VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program

The OCCOA annually partners with the IRS to provide a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program during tax season. The program is targeted toward taxpayers with total gross household incomes of under $60,000. VITA return preparers are volunteers who have been trained and certified, annually, through VITA. In addition to preparing federal and state returns, volunteers can prepare Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credits and Home Heating Credits for those who are eligible. The program is available free-of-charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Otsego County Commission on Aging VITA site offer e-filing for state and federal returns?

The VITA site sponsored by the Otsego County Commission on Aging offers e-filing for federal and state tax return preparation.

Where are returns prepared?

This year’s tax clinics will be held “in person” at:

Otsego County Commission on Aging, Upper Level, 1165 Elkview Ave., Gaylord Michigan. Appointments are required and may be made by calling (989) 748-4066 after January 2, 2023.

 

What are the dates of the tax clinics?

Standard tax clinics are scheduled on various days, dependent upon volunteer availability, between February 2, 2023, and April 13, 2023. A Michigan Credits clinic is planned for April 17, 2023.  Appointments are required. To schedule one, please call (989) 748-4066, or Contact Us.

What should I gather for my appointment?

To help you prepare for your appointment, you will be sent a list of items that you will need to gather to bring to your appointment.

Is there a charge for the program?

There is no charge for the preparation of your return.

Where′s my federal refund?

To learn the status of your federal refund, you may contact the IRS Refund Hotline at (800) 829-1954 or the IRS Teletax System at (800) 829-4477. Alternatively, you may visit https://www.irs.gov/refunds/about-wheres-my-refund. If you e-filed, please allow 21 days from the time you e-filed before contacting the IRS. If you paper filed, please allow 6 weeks.

Where′s my Michigan refund?

To learn the status of your Michigan refund, you may contact the Michigan Department of Treasury at (517) 636-4486. Alternatively, you may visit http://www.michigan.gov/taxes/0,4676,7-238-43513_75466—,00.html. If you e-filed, please allow four weeks from the time you filed before contacting the Michigan Department of Treasury. If you paper filed, please allow 4 to 6 weeks.

Are there other free e-filing sites for state and federal returns?
IRS Listing of VITA and TCE Sites (Currently  being updated by the IRS)
Click here for an IRS listing of additional VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) or TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) sites in Northern Michigan. You may also call (800) 906-9887.
AARP Listing of TCE Sites
AARP, which sponsors the TCE sites, provides a complete listing of these sites on its website.
MyFreeTaxes
If you, or you and your spouse, are comfortable filing your own taxes, you may e-file for free (unless you need to file Schedules C, D, or E) through myfreetaxes.com. This is a partnership between United Way and H & R Block.  All income levels are invited to file through myfreetaxes.com.
(Click here to learn how your civil rights are protected.)
If I wish to pay for professional tax e-filing services, what is available?

Click here for the IRS’s authorized professional e-filers for individuals.