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

  • Click here to print the State of Michigan Intake Form

  • Click here to print IRS Form 13614-C

  • 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 number

  • Birth 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 Number

  • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank
    check 

  • Summer 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.