If you’re considered low income and looking for help in preparing and filing your taxes this year, the United Way of Southwest Michigan has options for you.
The organization has lined up volunteers to provide free tax preparation for qualified families in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.
Sara Barlow, project coordinator at United Way leads the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and says part of the population they’re helping sometimes don’t file taxes because they don’t think they need to. Barlow says that’s leaving money on the table.
“By filing, they sometimes get Home Heating Credits back. They sometimes get Earned Income Tax Credits, et cetera, things that they normally wouldn’t get on their own.”
Barlow says it wouldn’t be possible without the help of a team of volunteers.
“Some people are retired. Some people are still working and come after they get off work. I have site coordinators that simply are the most knowledgeable, smart people I’ve ever met, and they have the most giving hearts to want to help people.”
The tax preparation service is free to residents making $60,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their tax returns. You must make an appointment and VITA will begin taking appointments on January 23.
Contact and details of what’s needed at an appointment listed below. VITA organizers say their services are by appointment only — no walk-in visits.
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Berrien & Cass counties:
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.
Van Buren County:
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 1 to March 28. No walk-ins this year. To make an appointment, call 269.934.3717.
All Appointments — 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.
