There are two free tax preparation programs for older adults and low-income individuals to take advantage of this tax season. Both the United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and AARP Tax Volunteer programs are available now through the end of March, with some programs open until Tax Day, April 15.
If you made less than $64,000 in 2023 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. In-person appointments are happening this year, so clients must remain at the location during tax preparation, so please plan accordingly. 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: Sites are open February and March 2024, for all qualifying Van Buren County residents, at the two locations noted below. Note that South Haven has a different phone number to call for an appointment.
Paw Paw, by appointment only, no walk-ins this year. The address for the appointment location will be given when the appointment is made. This will be to drop-off tax materials only, with return in approximately two weeks for review and pick-up. Drop-offs will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 6pm, until March 28. To make an appointment, call 269-934-3717.
South Haven Senior Services, 8337 M-140, South Haven, Wednesdays only, by appointment only, 9:00am to 3:00pm. Call 269-468-9410 to make an appointment.
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. 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 on Cass County Council on Aging’s tax services.
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. The main Helpline is also available at 866-698-9435, from 10am to 6pm ET, until April 18.
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.
Sara Duris is community information liaison of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-654-2810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.