FREE INCOME
TAX PREPARATION
Free Income Tax Preparation
in Central Michigan
The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program offers free tax preparation in Calhoun and Branch counties for people whose annual income is less than $67,000, who have a disability, or who have limited English speaking skills. The program is managed by certified tax professionals and uses trained volunteer tax preparers to secure the refunds and credits you are due.
How it Works
Who Can Volunteer?
You can! VITA volunteers do not need tax experience. Training is provided free of cost. Volunteers must pass an IRS test on tax laws to participate in the program.
Locations in need of Volunteers:
- Battle Creek: Kellogg Community College, Goodwill Financial Opportunity Center, Voces, Burma Center, DENSO, Veterans Administration
- Marshall: Goodwill Store, Marshall District Library
- Union City: First Congressional United Church of Christ
- Homer: Homer Public Library
- Tekonsha: Tekonsha Township Library
- Sherwood: Sherwood Township Hall
- Albion: Albion District Library, Forks Senior Center
- Coldwater: Burnside Senior Center
Where is the VITA Program Offered?
The program is offered at multiple sites in Branch and Calhoun County during the traditional tax season.
Once tax season opens up in late January, make sure to give us a call at 269-788-6500 ext 2032 if you qualify! We’ll get you in contact with an expert and help you schedule an appointment.
Have Your Taxes
Done for Free through VITA!
Low-to-Moderate income families (incomes of $69,000 or lower) can file their taxes for free with an IRS certified volunteer through United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is a volunteer run program in partnership with the IRS to help families access the EITC and other credits that can boost financial stability. If you can do your own taxes online, visit www.myfreetaxes.com or www.goodwillvita.taxwisemobile.com for details on how to file for free.
What to Bring
Government issued photo identification for you and your spouse (if married)
Social Security cards for you, your spouse, and dependents
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for
you, your spouse, and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security numberBirth dates for you, spouse, and/or dependents
Wage and earning statement (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc, 1099 NEC from all
employers)Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099-INT, 1099-DIV)
Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
A copy of last year’s tax returns
Letter 6419 – Advance Child Tax Credit Payments
Letter 6475 – 2021 Economic Impact Payment
Forms 1095-A for Marketplace Health Insurance
Information for all other income (Social Security, VA, etc.) and all deductions
(tuition/education, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, etc.)Medical or HMO premiums paid for self or dependents
Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax ID number such as their Social
Security number or business Employer Identification NumberProof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank
checkSummer and winter property tax bills
Electric bill from December 2025, January 2026 or February 2026
Landlord’s name and address and proof of rent paid
NOTE: There are some returns we are not able to prepare according to IRS rules. These include
returns with rental income and self-employed businesses with losses or inventory.
How to Schedule an Appointment
For a tax appointment, call either 269-441-2298 OR 269-788-6250 after January 15, 2026 to schedule an appointment for the following locations:
- Battle Creek: Kellogg Community College, Goodwill Financial Opportunity Center, Voces, Burma Center, Veterans Administration (Veterans Only)
- Marshall: Goodwill Marshall, Marshall District Library
- Union City: First Congressional United Church of Christ
- Homer: Homer Public Library
- Tekonsha: Tekonsha Township Library
- Sherwood: Sherwood Township Hall
- Albion: Albion District Library, Forks Senior Center
For a tax appointment in Coldwater, contact the Burnside Senior Center directly at (517) 279-6565.