Davenport students provide free tax help to West Michigan low-income individuals, families

Appointments available in Holland, Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, Allendale, and Wyoming areas

Davenport University students and faculty and a host of community volunteers are manning eight tax assistance centers in West Michigan this year, providing low-income families and individuals assistance with their 2022 tax returns. All volunteers are IRS-certified.

Once again Davenport University, the West Michigan VITA Collegiate Partnership, and the IRS-sponsored VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, are partnering with community groups to help families, seniors, and persons with disabilities e-file their tax returns, returning millions of dollars in tax refunds and credits to those who need them the most. The program is open to individuals and families earning $60,000 or less.

“This program is a win-win,” said Dr. Richard J. Pappas, president of Davenport University. “It’s an opportunity for our students to provide a valuable community service, and help our West Michigan neighbors earn their much-needed tax refunds and credits, while also learning valuable skills that align with their career goals.”

Since 2010, more than 90,000 volunteer hours have been recorded and $85 million in refunds filed. In 2022 alone, almost 4,000 individuals in West Michigan received services.

“We help West Michigan families receive tax refunds and credits that enable them to stay in their homes, feed their families, keep the lights on, and save for the future,” said Scott Gumieny, CPA, Davenport University accounting instructor and program coordinator.

Many locations are appointment only. People can visit taxhelp.davenport.edu or call 2-1-1 in Kent or Ottawa County to learn more and make an appointment. Individuals with earnings that are above $60,000 but below $73,000 can file their federal and state taxes free by visiting My free Taxes.

“Participants are encouraged to schedule early,” said Gumieny, “and keep their appointment. If a cancellation is needed, it should be made early to allow as many individuals as possible to take advantage of the services.”

If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, visit taxhelp.davenport.edu for more information.