GRAND RAPIDS – Student and faculty volunteers from Davenport University are trained and ready to kick off free income tax preparation sessions, available to low- and middle- income tax-filers (less than $50,000 in total family income) at locations across West Michigan.

Volunteers are providing assistance in conjunction with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, a cooperative effort of the Internal Revenue Service and nonprofit groups that train volunteers to prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. As volunteers, accounting students have been certified by the IRS to participate. In addition to students from Davenport University, students at Aquinas College, Cornerstone University and Hope College are participating in the program.

?This volunteer effort gives students a chance to gain some real-world work experience with actual clients while also benefiting those who need assistance completing their tax returns,? said Deb Kiss, Department Chair for accounting and finance at Davenport University.

In 2012, the free tax preparation service will be available at 11 different sites across West Michigan, including Davenport University?s Peter C. Cook Center in downtown Grand Rapids and its W.A. Lettinga and Holland Campuses.

Tax assistance is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Those wishing to take advantage of the free program should bring the following paperwork with them:

? Picture ID and social security card for filer, social security numbers for spouse and dependents.

? Birth dates for primary, secondary and dependents on the tax return.

? Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers.

? Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099).

? A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available.

? Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit.

? Everything saying ?important tax document? on it.

? Rent information and landlord?s name(s) or 2010 taxable value of their home and property taxes.

The program will also be offering a new alternative method to e-file for free. Called the FAST or FreeFile program, clients can come to designated FAST sites and prepare their own taxes with the assistance of a tax coach. Clients can choose from three popular tax software options, including TaxSlayer, H&R Block TaxCut and Intuit?s Turbotax. The nice feature about this program is that people can efile state taxes for free and the income limits are higher. People whose income is $57,000 or less can take advantage of this method.

These free services are available at these locations and times:

Davenport University Peter C. Cook Center (Downtown Grand Rapids)

45 Ottawa Ave., Rm 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Through April 17, Tuesdays: 5 – 9 p.m., Saturdays: 9 a.m. ? Noon

Davenport University W.A. Lettinga Campus (FAST site ),

6191 Kraft Ave. SE, Rm 222,

Grand Rapids, MI 49512,

Through April 14,

Fridays: 4:30 ? 8:30 p.m.,

Saturdays: 9:30 a.m. ? 12:30 p.m.

Davenport University Holland Campus (FAST site )

643 S Waverly Rd, Rm 204,

Holland, MI 49423,

Through April 13,

Fridays: 9 a.m. ? 4 p.m.

ACSET Community Action Tax Center (FAST site )

121 Franklin St. SE,

Grand Rapids, MI 49507,

Through April 17,

Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.,

Wednesdays: 4 – 8 p.m.

The Source,

1409 Buchanan SW,

Grand Rapids, MI 49507,

Through April 14,

Mondays: 6 – 9 p.m.,

Thursdays: 1 ? 7 p.m.,

Saturdays: 9 a.m. ? Noon

Kentwood Public Library,

4950 Breton Rd SE,

Grand Rapids, MI 49508,

Through April 14,

Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wyoming City Hall,

1155 28th St SW,

Wyoming, MI 49509,

Through April 17,

Tuesdays: Noon – 4 p.m.

Hope Network,

775 36th St.,

Wyoming, MI 49548,

Through April 13,

Fridays: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Lamont Christian School,

5260 Leonard St,

Coopersville, MI 49404,

Through April 14,

Mondays: 6 – 9 p.m.,

Saturdays: 9 a.m. ? Noon

Hastings Public Library

227 E State St

Hastings, MI 49058

Jan. 28 ? April 7, 2012

Saturday: 9 a.m. – Noon; Feb 11; Apr 7

Saturday: 9 a.m. -2 p.m.; Jan. 28; Feb. 25; March 10, 24

Hope College, Martha Miller Center,

141 East 12th St, Rm 240,

Holland, MI 49423,

Through April 12,

Thursdays: 7 – 9 p.m.,

Saturdays: 9 – 11 a.m.

To schedule an appointment, call 616-871-6147 or click on Taxhelp.Davenport.Edu

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