United Way of Southwest Michigan to provide free tax preparation for families with lower income in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties
The whole community benefits when working people can turn their financial tightrope into a stable pathway to success!
United Way of Southwest Michigan is proud to provide the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation to people in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties who make $60,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their tax returns.
In Berrien & Cass:
By appointment ONLY for all qualifying residents of Berrien and Cass counties.
VITA will begin taking appointments for these counties starting January 23.
VITA will offer tax preparation in locations in Benton Harbor, Niles, Cassopolis, and Dowagiac. The address for the location will be given when making the appointment. Clients must remain at the location during tax preparation—no drop-offs.
To make an appointment, call 269.934.3717.
In Van Buren:
By appointment ONLY for all qualifying residents of Van Buren County.
· South Haven
VITA will begin taking appointments for this location starting January 15.
Appointments at Senior Services, 8337 M-140 Street, will be held on Wednesdays only from February 7 to March 20.
To make an appointment, call 269.468.9410. Hours to call 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
· Paw Paw
VITA will begin to take appointments for this location starting January 23.
The address for the location will be given when making the appointment. Drop-off only, return in two weeks to review and pick up. Drop-offs will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-6 p.m. February 6 to March 28.
No walk-ins this year. To make an appointment, call 269.934.3717.
WHAT TO BRING:
Valid picture ID, such as Drivers License, Michigan State ID, Military.
A copy of last year's tax return (2022), if you have one.
Social Security cards for ALL persons listed on the return.
W-2 and/or 1099 forms from all 2023 jobs.
1099-G form, if you or anyone in your household received unemployment Insurance benefits at any time in 2023.
1099-INT form, if you received bank interest income in 2023.
Any statements received from a mortgage company during 2023 or name and address of landlord and amount of rent paid.
Property tax receipts or bills for taxes paid in 2023.
IRS notices or letters sent to you or someone in your household during 2023.
Heating bills from 11/01/22–10/31/23 or contact your utility provider for your 2023 allowable heat credit deduction.
If you have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITINs), please bring your ITIN card that was sent to you from the IRS.
You will need a Social Security number in order to claim the Child Tax Credit.
Routing number and account number from your bank for your refund to be directly and quickly deposited. You may still receive a paper check.
If you have received assistance from Department of Health & Human Services in 2023, bring your annual statement.
Receipts for childcare expenses, including provider’s name, address, and EIN/Social Security number.
Invoices and/or receipts for residential energy credit.
Healthy Michigan Marketplace Insurance Information Form 1095-A for 2023.
If married filing jointly, both spouses must sign the intake form.
For more information, visit uwsm.org/volunteer-income-tax-assistance.
ABOUT VITA
The VITA program is an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) initiative designed to support free tax preparation service for the underserved through various partner organizations. Returns are prepared by IRS tax law-certified volunteers. Volunteers are taught how to use tax software and specific tax law issues. One of the focal points of the VITA program is raising taxpayer awareness and receipt of the Earned Income Credit (EIC).
VITA was founded in 1971 and has grown to several thousand sites nationwide, partnering with nonprofit organizations, local municipalities, and colleges and universities. In 2019, thousands of VITA volunteers prepared millions of tax returns nationwide resulting in more than $1.8 billion returning to local communities. These dollars are spent to cover child expenses, pay bills, and save for the future.
ABOUT UNITED WAY
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. We have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners, we provide immediate assistance to our most vulnerable populations while addressing the root causes of our community's longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy, and volunteering—visit www.uwsm.org.
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