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[Farwell, MI—] Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (Mid Michigan CAA) is now scheduling appointments for free income tax preparation services in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. In-person and drop-off options are available.

Mid Michigan CAA’s IRS-trained and certified volunteers will help filers complete and submit federal and state tax returns and any available credits safely and accurately.

“We know tax season can feel stressful, and we want individuals and families to know they don’t have to do it alone,” said Cherri Swanstra, Community Impact Director at Mid Michigan CAA. “Our trained volunteers are here to help our neighbors file their taxes with confidence and make sure they have the support they need throughout the process.”

What Mid Michigan CAA can help file:
Tax preparation assistance may be available for people who:

• Worked a job and received a W-2
• Earned income reported on common tax forms such as 1099s
• Receive Social Security or other retirement income
• Receive Railroad Retirement
• Have military income
• Have certain international filing situations (including Canada)

Mid Michigan Community Action is not able to prepare returns that include self-employment or business income, including farm income.

Individuals and families should bring all tax documents that apply to their situation, including photo identification and Social Security cards for all household members. Having all required forms ready helps ensure appointments go smoothly and returns can be filed accurately.

How to schedule an appointment
To schedule a tax preparation appointment, individuals can call or text the office nearest them:

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

More information is available at: www.mmcaa.org/taxprep

​Mid Michigan Community Action Agency guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

In the News
Gladwin County Record and Beaverton Clarion: Mid Michigan Community Action now scheduling free tax preparation appointments, Published January 28, 2026
Midland Daily News: Free Tax prep Offered to Low- to Moderate-Income Filers, January 29, 2026
Big Rapids Pioneer: Free tax prep offered to low- to moderate-income filers, Published January 29, 2026
​Clare County Cleaver: Mid Michigan Community Action Now Scheduling Free Tax Preparation Appointments, Published February 2, 2026

Mid Michigan Community Action (Mid Michigan CAA) is now accepting appointments for free income tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
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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.

​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.

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.
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Mid Michigan Community Action guides local residents on the path to self-sufficiency through empowerment, education and community enrichment.

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.