Students offer free tax preparation

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Students from several local colleges will offer free income tax preparation for low- and middle- income tax-filers across West Michigan.

Families with less than $50,000 in total income qualify as low- and middle-income filers, according to a release from Davenport University, which is heading up the effort in the area.

The program is being offered in cooperation with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, in partnership with the IRS and various non-profits organizations.

Accounting student volunteers have been certified by the IRS for the program. Students from Davenport University, Aquinas College, Cornerstone University and Hope College are participating.

The program will also offer free e-filing this year. People whose income is $57,000 or less can take advantage of that method. 

Anyone would would like to use the free preparation should bring:

• Picture ID and social security card for filer, social security numbers for spouse and dependents.
• Birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return.
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers.
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099).
• A copy of last year's federal and state returns if available.
• Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit.
• Everything saying “important tax document” on it.
• Rent information and landlord’s name(s) or 2010 taxable value of their home and  property taxes.

Appointments are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

There are 11 sites offered in West Michigan:

Davenport University Peter C. Cook Center (Downtown Grand Rapids)
45 Ottawa Ave., Rm 101
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Jan. 23 to April 17, 2012
Tuesdays: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to noon

Davenport University W.A. Lettinga Campus (FAST site )
6191 Kraft Ave. SE, Rm 222
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Jan. 27 to April 14, 2012
Fridays: 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Davenport University Holland Campus (FAST site )
643 S Waverly Rd, Rm 204
Holland, MI 49423
Jan. 27 to April 13, 2012
Fridays: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ACSET Community Action Tax Center (FAST site )
121 Franklin St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Jan. 23 to April 17, 2012
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesdays: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Source
1409 Buchanan SW
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
Jan. 23 to April 14, 2012
Mondays: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursdays: 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to noon

Kentwood Public Library
4950 Breton Rd SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49508
Jan. 28 to April 14, 2012
Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wyoming City Hall
1155 28th St SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
Jan. 24 to April 17, 2012
Tuesdays: noon to 4 p.m.

Hope Network
775 36th St.  
Wyoming, MI 49548
Jan. 27 to April 13, 2012
Fridays: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Lamont Christian School
5260 Leonard St
Coopersville, MI 49404
Jan. 30 to April 14, 2012
Mondays: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m. to noon

Hastings Public Library
227 E State St
Hastings, MI 49058
Jan. 28 to April 7, 2012
Feb 11; Apr 7: 9 a.m. to noon
Jan. 28; Feb. 25; March 10, 24: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hope College, Martha Miller Center
141 East 12th St, Room 240
Holland, MI 49423
Jan. 26 to April 12, 2012
Thursdays: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturdays: 9 p.m. to 11 a.m.

To schedule an appointment, call 616.871.6147 or visit taxhelp.davenport.edu.