LANSING, Mich. — Free tax preparation sites around Michigan returned more than $153.8 million in refunds to households this year, and the state treasurer says they need more help before the next filing season starts.
State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks on Wednesday urged residents to sign up as volunteers with programs such as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, Tax Counseling for the Elderly and the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide. The sites prepare returns at no cost for low- and moderate-income families, older residents, people with disabilities and people for whom English is a second language.
The numbers from the 2026 season show the reach. The statewide network, coordinated by the nonprofit Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, served more than 90,000 Michigan households. Those filers kept an estimated $28.5 million they would otherwise have paid in preparation fees. Demand, the treasury department said, keeps rising faster than the volunteer pool.
In a statement, Eubanks said free filing help matters more than ever with household budgets stretched, since every refund dollar helps families and seniors cover everyday costs.
No tax background is needed. Volunteers get free training and IRS certification, can train online or in a classroom, and are placed with a sponsoring group near home. Most sites run on evenings and weekends, and there are roles for greeters and interpreters as well as preparers. People who speak a second language are in particular demand.
The IRS oversees the VITA and elderly counseling programs, which have operated for more than 50 years, while local sites are run by volunteers. Michiganders can sign up, or find a free site for their own return, at MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org.
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Filed under: Lansing MI Business News
