not normally file tax returns that might be eligible for the child tax credit,” Farnum said. “With that they could get up to $3,000 per child.” 

Residents who make more than $57,000 but less than $73,000 a year also have the option to file their own federal and state taxes for free using My Free Taxes website. In person assistance is available at Jackson District Library or at 517-247-2099.