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Newsroom

Keep up to date on our program and agency updates

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency Offers Free Tax Preparation Services

1/23/2025

2 Comments

 
Mid Michigan Community Action (Mid Michigan CAA) is now accepting appointments for free income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
​
VITA is a nationwide IRS program, supported by Community Action Agencies and other partner organizations, where IRS-trained and certified volunteers provide tax preparation services at no cost to eligible individuals and families. The program offers both virtual and in-person appointments to ensure flexibility for customers.

“We’re excited to help households prepare their taxes and claim any available credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Home Heating Credit,” said Cherri Swanstra, Community Empowerment Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “Last year, we helped bring over $790,000 in refunds back to our communities, and we look forward to doing the same this year.”

The VITA program serves Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. Customers will need to bring relevant documents, such as wage statements (W2 or 1099), health insurance forms (1095s), heating costs, and other required items for tax filing. For a full list of documents, visit: https://www.mmcaa.org/taxpreparationassistance.html.

Tax preparation appointments are now open, and residents can secure their spot by emailing [email protected] or calling or texting the office nearest to them:
  • Big Rapids: 231-660-0271
  • Gladwin: 989-426-2801
  • Farwell: 989-386-3805
  • Reed City: 231-791-7078

​“We’re committed to ensuring that tax preparation is accessible, easy, and free for our local families,” added Swanstra. “Whether you choose a virtual or in-person appointment, we’re here to help you file safely and confidently.”

Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.
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Mid Michigan Community Action Extends Tax Preparation Services and Home Heating Credit Filing

7/23/2024

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​Mid Michigan Community Action is excited to announce the extension of our tax preparation services and Home Heating Credit filing through September 13th.
 
Our dedicated team of IRS-trained and certified tax preparation volunteers can assist with filing Federal and State Income Tax Returns, ensuring that all applicable credits, including the Home Heating Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), are claimed.  Previous tax years may also be prepared and E-filed for free.
 
Individuals interested in taking advantage of these extended services should call or text 989-418-0992 to schedule an appointment or to obtain more information. Our team is committed to providing professional and reliable assistance to ensure that taxpayers receive the benefits they are entitled to.
 
"At Mid Michigan Community Action, we understand that life can be unpredictable, and sometimes meeting the tax deadline can be challenging," said Cherri Swanstra, Community Empowerment Director. "We are here to support our community by extending our tax preparation services through September 13th, 2024, making it easier for individuals and families to fulfill their tax obligations and receive the credits they deserve."
 
Our tax preparation volunteers have undergone rigorous training and certification by the IRS, ensuring that they are well-equipped to handle a variety of tax situations. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to providing essential services and support to our community, helping to alleviate financial stress and promote economic stability.
 
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call or text Rebeca at 989-418-0992. Don't miss out on the opportunity to have your taxes and Home Heating Credits prepared by our skilled volunteers.
 
Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.
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Tax Preparation Assistance Begins in February

1/27/2023

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Mid Michigan Community Action Will be Providing Volunteer Income Tax Assistance in 2023

Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) will be providing free income tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

VITA is an IRS program managed by partners all over the country, including Community Action Agencies. IRS-trained and certified volunteers work with community members to prepare their taxes safely, confidentially, and at no cost. Virtual and in-person return options are available.

“VITA provides high-quality tax preparation services with no costs or hidden fees meaning our clients receive their entire return,” said Cherri Swanstra, Mid Michigan CAA Outreach Assistant Director. “Last year we filed over 919 returns, bringing $862,744 back for our clients and into our communities.”

The VITA program serves Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties residents. Those interested in having their taxes prepared at no cost to them should contact call nearest office: Big Rapids: 231-660-0271, Farwell: 989-386-3805, Gladwin: 989-426-2801, or Reed City: 231-791-7078. Mid Michigan CAA is scheduling appointments now.

To learn more about the tax preparation program, visit www.mmcaa.org/taxprep.
​
Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.
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Tax Preparation Assistance Begins in February

1/19/2022

0 Comments

 
Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) will be providing free income tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

VITA is an IRS program managed by partners all over the country, including Community Action Agencies. IRS-trained and certified volunteers work with community members to prepare their taxes safely, confidentially, and at no cost to the community members.

Mid Michigan CAA will offer virtual and in-person return options. Social distancing practices will be required for in-person appointments.

“We are pleased to be able to offer households options for how they have their taxes prepared so we can assist the maximum number of filers,” said Eva Rohlman, Mid Michigan CAA Outreach Director. “Each year our volunteers help community members receive the most out of their returns including all credits without filing costs or hidden fees.”

The VITA program is currently scheduled to run from February 1st through April 18th, 2022, serving residents of Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. Those interested in having their taxes prepared at no cost to them should contact call nearest office:

Big Rapids: 231-660-0271
Farwell: 989-386-3805
Gladwin: 989-426-2801
Reed City: 231-791-7078

​Mid Michigan CAA will begin scheduling appointments on January 24th.

Learn more about the tax preparation program here.

Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.
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Volunteers Needed for Tax Preparation Assistance

11/12/2021

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Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is seeking volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Tax preparation and greeter positions are available with opportunities in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. No experience is necessary. Volunteers will receive free training and mileage reimbursements for travel to and from sites.

Mid Michigan CAA will offer virtual and in-person return options. Volunteers will be able to choose if they would like to work in an office setting or remotely. Social distancing practices will be required for in-person appointments.

