ANN ARBOR, MI (January 30, 2023) – The Volunteer Income Assistance Program (VITA) program provides free tax preparation to low-and moderate-income households, the elderly, people with disabilities, and people with limited English proficiency. Volunteers are trained and certified annually using an IRS-approved curriculum and certification test. Sites adhere to IRS standards and quality site requirements that result in a high-quality tax return rate of 95%.
In 2021, VITA returned over $1.42 million in refunds to Washtenaw County residents, with 669 free tax returns filed for residents with incomes under $60,000. This saved our local residents a combined $167,250 in tax prep fees. The money saved can now be used to afford the essentials such as food, prescriptions, utilities, or even a contribution to an emergency saving account.
VITA is offered locally by the United Way of Washtenaw County. It is a powerful program delivering high-quality tax preparation that helps Washtenaw residents become financially stable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, VITA partnered with local organizations, like the Ypsilanti District Library, to provide locations throughout Washtenaw County for people to easily access tax preparation.
“VITA tax prep is totally free,” stated Pam Smith, President and CEO of United Way. “Individuals and families can call 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment to have their taxes prepared by an IRS-trained volunteer, free of charge.”
VITA appointments for the 2023 tax season open February 1, 2023, at United Way of Washtenaw County's building at 2305 Platt Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104. Those interested in setting up an appointment can call 2-1-1.
VITA is still seeking volunteers who will be trained to provide these free tax preparation services. For more information and to register as a volunteer, please visit: https://tinyurl.com/msd86a3w
To learn more about the VITA Program for 2023, please visit: https://www.uwwashtenaw.org/free-tax-preparation
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY
As part of our 100-plus year history, United Way of Washtenaw County brings people, organizations and resources together to create a thriving community for everyone. Our focus areas of Health, Education and Financial Stability are the building blocks for a strong community and create opportunities for individuals and families. Our Volunteer Center provides an easy, online way for people to connect with nonprofits in the community and our 2-1-1 helpline refers more than 8,000 people annually to critically needed services. To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit uwgive.org.
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