VOLUNTEER INCOME
TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA)

Putting Dollars Back Into Households and Hope Back Into Budgets

For many West Michigan families, tax season isn’t about refunds, it’s about survival. A single credit or missed deduction can mean the difference between keeping the lights on or falling behind on rent.

Through VITA, Heart of West Michigan United Way helps individuals and families file their taxes for free, ensuring they get the refunds and credits they’ve earned, without the burden of high fees or predatory lenders.

Because when people can keep more of what they earn, they can build something stronger.

VITA is more than just a service. It’s a step toward financial security.

Each year, we mobilize IRS-certified volunteers to provide:

• Free tax preparation for qualifying households

• Help accessing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other key benefits

• Guidance and filing support in English and Spanish, in-person and online

No-cost tax assistance is available to:

• Individuals and families earning up to $67,000 per year

• Seniors, veterans, single parents, and ALICE households

• People who may not typically file taxes but qualify for credits like EITC or Child Tax Credit

  • The volunteers tax preparer was very thorough in finding the best tax return for my situation.

    –Taxpayer

  • Such friendly knowledgeable volunteers. This service saves me so much money. Thank you!

    –Taxpayer

  • The people are kind, efficient and caring. Taxes were prepared in a timely manner, always a great experience here!

    –Taxpayer

  • My parents used to dread tax season—paying $300 and being treated like a burden. Thanks to VITA, they not only saved money but were treated with kindness and respect. A 1000/10 experience for them and they will be returning next year.

    –Taxpayer

Stabilizing Families, Strengthening Systems

Tax season can be a tipping point. And in West Michigan, it often is. Because of the VITA program at United Way:

  • Millions of dollars are returned to local households every year

  • Thousands of residents avoided unnecessary filing fees or payday loan advances

  • People accessed the credits they deserved. Often for the first time

This program doesn’t just help individuals, it strengthens financial ecosystems:

  • Reduces reliance on costly refund anticipation loans

  • Increases participation in federal benefit programs

  • Educates taxpayers about financial literacy and resources

  • Helps ALICE households keep more of what they earn and start building toward long-term goals

When those dollars stay local, families stabilize. Neighborhoods strengthen. And opportunity grows.

Become a VITA Volunteer

“This is always a very rewarding experience. Get to meet many amazing clients and volunteers.” –VITA Volunteer

We train and certify volunteers each tax season. No prior experience needed, just a heart for service.

This Is More Than a Tax Return

When someone walks out with their refund and their dignity intact, when a parent realizes they qualify for thousands in credits, when a volunteer explains a system that finally makes sense. That’s VITA, and that’s how we turn a stressful season into a hopeful one.

SUPPORT THIS WORK

Each donation helps expand access to free tax filing across more communities, especially rural areas, seniors, and first-time filers.

Thank You Sponsors

Choice One Bank Logo
CEDAM Community Economic Development Association of Michigan logo
Kent County Michigan Logo
Huntington Bank Logo
Mercantile Bank logo
IRS logo
Wolverine Worldwide Logo