File Your Taxes for Free with KCTCC
If your household earned $56,000 or less in 2019 and you live in Kent County, you’re eligible to have your taxes prepared for free by Kent County Tax Credit Coalition. Starting this week, appointments can be made by calling 2-1-1.
From Left: Denise Nichols, Maplelawn Baptist Church; Brenda Brame, KCTCC program manager; Philip Quist, Roosevelt Park Ministries
KCTCC is a service of Heart of West Michigan United Way. Since 2002, the coalition has generated $96 million in tax refunds and credits for more than 93,500 taxpayers in our county – money these households can use to pay for things like food, clothing, car repairs, and medications.
This year, 14 sites are providing tax prep services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA). Every tax preparer at these sites has been certified by the IRS. Many volunteers, like Chris MacDonald, have years of experience helping individuals and families get the tax refunds and credits they deserve.
“Gosh, they practically want to take you home, they’re just so excited,” Chris said of the people she helps through KCTCC. “And, you know, for those people, that money is gonna really make a big difference in their lives.”
In addition to pre-scheduled tax preparation appointments, eligible taxpayers also have the option to attend one of KCTCC’s walk-in Community Tax Days:
Feb. 6, 3-8 p.m., Steelcase, 901 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids (Spanish-speakers onsite)
Feb. 8, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Cherry Health’s Heart of the City Health Center, 100 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids (Spanish-speakers onsite)
Feb. 13, 3-8 p.m., Steelcase, 901 44th Street SE, Grand Rapids (Spanish-speakers onsite)
Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Grand Rapids International Fellowship, 3765 Kalamazoo Ave SE, Grand Rapids
United Way also offers a no-cost online service called My Free Taxes. Developed in partnership with H&R Block, the service is simple and user-friendly. It’s available to households with income under $66,000 per year. (However, Schedule C returns are not supported.) For help with My Free Taxes, email taxhelp@hwmuw.org.
Finally, KCTCC is a sponsor of Show Me the Money Day on Saturday, Jan. 25. The event features workshops on homeownership, credit, payday lending, record expungement, and more. (Plus, prize giveaways!) Home Repair Services is hosting the event. RSVP to the event on Facebook or by calling 616-241-2601.