Kent COunty
Tax Credit Coalition

You may qualify for free tax prep services.

 

Every year, millions of dollars in tax refunds and credits go unclaimed by those who need them the most. Through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout our community, United Way’s Kent County Tax Credit Coalition (KCTCC) helps working individuals and families achieve economic success through free tax services and financial literacy courses. 

Since 2002, KCTCC has generated more than $106 million in tax refunds and credits for more than 107,000 taxpayers in Kent County. KCTCC clients often spend tax refunds locally for basic necessities such as food and clothing, home and car repairs, or medical treatment.

Schedule Your Free Tax Prep Appointment

You may qualify for KCTCC ’s free tax services if your household income is $65,000 or less. We can help you complete your income tax return and apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable federal income tax credit. U.S. citizenship is not required, but you must file a tax return to claim your credit. 

To schedule your tax prep appointment contact 2-1-1.

  • Please note: If you’re married and filing jointly, both adults must be present at the appointment to sign the tax return.

    BRING THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS WITH YOU:

    • Social Security card for each family member and picture ID for adults

    • W-2 form for all jobs worked the previous year

    • 1099 forms (i.e., 1099 SSA, 1099 R, 1099 INT, 1099 G) for other income, including unemployment

    • All forms 1095, Health Insurance Statements

    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) letter

    • Copy of last year’s tax return (if available)

    • Last year’s heating bills (11/2021–11/2022)

    • Proof of rent or mortgage and property tax payments

    • Name and address of all landlords

    • Childcare provider’s name, address, and federal tax ID number

    • Blank, voided check (to set up direct deposit of your refund)

    • Any other tax-related letters or documents you’ve received, including letters from the IRS

COMMUNITY TAX DAYS

The following dates & locations will be offering walk-in appointments on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors may close early due to capacity. If you’re unable to attend one of these days you can make an appointment at one of our tax sites by calling 2-1-1

FEDERAL EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIt

The Michigan EITC, or the “Working Families Tax Credit,” is a tax benefit for working individuals with income below a certain level. In February, the Lowering MI Costs Plan goes into effect, permanently increasing the Michigan EITC from 6% to 30%. 

This increase is retroactive, meaning if you filed and received the 6% Michigan EITC last year, you are entitled to a supplemental check from the Michigan Department of Treasury. Beginning February 13, the State will begin issuing checks to eligible taxpayers who claimed the EITC on their 2022 Federal Tax Return. 

To be eligible for the Michigan EITC going forward, taxpayers must meet three conditions:

  1. Earn income.

  2. Meet federal EITC eligibility requirements

  3. File both state and federal tax returns, claiming the EITC on both

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interested in filing electronically?

Through United Way, MyFreeTaxes helps people file their federal and state taxes online for free.

THANK YOU sPONSORS

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Become a Certified Volunteer Tax Preparer.


Sponsored by:

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Volunteers can serve as Intake Specialists, Tax Preparers, or Quality Reviewers (for returning volunteers only) and must commit to:

  • In-person training or self-study and completing certification tests (2–16 hours depending on experience/role)

  • The possibility to volunteer from home

  • 3–4 hours per week February–early April

United Way’s KCTCC Needs you!

Join our team of more than 200 volunteers that completed more than 6,000 federal, state, and local returns last year, refunding $5 million into the hands of those that need it most to pay overdue bills, make car repairs, save for the future, and bolster the local economy.

  • • Provide top-notch customer service with empathy and compassion

    • Greet participants and help them feel at ease

    • Manage intake and exit process

    • Check that participants have the required documents to start a return

    • Serve as liaison with Site Coordinator to determine clinic capacity for walk-ins or other participant issues/questions that arise at Intake

    • Conduct "scan and go" intake procedure for drop offs

  • • Provide top-notch customer service with empathy and compassion

    • Complete all required training and certification exams

    • Review intake sheet/tax documents with participants and prepare tax returns using our software

    • Complete the closeout process for finished returns

    • Communicate with participants about their tax return and answer questions


Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Tax Site hours?

For 2021, tax site hours are Monday–Thursday 6–9 p.m. and some Saturday mornings, (depending on the site), typically ,with 3–4 hour shifts. Additional volunteer shifts available upon request. There are some day sites with varying hours.

Do I need prior experience preparing taxes?

No, United Way will provide all training to become an IRS certified tax preparer.

What kind of training is required?

We will be offer in-person training in January. While we encourage volunteers to train in person, online training via the Tax Opportunity Network-VITA Train portal will also be available.

Is the tax software difficult to use?

No; it's similar to Turbo Tax, and you will receive training in the training portal.

What if I make a mistake on someone's tax return?

VITA uses a two-step quality review process to ensure that all returns are error free. o However, should there be a mistake, you’re protected by the Volunteer Act of 1997 – VITA program and cannot be held at fault for errors.

How do I volunteer during the pandemic?

You can volunteer from home through Virtual Remote VITA, Drop-off or Traditional VITA. For the first two options there isn’t any physical contact with the clients. Of course, you have the ability to email or call them for questions.

How often can I volunteer?

Volunteer as often as you like! We do ask that volunteers commit to to 3–4 hours per week February – April 15. If you need a day off, just let your site coordinator know.

Can I get continuing education credits?

Yes, VITA allows CPA, enrolled/non-enrolled agents, and lawyers the opportunity to receive up to 18 continuing education credits.