GRAND RAPIDS, me. – If you make less than $ 57,000 a year, Davenport University can help you prepare your taxes for free.
It’s all part of the federal VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, and appointments are now open in Kent and Ottawa counties.
Tax time is getting closer and April 15th will be here before we know. At the moment this deadline has not been postponed.
“And it’s very important this year if you haven’t filed or believed that you have a COVID filing requirement and the pandemic tax law is changing. There’s a higher chance you would want to file this year,” said Scott Gumieny. Accounting teacher at Davenport.
Students volunteer their time to help people prepare their taxes for free.
“And everyone must pass a certification exam administered by the IRS, and every VITA volunteer in the US takes that certification process to be able to prepare for taxes,” he said.
Each return will then be reviewed by another instructor or qualified volunteer. The VITA program helps people get the tax refunds and credits they deserve, and there are important things to bring with you if you want Davenport to help you.
“Photo ID, driver’s license – but the passport works too – the driver’s license may have expired,” said Gumieny Social Security Card. “
Volunteers will also need your tax forms like 1040s and 1099s if you have been unemployed. If you haven’t deducted tax from these benefits, chances are you owe something. It is also important that you bring your 2019 tax filings with you, especially with the Earned Income Tax Credit.
“The calculation for this has changed and we can use your 2019 income, which is higher than 2020 in some cases, with the closings and closings and unemployment income is not earned, so the calculation of the earned income tax credit is very extensive and we want to maximize this credit, ”he said.
All locations are by appointment only, walk-ins are not accepted and COVID-19 protocols are also strictly followed.
You can find the nearest VITA site by clicking here and entering your zip code.