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.

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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.