“Each year our VITA volunteers help hundreds of households claim their maximum refund including all credits without filing costs or hidden fees,” said Eva Rohlman, Mid Michigan CAA Outreach Director. “Last year they filed 691 returns, and their hard work brought $576,712 back into our communities.”

Volunteer training will begin in January 2022 and tax preparation will run from February through April of 2022.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Sheri Nartker at 989-386-3805 ext. 1024 or [email protected].

Learn more about our tax preparation program here.

Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.
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Helping People, Changing Lives: Celebrating Community Action Month

5/21/2021

2 Comments

 
Community Action Month is a celebration of the accomplishments of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the country. CAAs are a robust state and local force, reaching individuals and families in 99 percent of America’s counties with life-changing services that create pathways to prosperity.

As part of the CAA network, Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) serves Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Oceana, and Osceola Counties. Over the past year, our communities have faced unprecedented challenges including a pandemic and a 500 year flood event. In the face of these obstacles, Mid Michigan CAA has adapted to serving clients through largely virtual means while continuing to administer all programs and even adding additional services as new and increased needs arose.

Last year, Mid Michigan CAA distributed 48,441 food boxes or 750 tons of food. As a response to increased food insecurity due to the pandemic, they were able to distribute 55 more tons of food than the year before.

Despite swift changes to the programs, Mid Michigan CAA’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs served 533 children last year. These programs provide support for children and families. They use a curriculum that supports school readiness and coordinate with area public schools to facilitate smooth transitioning for each child.

In the 2019 income tax season, Mid Michigan CAA processed returns for 440 households, bringing $478,566 in returns back into Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties.

Last year, Mid Michigan CAA weatherized 44 homes through the Weatherization Assistance Program. An additional 23 households received roofing repair assistance through the Housing Preservation Grant. These services make homes safer, healthier, more comfortable, and more affordable for the residents.

In 2020, Mid Michigan CAA administered the Eviction Diversion program, helping residents in 180 households stay in their homes.
​
“The last year brought changes and challenges we could never have imagined. In response, we were able to expand our services and add new programs to address the needs of our communities. We are energized at being asked to serve our communities in ways we’ve never done before,” said Jill Sutton, Executive Director of Mid Michigan Community Action. “And while there is still work to be done, we are proud to continue ‘helping people, changing lives.’”
2 Comments

Tax Preparation Assistance Begins in February

1/26/2021

7 Comments

 
Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) will be providing free income tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

VITA is an IRS program managed by partners all over the country, including Community Action Agencies. IRS trained and certified volunteers work with community members to prepare their taxes safely, confidentially, and at no cost to the community members.

To allow for ongoing social distancing measures, VITA appointments will be low-contact with most aspects of the tax return process being conducted virtually, by phone, and/or by mail. Due to the Stay Home order in March of 2020 and the tax program closing early, Mid Michigan CAA will be able to process 2019 tax returns in addition to 2020 tax returns.

“Each year our volunteers work throughout the tax season to help as many households as possible claim their maximum refund including all credits without filing costs or hidden fees,” said Outreach Director Eva Rohlman. “Though this year is going to look a little different, the high-quality tax preparation service we can provide to our communities will remain the same.”

The VITA program will run from February 1st through April 15th, 2021, serving residents of Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. Those interested in having their taxes prepared at no cost to them should contact call nearest office:

Big Rapids: 231-660-0271
Farwell: 989-386-3805
Gladwin: 989-426-2801
Reed City: 231-791-7078.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Sheri Nartker at 989-386-3805 ext. 1024 or [email protected] as soon as possible.

Learn more about our tax prep program.
7 Comments

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Hours

Monday-Thursday from 8 AM-4:30 PM
Friday from 8 AM-4 PM
​Closed daily from 12-1 PM

Locations

CLARE COUNTY
Administrative Office
1574 E Washington Road
PO Box 768
Farwell, MI 48622
Phone 989-386-3805
Toll-Free 1-877-213-5948
Fax 989-386-3277
[email protected]

​​FOOD WAREHOUSE
2300 E Ludington Drive
Clare, MI 48617
989-229-0849
[email protected]
​BAY COUNTY
114 South Washington Avenue
Bay City, MI 48708
Phone: 989-894-9060
[email protected]

​GLADWIN COUNTY
1302 Chatterton Street
Gladwin, MI 48624
Phone: 989-426-2801
[email protected]​

​MECOSTA COUNTY
706 Maple Street
Big Rapids, MI 49307
Phone: 231-660-0271
[email protected]

MIDLAND COUNTY
1717 Ridgewood Drive, Suite 103
Midland, MI 48642
Phone: 989-832-7310
[email protected]
MUSKEGON COUNTY
878 Jefferson Street, Suite 2
​Muskegon, MI 49440
Phone: 231-557-7622
​
[email protected]

​OCEANA COUNTY
195 N Michigan Ave
​Shelby, MI 49455
Phone: 231-923-3066
[email protected]

OSCEOLA COUNTY
240 E Church Street
Reed City, MI 49677
Phone: 231-791-7078
[email protected]

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:
​
  1. mail:
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
  2. fax:
    (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
  3. email:
    [email protected]
    ​

This website is supported by Grant Number 05CH012316 and 05CH011635 from the Office of Head Start within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Mid Michigan Community Action Agency and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Head Start.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider
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