We are seeking volunteers for the 2026 tax preparation season! No experience is necessary, and we have tax preparation and non-tax preparation positions available in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. Help your neighbors get the most out of their tax returns!

​Interested volunteers should email [email protected].
We are now scheduling tax preparation appointments! Call or text the office nearest you
To check the status of your return, use the IRS Where's My Refund tool.

FAQs

​Q. What is VITA?
A. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) provides free tax preparation services. All sites can e-file Federal Income Tax Returns, State Income Tax Returns, and all Credits including Earned Income Tax Credit, Home Heating Credits, and Homestead Property Tax Credits.

Q. What does VITA do in the Mid Michigan area?
A. Each year, the tax preparation program at Mid Michigan Community Action prepares hundreds of returns and brings thousands of dollars back into our local communities. In 2025, we filed over 900 returns bringing over $1 million back into Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola communities.

Q. What if I have multiple years of returns to file?
A. Let the scheduler know when you call how many years of returns you have. We may be able to assist with multiple years of returns, and each year requires a separate appointment.

Q. Who do I contact if I'm interested in having my taxes prepared or have questions?
A. Big Rapids: 231-660-0271
     Farwell: 989-386-3805
     Gladwin: 989-426-2801
     Reed City: 231-791-7078

Q. What documents will I need?
-Picture ID (required)
-Social Security Cards for all family members (required)
-Copy of 2024 return (if filed)
-Heating costs from 11/1/24 through 10/31/25
-Any 2025 tax forms that you have received, which may include:
  • Wage and earning statements from all employers (W2 or 1099)
  • Unemployment Compensation (1099-G)
  • Social Security(SSA-1099), Pension, Interest, and/or Dividend Income statements (1099s)
  • Social Security Income for all family members (award letter mailed December 2024)
  • Health Insurance information for all family members (1095s)
  • 2025 Property tax statements (paid and unpaid; summer and winter, if you receive both)
  • Annual child support statement
  • DHHS/DHS/FIA annual statement
  • Veterans Affairs statement of Service Related Disability (%) and monthly VA Disability Payment
  • Documentation of Self Employment Income and/or 1099 NEC and related expenses
  • Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) (issued to identity theft victims or by request)
-If a spouse passed in 2025, the surviving spouse needs a copy of the death certificate
-Bank account information if you want your return direct deposited

If married filing jointly, both spouses must be present at the appointment. If one spouse if unable to attend, the spouse attending must have power of attorney and all documentation for the absent spouse. There may be a delay in processing the return if the above documentation is not available the day of the appointment.

What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps workers and families get a tax break by reducing the tax they owe or giving them a larger refund.

Use the EITC Assistant to find out if you're eligible for the EITC.

​By law, refunds which include the EITC cannot be issued until mid-February.