Tax Assistance Program

The Otsego County Commission on Aging, in partnership with RSVP, will again be offering a Free Tax Assistance Program for the older adults of Otsego County. The program is targeted toward those who are 60 years of age or older older and living on lower incomes. Appointments are also available for adults under age 60 who are living on lower incomes, or who are living with a disability.

Returns are prepared by RSVP volunteers who have been certified through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), a program sponsored by the IRS (Internal Revenue Service). Through VITA, all volunteers receive training to help prepare basic returns and must pass a test before they become certified volunteers. Six VITA-certified volunteers with prior tax return preparation experience are available to do appointments for this year's program.

RSVP Volunteer Tax Preparers

Where are returns prepared?

Tax clinics will be scheduled at three different locations in Otsego County this year. To learn the dates of the clinics available in your community, click on one of the following community links.

Gaylord: uploads/file/2010%20Alten%20Zimmer%20Tax%20Poster.pdf

Vanderbilt: uploads/file/2010%20Vanderbilt%20Tax%20Poster.pdf

Waters: uploads/file/2010%20WatersTax%20Poster.pdf

Do I need an appointment?

Yes! To schedule an appointment, you may contact OCCOA on the "Contact Us" page found at the top right-hand corner of this website. You may also call us at (989) 732-1122.

What should I plan to bring to my appointment?

Please bring any tax notices you received for 2009; rent receipts for 2009; 2009 tax forms; amounts of social security payments, and other public assistance, such as SSI (Social Security Income) for 2009; records of any 2009 wages and salaries; 2009 pension records; 2009 heating bills; 2009 property tax statements; any bills of sale for new cars purchased in 2009; copy of your 2008 tax return and accompanying paperwork; and the bank account type, account number, and bank routing number if you plan to have your refund direct deposited.

Is there a charge for the program?

There is no charge for the preparation of your return, but donations to OCCOA or RSVP are always welcomed and will help offset the administrative costs of the program. Write "Tax Program" on the memo line of your check and mail to either of the following addresses:

Otsego County Commission on Aging
120 Grandview Blvd.
Gaylord, MI 49735

RSVP
116 E. Fifth St.
Gaylord, MI 49735