Community Action ’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is preparing for another season of giving free help to low- to moderate-income people filing their Federal and Michigan income taxes. Community Action VITA training is free, and jobs include tax assistors, greeters and quality control checkers.  Each volunteer tax assistor receives free tax and software training from the IRS.  They earn their certification through a series of open-book tests. Greeters help clients fill out their intake forms and organize their papers. They also answer the telephones and help make appointments for tax help.  The quality control checkers proofread tax forms with original documents to prevent filing errors. 

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is the USA’s largest and most powerful anti-poverty program.  EITC credits have helped millions of Americans make the transition from public assistance to economic independence. For more information on the EITC, please visit www.youearnedit.org.

Community Action VITA offers

• Free  preparation of  basic Federal and Michigan tax forms

• Free E-Filing

• Free Direct Deposit to your checking or savings account

To setup an appointment call:
Barry County - (269) 948-4260
Battle Creek - (269) 441-1340
Branch County - (517) 279-9325
St. Joseph County - (269) 467-4506

For questions regarding Community Action VITA call (877) 422-2726

TAXPAYERS CHECKLIST

Valid Picture I.D.
Copies of ALL W-2, 1098, 1099 Forms and the amount of other income received by you and your spouse
Tax Identification Number (TIN) for you, your spouse and any others shown on the tax return   (Social Security card, photocopy of card or number printed on an official document).
Provider’s address and Tax Identification Number for Child/Dependent Care Credit
Form 8332 or copy of divorce decree for non-custodial parent claiming child
Proof of Account Number and Routing Transit Number of the financial institution for direct deposit into a savings or checking account
Copy of prior year’s tax return, if available
Home owners:  Summer and Winter Property tax bills for 2008 and Taxable Value of homestead
Renters: Proof of monthly rent for 2008 and Landlord’s name and address
Heating cost in your name

This year, more than ever, with the increased heating costs and gasoline prices, the tax credits and refunds are even more vital to families who work hard to stay above poverty.  Volunteer recruiting for Community Action VITA begins in October. Tax Assistor training will be scheduled for early January through mid-February, and volunteers will need to be available between January 30 and May 12, 2009.  To use your VITAlity to help your neighbors and your community, call 877-422-2726.