​Schedule Your Appointment

Scheduling for free tax preparation opens each January.

Call or text your local office to schedule your appointment. We offer in-person and drop-off tax preparation services in:
When you call or text, let us know if you have more than one year of taxes to file so we can schedule enough time.

​What to Bring to Your Appointment

​Having your documents ready helps your appointment go smoothly.
 
If you are married filing jointly, both spouses must be present at the appointment, or the attending spouse must bring power of attorney and all documentation for the other spouse.
 
Please bring any that apply to you or your family, including:
 
Required:
  • Picture ID
  • Social Security cards for all family members. You must have your card and not just the number.
 
Important documents (as they apply to you):
  • Copy of your 2024 tax return (if filed)
  • Heating costs from 11/1/24 through 10/31/25
  • Wage and earning statements from all employers (W-2 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 (1095s)
  • 2025 property tax statements (paid and unpaid; summer and winter, if you receive both)
  • Annual child support statement
  • Annual statement of cash assistance
  • Veterans Affairs statement of service-related disability (%) and monthly VA disability payment
  • Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), if you have one
 
If these apply to you:
  • If a spouse passed in 2025: a copy of the death certificate
  • Bank account information for direct deposit. Checks are no longer available from the IRS.
 
Our volunteers are not able to estimate income. You’ll need all of your required forms before your return can be filed. 

​Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is VITA?
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is an IRS-supported program that provides free tax preparation for eligible individuals and families. Our sites can e-file federal and state returns and help with credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Home Heating Credit, and Homestead Property Tax Credit when you qualify. 

  • Who can get free tax preparation?
Our tax preparation services are for people with low to moderate incomes who are looking for free help filing their taxes. If you’re not sure whether you qualify, call us. We’ll talk through your situation. Most people who reach out for free tax preparation are eligible.

  • Where does Mid Michigan Community Action offer tax preparation?
We provide services in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties. 

  • Do I have to live in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, or Osceola County?
No. Our tax sites are located in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties, but anyone who can travel to one of our sites is welcome to schedule an appointment.

  • What if I have multiple years to file?
When you call to schedule, let us know how many years you need to file. In many cases, we can help with multiple years, but each year requires its own appointment.

  • Can you help with business income?
No. Our tax preparation sites cannot prepare returns that include business income, farm income, or self-employment income. We can file railroad retirement income and military income.

  • Does it cost anything?
No. Our tax preparation services are free for eligible customers. You do not pay a fee for your appointment or for us to e-file your return.

  • What if I need to change or cancel my appointment?
If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please call us as soon as you can. Letting us know early helps us offer that time to someone else who is waiting for help.

  • Can I bring my children with me?
Children are welcome, but appointments go more smoothly when you can focus on your tax return.

If you do bring children, please bring anything they might need to stay comfortable, such as snacks, toys, or something quiet to do.

  • What if I don’t have all my forms yet?
It’s important to wait until you have all of your tax forms before we file your return. We are not able to estimate income or guess about missing information.

If you’re missing a W-2, 1099, or other statement, you may be able to download it from your employer, bank, or benefits provider. Property taxes must be the bill and not the assessment or receipt of payment. We can talk about what you still need when you call to schedule.

  • Can you tell me where my refund is?
Once your return has been filed, it is with the IRS to process. We can help you file your return, but we cannot track your refund or see where it is in the process.

To check your refund status, use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool

​Volunteer With the Tax Preparation Team

Each year, we build a volunteer team to support our free tax preparation program. Volunteer roles include both tax and non-tax positions. Volunteers help community members file their taxes safely and accurately and play an important role in supporting income stability for local households.

You don’t need prior tax experience. We provide IRS-approved training and the tools you’ll need, such as:
  • Greeting and welcoming customers
  • Helping with scheduling and paperwork
  • Assisting with tax return preparation after training

Volunteer opportunities are available in Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties, as well as virtual opportunities.

To get started as a tax preparation volunteer, you can:
  • Visit our Volunteer Portal