Tax season has arrived and for some seniors and low-income adults, that means some anxiety in how they are going to complete those taxes without prohibitive costs. So that begs the question: Where can seniors and low income adults get their taxes done for free?
As the Professional Referral Specialist of the Region IV Area Agency on Aging, I can tell you that there are multiple programs that can help.
To begin, both the United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and AARP Tax Volunteer programs are available again this year, now through April, with COVID limitations/precautions in place.
If you made less than $58,000 in 2022 and need assistance in preparing your tax return, the VITA trained volunteers will prepare basic federal and state tax returns, as well as homestead property tax credit and home heating credit, for low-income individuals, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Complex tax returns and those involving business pursuits need to be completed through a tax preparation service.
Berrien and Cass Counties: VITA will offer tax preparation at locations in Benton Harbor, Niles, Cassopolis, and Dowagiac. The address of your location will be given when making the appointment. Request an appointment by calling 269-934-3717. Please leave only ONE voice mail message if the line is not answered. All voice mail messages will be returned.
Van Buren County: South Haven Senior Services, 8337 M-140, South Haven, Weds drop-off, 9:30am to 3:30pm, February and March, by appointment only, Call (269) 655-8000; and Freshwater Community Church, 600 E Michigan Ave, Door C, Paw Paw, Tues & Thurs, 1:00pm to 6:00pm, now through March 30th, no appointments — walk-in service drop off/pick up only. In most cases, pick up completed taxes and original paperwork the following week.
There are also some VITA sites available in Kalamazoo and South Bend, but individuals should contact those sites to make sure your taxes can be prepared there. To search for VITA sites online, go to https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program provides tax assistance free of charge to anyone, with a special focus on taxpayers who are 50 or older or who have low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are located nationwide and are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code. According to AARP’s website, tax help will be provided in safe environments using a variety of methods based on a number of factors including where you are located, COVID-19 spread, and volunteer availability. Check for updated information and availability at www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/
Many of the Berrien County Senior Centers are offering appointments including Buchanan Area, Central County, Greater Niles Area, North Berrien, and St. Joseph Lincoln Senior Centers. Appointments are for residents 60+ in that Center’s service area. Contact your local senior center to learn more. Additionally, Cass County Council on Aging,Cassopolis, will be offering services. Call (269) 445-8110 for info.
Finally, if you are computer savvy, you can file both your state and federal taxes online at www.myfreetaxes.com. This free and safe service is a partnership between United Way and TaxSlayer and is now open to all income levels, individuals and families, unless you need to file schedule C, D, or E. The site includes live tax support, via email, chat or phone, to answer any questions you have. Region IV Area Agency on Aging’s Info Line for Aging and Disability will try to assist with information about tax preparation in our area as it comes available, so you can call 800-654-2810 as well.