Free tax preparation for those who can't afford it

DETROIT - Members of the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA) will volunteer their tax preparation expertise to help low income individuals and families in Detroit as part of the Accounting Aid Society’s (AAS) 2012 “Tax Assistance Program”. The MACPA will once again participate in the AAS Adopt-A-Site program by preparing taxes at Focus: HOPE on Saturday, January 28, Saturday, February 4 and Saturday, February 11.

Eligibility for the free service is an annual income of $25,000 or less for an individual or less than $50,000 for a family. Volunteers assist clients with local, state and federal tax filings. In 2011, 29 MACPA volunteers brought nearly $178,000 back to the Detroit community in refunds during the three-day program. One hundred and fifty low-income individuals and families were served. MACPA is a diversified, professional, member-driven organization serving nearly 18,000 CPAs and affiliated professionals throughout Michigan.

In addition to partnering with AAS for the Tax Assistance Program, MACPA has also teamed with the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program (BCCCP). They will be there to talk to female attendees and to offer appointments for breast and cervical cancer screening.

The events will be held Saturday, January 28, February 4 and February 11, 2012 at Focus: HOPE, 1300 Oakman (at Linwood), Detroit, MI 48238. Tax preparation begins at 9:00 a.m. Clients are advised to arrive before then.