GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) – Multiple organizations from across West Michigan are offering free tax filing assistance for low-income families.
Those that make less than $58,000 in total family income a year are eligible to receive free tax preparation at 14 West Michigan locations.
Accounting students from Davenport University, Aquinas College, Cornerstone University and Grand Rapids Community College are participating.
Volunteers are working in conjunction with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and have been certified by the Internal Revenue Services.
In 2015, over 125 volunteers gathered a combined total of more than $7.2 million in tax refunds and credits from over 7,700 man hours logged.
Tax assistance is offered on a first-come, first-severed basis. In order to get tax assistance, you must have the following:
- Picture ID and social security card for filer and spouse, social security cards for dependents.
- Birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return.
- Wage and earning statement(s) Forms W-2 from all employers.
- Other income statements (Forms 1099).
- Form 1095-A, B or C for the Affordable Health Care forms and healthcare info.
- A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if itemizing.
- Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit.
- Everything saying “important tax document” on it.
- Rent paid out-of-pocket, landlord’s name(s) and address or 2015 property taxes and the home’s taxable value.
- Home heating costs as reported on the December – March utility bills.
The 14 locations where people can go to receive help:
- Davenport University W.A. Lettinga Campus
61691 Kraft Avenue SE, Room 222
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
- Davenport University Cook Center Downtown
45 Ottawa Avenue NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- ACSET SE Center
121 Franklin Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
- The Source
1409 Buchanan SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49507
- Putnam District Library
327 N Main
Nashville, MI 49073
- Wyoming Public Library
3350 Michael Avenue SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
- Hope Network
775 36th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49509
- Lamont Christian School
5260 Leonard Street
Coopersville, MI 49404
- Hastings Public Library
227 E State Street
Hastings, MI 49058
- Alphonsus
224 Carrier Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Davenport University Holland Campus
643 S Waverly Road-Max Rte 6
Holland Heights, MI 49423
- Aquinas College: Library, computer room
159 Woodward Lane
Grand Rapids, MI 49506
- Plainfield Senior Center
5255 Grand River Drive NE
Plainfield Township, MI 49525
- Delton District Library
330 N Grove Street
Delton, MI 49046
For times and to schedule an appointment, call Davenport University at 616.871.6147 or visit taxhelp.davenport.edu.
Taxpayers whose incomes don’t exceed $58,000 can also prepare and e-file their own federal and state taxes for free by using H&R Block software by visiting MyFreeTaxes.com.
—–
Households that made less than $55,000 in 2015 may also contact 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment for free tax preparation with the United Way’s Kent County Tax Credit Coalition.
Around 200 volunteers — ranging from Steelcase’s finance department to Grand Valley State University students to local churches groups — are trained and certified by the IRS.
For more information on the Kent County Tax Credit Coalition visit Heart of West Michigan United Way’s website.
