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It’s that time of year again…tax season! Taxes can be complicated in a good year, but how do you even begin to start your taxes during a pandemic where usual support systems (like senior centers) aren’t operating as usual? Below is a rundown of community programs that help with filing taxes. Remember to start your taxes sooner rather than later this year, since the process could take longer!

Note: Agencies may have changed their hours, adjusted their services, or temporarily closed due to Covid 19. Call ahead before visiting agencies. 

Local Resources 

• Chelsea District Library– tax forms are available 24/7 in library vestibule.
• Housing Bureau for Seniors– offers Tax assistance during tax season via AARP Tax Assistance Program (do not need to be AARP member to participate). Available dates for the upcoming tax season to be announced before the 2021 tax season.  Call the office at (734) 998-9339 for more information. 
• St. Francis of Assisi Parish – offers tax preparation assistance to individuals that make $45,000.00 or less. Call the parish office at (734) 821-2121 to make an appointment to drop off your return.  Services offered February through April 2021. Assistance also available in Spanish.
• Ypsilanti District Library – Tax forms available for pickup (curbside only). AARP Tax appointments available and involve three visits to library. All tax services will be provided curbside only. Call branch to schedule an appointment.  
  • AARP tax Appointments are offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at the Michigan Ave & Whittaker Rd locations.  
    • YDL-Michigan: (734) 482-4110, x2421 
    • YDL-Whittaker: (734) 482-4110, x2411 

National Resources 

• AARP Tax Aide– provides in-person and virtual tax assistance to anyone free of charge with a special focus on taxpayers who are over 50 or have low to moderate income. Program generally runs from February 12 to April 15.  
• Accounting Aid Society– Available to those with an annual household income of $57,000 or less.  Offers a remote service where IRS certified tax preparers will work to complete tax returns via phone. Must have a smartphone and an email address to submit documents. 

May have wait list (unfortunately we had difficulty getting responses) 

• University of Michigan Law School Low Income Taxpayer Clinic– helps low-income taxpayers with various issues — IRS notices, liens and levies, innocent/injured spouse relief, tax audits and more — when the amount in dispute is $50,000 or less per tax year. Call (734) 936-3535 to schedule an appointment.  
• United Way of Washtenaw County Free Assisted Tax Preparation– at this time, all appointments for the 2021 tax season are scheduled remotely. Schedule online or call 2-1-1. Appointments start February 1.