Accounting Aid Society provides tax assistance and promotes the economic self-sufficiency of low-income families, seniors and others in need through volunteerism and partnerships.

Description:
Accounting Aid operates one of the nation's oldest free volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) programs. In 2012, more than 600 volunteers assisted over 20,000 families at our tax preparation sites throughout southeastern Michigan. Our efforts helped our clients receive $23.5 million in much-needed credits and refunds such as the Earned Income Credits, Homestead Property Credits, and Home Heating Credits.

Volunteer training in the tax law and use of the computers is usually scheduled in December. Volunteers use laptop computers and file many returns electronically. Tax preparation sites are open Saturdays and some evenings during the tax season -- late January through mid-April. In the summer months, tax services are available at our five year-round Neighborhood Tax Centers for middle- to low-income people who did not meet current or past year tax deadlines.

Along with individual volunteers -- from college-age students to retirees -- we receive tax volunteers and other support from organizations such as Masco Corporation, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan, DTE Energy, Ford Motor Company, GM Tech Center, Comerica and the Michigan Association of CPAs, among others.

Accounting Aid offers year-round tax assistance, counseling and related services.

For those whose primary language is not English, regardless of income, we provide free information about tax rights and responsibilities through our Low-Income Tax Clinic, funded by the IRS. This includes help with federal tax issues including Individual Tax Identification Numbers, filing requirements and credits.

Assistance for middle- to low-income taxpayers in resolving tax disputes with the IRS is also part of our Low-Income Tax Clinic. Dispute assistance includes audits, EITC denials, collection liens and levies and help in obtaining innocent and injured spouse relief, installment agreements and offers in compromise.

History:
Accounting Aid Society was founded in 1972 by a group of accountants interested in serving their community. The Tax Assistance Program was started in 1976. Since then, Accounting Aid has returned more than $239 million in tax returns and credits to middle- and low-income individuals and families.

Contact people:

Ed Seggerson, Seasonal Volunteer Coordinator, (313) 556-1920, (email) Marshall Hunt, Director, Tax assistance Program, (313) 556-1920, (email) Vicky Billington, Communications Coordinator, (313) 556-1920, (email)

Address:

7700 Second Avenue, Suite 314 Detroit, MI 48202 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.accountingaidsociety.org

Directions:

This is the address for our headquarters,located in the New Center area. It is also the address for our Northend Neighborhood Tax Center, one of five centers open year-round. The others are in south Oakland County (Ferndale), northeast Detroit, northwest Detroit and southwest Detroit. During the main January-April tax season, we add more than 60 temporary locations throughout southeast Michigan, mainly in libraries, community centers, and other public locations.

Last updated on August 1, 2012