The COA’s volunteer AARP Foundation Tax-Aide team will be preparing tax returns from February 3 until April 10. The returns are prepared Mondays through Wednesdays at the Lowe Center in Cassopolis and on Thursdays at Front Street Crossing in Dowagiac. The team’s focus is preparing returns for retired persons and seniors. All returns are prepared on an appointment only basis, and there is no charge for preparing or e-filing the returns.

To schedule an appointment, please call the COA at (269) 445- 8110. The number of slots is limited and filled on a first come-first served basis. Please do not select a date before your statements and other tax documents usually arrive. For example, if you receive certain documents in the middle of March please schedule a date after that time. After making an appointment you will receive a letter in the mail.

The team prepares Federal and full-year resident Michigan tax returns. This includes the Michigan property tax credit and the home heating credit for those who qualify. Michigan has expanded the eligibility for property tax credits and increased the maximum amount that can be paid. The team also prepares Indiana Reciprocal returns for Michigan residents who work in Indiana.

Please note, the team cannot prepare tax returns involving farm income (other than Land Rental with no claimed expenses), rental properties, small businesses with net losses or expenses exceeding $25,000, or cancellation of debts other than for nonbusiness credit cards. The team also cannot prepare taxes for residents of other states or part-year residents.

In addition to the Tax-Aide program at the COA, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program also prepares tax returns at the Cass District Library in Cassopolis.