You May Qualify for Free Tax Help in West Michigan

Tax season is stressful even when your finances feel steady. But when your money is tight, it can feel down right overwhelming.

Thankfully, West Michigan residents who need it the most, they have a life saver ready to help. For low to moderate income households in Allegan, Kent and Ottawa counties, free income tax assistance is available right now through Heart of West Michigan United Way.

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Volunteers are stepping up to walk people through the tax process, making sure filers receive every refund and credit they are entitled to. Which for a lot of families reduces the stress of guessing, or hoping you clicked the right box.

Who qualifies for free tax help from Heart of West Michigan United Way?

If your household earned $69,000 or less in total income last year, you qualify for free in person tax preparation services at one of 14 different tax sites across Allegan, Kent and Ottawa counties.

There is also an online option through MyFreeTaxes, which is a program from the United Way. Households earning $84,000 or less per year can complete their returns online for free. That option is great for people who feel comfortable filing digitally. Just keep in mind that IRS certified volunteers from Heart of West Michigan United Way are only available through in person appointments.

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If you’d like to schedule an appointment through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, call 211. That will connect you directly to the scheduling system, and to someone who can guide you to the nearest available site.

Every year, there are families who miss out on credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit simply because they are unsure if they qualify or how to claim it. Programs like this help close that gap and keep more money in local households, which ultimately strengthens our entire community.

Tax season may not be anyone’s favorite time of year. But knowing that free, trusted help is available right here in West Michigan will hopefully make it a little less daunting.

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