Accounting Aid Society and AARP offers free tax preparation for the 2012 tax year by volunteers at three Detroit Public Library locations.  In addition to the libraries, Accounting Aid Society is offering free tax assistance at more than 25 other locations throughout southeast Michigan. Seniors and those physically unable to visit a tax site can use Accounting Aid’s homebound tax service. For details, call the agency at 866-763-0873 or visit www.accountingaidsociety.org.

Eligibility guidelines for this free service are based on annual household income:

 Maximum Income
 Individuals        $35,000
 Families            $50,000

This free service includes preparation of federal, state, and city tax returns, and application for credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, First-Time Homebuyer Credit, Home Heating Credit, Homestead Property Tax Credit, and Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Incentives.

Walk-in Service Locations
(First Come, First Served)
At Main Library people must take a number when the door opens to “Old Children’s”.  

Form one line at “Old Children’s Door.”  Line frequently starts forming half hour before door opens.  People in line receive a number when Door opens and are served in number order.  The Door opens at 10am on Saturdays and ... only in February ... the door opens at 4pm on Tuesdays.  On Saturdays approximately 40 – 50 people will be helped on a first come, first served basis, depending on the number of AAS volunteers present.  On Tuesdays about 15 to 20 people will be helped.  At Main Library the line forms well in advance of the door opening at the “Old Children’s” entrance.

Main Library:  313.481.1406
5201 Woodward Avenue
(N. of Warren) (use “Old Children’s” Entrance only.  Door opens 10am Saturday and 4pm Tuesday)

Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
January 26 – April 13, 2013
(except February 16 & March 30)

Tuesdays, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
February 5 – February 26, 2013

Edison Branch: 313.481.1720
18400 Joy Rd. (W. of Southfield Fwy)

Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
February 5- April 9, 2013
This location is sponsored by the AARP and services primarily low-income senior citizens.  No appointments, Walk-ins only.  First come, first serve.  Space is limited

By Appointment Only Locations

Duffield Branch:  313.481.1710
2507 W. Grand Blvd. (E. of 14th)

Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
January 26 – April 13, 2013
Call the branch for an appointment day and time as far in advance as possible.

Knapp Branch:  313.481.481.1770
13330 Conant (S. of E. Davison)

Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
January 24– April 11, 2013
(At this location, appointments may be made only by phone. Call 313.556-1920

Douglass Branch: 313-481-1700
3666 Grand River

Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
February 6 - April 10

Documents to Bring

For tax assistance, bring driver’s license or state ID; Social Security numbers for yourself (and spouse and dependents if applicable); and income statements or forms such as W-2s, unemployment, pension, Social Security, child support, and miscellaneous Income.

To claim deductions or credits for home purchase, energy-efficiency upgrades, medical expenses, dependent care expense, or student loan interest or tuition, bring all supporting documents.

For the Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit, homeowners need to bring proof of the taxable value of the home, plus property tax bills from 2012.  Renters need to bring lease agreements, rent receipts, and landlord’s name and address.

For the Michigan Home Heating Credit, bring proof of the amount spent on heating your home for the year.  Contact your heat provider for this information, or find it on your December, January, and February statements.  For 2012 taxes, the period will be 11/1/2011 to 10/31/2012. This credit is available for renters as well as homeowners.

To have federal and state refunds directly deposited to a bank or credit union account, bring institution name and routing number, and your account number.