WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

WOOD Radio Local News

 

Heart of West Michigan United Way offering no-cost tax assistance

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- The Heart of West Michigan United Way is offering no-cost tax assistance through its  Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. 

It also is promoting the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) as part of its volunteer program. Brenda Brame is program manager for the local United Way. She tells WOOD Radio a lot of people don't get their refunds because they can't afford to pay for help filing their returns.

"We eliminate that barrier for them and provide services absolutely free, for all of the credits they may have coming, as well as federal, state and local refunds that they may have coming," Brame said.

Of course, you must file a tax return and claim the refund. If you worked last year and had income of less than $59,187 check out your eligibility for EITC. It potentially could mean up to a $6,935 refund when you file a return if you have qualifying children. Workers without a qualifying child could be eligible for a smaller credit up to $560. According to the Internal Revenue Service, the average amount credited for 2022 was $2,043.

To get free assistance, phone United Way's 2-1-1 and ask for a tax appointment. Your income had to be less than 59-thousand dollars last year, though.

You may be eligible for other refundable tax credits, as well, such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC), the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) and the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC).

In Kent County, nearly $1 million has been returned to taxpayers through the Heart of West Michigan United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Heart of West Michigan United Way says to bring the following forms to your appointment:

Bring the following to make sure our volunteers get you the right amount of credit you deserve:

  • A valid driver's license or other photo id card
  • Social security cards, a social security number verification letter for all persons listed on the return
  • Birth dates for all persons listed on return
  • All income statements: Forms W-2 and 1099, Social Security, unemployment, and other statements, such as pensions, stocks, interest and any documents showing taxes withheld
  • All records of expenses, such as tuition, mortgage interest, or real estate taxes
  • Copies of last year's state and federal tax returns, if you have
  • Bank routing numbers and account numbers to direct deposit any refund
  • Dependent childcare information: name and address of who you paid and either the caretaker's SSN or other tax identification number
  • If you purchased coverage through the Health Insurance MarketplaceForm 1095-APDFHealth Insurance Marketplace Statement
  • Both spouses to sign forms to e-file a joint tax return

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