DAVENPORT UNIVERSITY OFFERS FREE TAX FILING ASSISTANCE 

Many low- and middle- income families qualify for free filing 

Student and faculty volunteers from Davenport University will kick off this year’s free income tax preparation sessions on Monday, January 26. 

Free assistance will be available to low- and middle- income tax-filers (less than $42,000 in total family income) in the academic building at Davenport University’s campus (6191 Kraft Avenue, S.E. near M-6 at Broadmoor) and Fulton Street location (415 East Fulton St.). 

The volunteers are providing their assistance in conjunction with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a cooperative effort of the Internal Revenue Service and many organizations that train volunteers to prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. As volunteers, students have been certified by the IRS to participate. 

“This volunteer effort gives students a chance to have some real-world work experience with actual clients while also benefiting those who need assistance completing their tax returns,” said Deb Kiss, Davenport University department coordinator for accounting and finance. 

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 and spouse, social security numbers for dependents and 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 2007 taxable value of their home and property taxes. 

Last year the VITA program assisted more than 200 clients at both Davenport locations. The program in general has 19 sites throughout Grand Rapids and assisted in filing more than $6 Million in tax returns across Kent County last year. 

These free services are available at these times, running January 26 – April 15: 

Davenport University campus (6191 Kraft Avenue, S.E. near M-6 at Broadmoor)
Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 

Fulton Street location (415 East Fulton Street)
Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 

For more information or to schedule an appointment call (616) 742-1730. Walk-ins are also welcome. 

About Davenport University
Davenport University – the only west Michigan-based private university specializing in business, technology and health professions – serves an enrollment of approximately 11,000 students at its campus in Grand Rapids, locations throughout Michigan, and online. Davenport focuses on innovative, practical and affordable education and offers graduate and undergraduate programs. More information is available at www.davenport.edu