Each year, our community loses millions of dollars in lost revenue through unclaimed tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit. When these credits are claimed, we can boost our economy and help individuals become financially stable.
United Way formed the Regional Asset Building Coalition to help people build assets and become stable. The coalition and its partners provide free tax preparation services through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at locations throughout the community. The service helps families make the most of their tax refunds by avoiding a paid tax preparer or predatory tax service. To run these sites, the coalition relies on hundreds of volunteers each year.
In addition to tax preparation, the VITA sites provide clients with information on financial management so they can make the best decisions about their finances as a whole and how to use their refund.
Our Results
During the 2009 tax season, we returned nearly $30 million in tax credits to the residents of Southeast Michigan with the help of over 1,300 volunteers.
Regional Asset Building Coalition Partners and Supporters
AARP, Accounting Aid Society, Bank of America, Community Action Agency, Flagstar Bank, Internal Revenue Service, Macomb County Asset Building Coalition, The Tax Credit Initiative Coalition of Oakland and Livingston Counties, United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Wal-Mart Foundation, Washtenaw Asset Building Coalition, and Wayne County Asset Building Coalition.
How can the EITC help you?
Substantially increase your annual income by utilizing the EITC and other tax credits. Studies show the EITC lifts more families out of poverty than any other federal aid program. Here are just a few ways you can use these tax credits to become more financially stable:
- Pay down debt
- Start or contribute to a savings account
- Provide for basic necessities like food, shelter, healthcare and clothing for you and your family
Who Qualifies?
- Families with one child who earn less than $35,463 in 2009 (or less than $40,463 for married workers) are eligible for a credit up to $3,043.
- Families with two children who earn less than $40,295 in 2009 (or less than $45,295 for married workers) are eligible for a credit up to $5,028.
- Families with three children who earn less than $43,279 in 2009 (or less than $48,279 for married workers) are eligible for a credit up to $5,657.
- Workers with no children who earn less than $13,440 in 2009 (or less than $18,440 for married workers) are eligible for a credit of up to $457.
Claim the EITC
- File taxes with professional assistance: FREE tax preparation is available at locations throughout the region. Call 2-1-1 to find one near you.
- File taxes on your own, via paper return: Complete the Schedule EIC in the Federal 1040 or 1040A return.
- File taxes on your own, via online return: Use Beehive, an online tool that makes filing your state and federal taxes a breeze! Click on the Free tax filing tab to get started.
Become a volunteer tax preparer and help thousands of families in Southeast Michigan move toward financial stability. You’ll receive training and will have the opportunity to work with other volunteers who are committed to helping our region succeed.
Time Commitment
Volunteers are asked to commit to at least 12 hours at tax locations throughout the community.
Positions available
- Tax Preparer (requires 7 to 12 hours of training on top of the volunteer commitment)
- Assistant Tax Site Supervisor (requires two years of experience with the program and 7 to 12 hours of training on top of the volunteer commitment)
- Screener (requires 7 to 12 hours of training on top of the volunteer commitment)
- Greeter/Administrative
- Computer/IT Specialist
To learn more and sign up, click here.
File your taxes for FREE using any of our online resources.
