VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA)

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 free tax preparation for working families with lower to moderate income in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.

The VITA Program offers free tax help to people who make $60,000 or less and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.

  • If you need help preparing your tax return in BERRIEN or CASS, please click the “Berrien & Cass VITA Sites” button below to learn more. OR call 2-1-1 (or 844-875-9211) for more information.

  • If you need help preparing your tax return in VAN BUREN, please click the “Van Buren VITA Sites” button below to learn how. OR call 2-1-1 (or 844-875-9211) for more information.

 
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If you do not qualify for VITA, filers of ALL incomes can use MyFreeTaxes to file their federal and state returns. (MyFreeTaxes will no longer support Schedule C, D, and E returns.)

Introducing MyFreeTaxes 2024 – Now Live and Ready to Assist!

MyFreeTaxes is a virtual VITA program that helps people file their federal and state taxes for free while getting the assistance they need. United Way provides MyFreeTaxes nationwide in partnership with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help filers prepare their tax returns on their own or have their returns prepared for them for free.

MyFreeTaxes applies a no-wrong-door approach to ensure all users get connected to the free tax filing service they need and are eligible to receive. MyFreeTaxes ensures seamless access for all users to the free tax filing service they deserve. Here's how MyFreeTaxes simplifies the filing process:

  • Remote Facilitated Self Assistance (FSA) VITA: Majority of users choose this option, connecting with TaxSlayer FSA to independently file their returns using online software. Certified support specialists are available through MyFreeTaxes for any queries or assistance needed.

  • Full-Service VITA: Users not ready for self-filing can leverage MyFreeTaxes to connect with local and virtual VITA sites, receiving comprehensive assistance in preparing their returns.

  • Alternative Options: Users exceeding VITA income limits are seamlessly referred to alternative free tax software options, ensuring they can still file federal and state returns at no cost.

This inclusive approach allows partners to effortlessly refer users to MyFreeTaxes without the need for eligibility screening.

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.

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 or annual social security statements (SSA-1099) for ALL persons on your return.

  • W-2 and/or 1099 forms from all 2023 jobs.

  • All 2023 forms 1099 including 1099R pension/401k, 1099-Int interest earned, 1099-G unemployment, and 1099-NEC from employers you worked for.

  • 2023 Summer and Winter property tax bills

  • Renters: Your monthly rent for each month in 2023 and your landlord’s name and address.

  • 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 to authorize e-file and other forms.

  • Any statements received from a mortgage company during 2023 or name and address of landlord and amount of rent paid.