#Frequently Asked Questions

What is Volunteer Income Tax Assistance?

There are hundreds of VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites across Michigan where you can have an IRS-trained volunteer prepare and e-file your state and federal tax return for you for free. You must meet income requirements to be eligible, however it you qualify for the for the Earned Income Tax Credit, Medicaid, Food Stamps or any other assistance program, there is a good chance you will qualify for free tax help, too.

What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?

Many workers and their families are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). There is both a federal EITC and a state EITC, so be sure to claim both! Your state credit is equal to 6 percent of your federal credit for Tax Year 2012. For more information, click here.

Is VITA as good as going to a paid preparer?

No, IT IS BETTER! Being free doesn’t mean lower quality and unlike some paid preparers who advertise free service for a simple return, a VITA site will never charge you for claiming the EITC, e-filing or fillinf out additional forms. With VITA, you get a preparer who has been trained and certified by the IRS who will not try to sell you any additional services. No gimmicks. No games. Just high quality tax preparation services for free!

How do I get Free help with my taxes?

Call 2-1-1 to find a VITA site near you or check back here in January when all the VITA site locations will be posted by the IRS.

How can I claim the two earned income credits?

The federal credit is available by completing Schedule EIC in the Federal 1040 or 1040A. The state credit is computed by entering your federal credit amount into your MI-1040 tax form and then multiplying by 6%, so do your federal taxes first!