Your Taxes as Easy as 211 - and it Is Free!

Getting your tax return prepared can be as easy as 123 211.  According to Brenda Brame,  Program Manager for the Kent County Tax Credit Coalition at the Heart of West Michigan United Way,  United Way is providing tax preparation and e-Filing services, free to anyone whose income is $55,000 or less, thanks in part to community volunteers.

This past season they served over 7,500 taxpayers, bringing over $10.8 million back into the community. You may be one of many more under-served taxpayers that may need their help. Help is available by calling 211 for an appointment. And you don't have to go far for your appointment.   The Comstock Park Branch of the Kent District Library at 3943 West River Drive NE is conveniently accessible just to serve the residents of Alpine Township and it's surrounding area.

Did you know?

The Earned Income Tax Credit is a Federal tax credit that low income, working families and individuals are eligible to claim on their income tax return. However, every year about 25% of families nation-wide fail to claim this credit. It is our organization's goal to ensure that every eligible family in the Kent County area claims this credit through our Free Income Tax Preparation Sites.

The Kent County Tax Credit Coalition is comprised of community organizations including the Heart of West Michigan United Way, Kent County Department of Human Services, Baxter Community Center, the Internal Revenue Service and various financial institutions working cooperatively to utilize the Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC) and other various tax credits as a means to improve financial independence for working, low and moderate income individuals and families. The Kent County Tax Credit Coalition aims to provide additional dollars to our families and thus, the businesses and the local community. The Coalition works to achieve the above goal through the provision of information and the development of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, which have the capability to assist eligible wage earners to access EITC dollars and other credits in their income tax returns.

Contact person: Brenda Brame, Program Manager, (phone), (email)

Free help with Tax Preparation

The Kent County Tax Coalition can help you complete your income tax return and apply for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable federal income tax credit for working individuals and families.  U.S. Citizenship is not required for filing a return, but you must file a tax return to claim your credit.  Take advantage of this assistance!  There are 22 locations in Kent County, including the Comstock Park Library at 3943 W. River Dr. NE, Comstock Park.
Volunteers from the Kent County Tax Credit Coalition (sponsored by the Heart of West Michigan United Way) will be at the branch from 4:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday evenings, February 10 – March 31

 

With an average reported income of $14,324, clients can use these tax refunds for basic necessities such as food and clothing, home and car repairs, or medical treatment. Financial literacy courses are also offered to clients, 90% of whom come from Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

According to Brenda Brame, Program Director for the Kent County Tax Credit Coalition, “Many residents of Kent County don’t realize they have refunds due to them, or think they cannot afford professional tax preparation. The quality service we offer saves West Michigan workers hundreds of dollars and results in tax credits that make a big difference in their lives.“

For the 2011 tax season, who is eligible?

To calculate an estimate of your tax return or to see if you are eligible for any tax credits, click here to use the Estimator Tool.

*Income needs to be no more than the listed amount.

**Tax Credit is available up to the listed amount.