IRS & Michigan Partners Mark Super Saturday March 21 to Help Taxpayers

Press Release from IRS Michigan

DETROIT — The Internal Revenue Service and a number of its community partners throughout Michigan will open their doors on Saturday, March 21, to help people with free tax preparation.

The IRS will open five of its Michigan offices (Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Saginaw and Traverse City) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Community partners at sites throughout the state will also be open on March 21. While tax return preparation is limited to those who earn $42,000 or less, there is no income limitation for people seeking IRS assistance for services such as working out payment arrangements or answering tax law questions.

“We at IRS want Super Saturday service to make it a little easier for people to get free help with their taxes. IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers aren’t usually open on Saturdays but we’re trying to go the extra mile in these difficult times,” said Luis D. Garcia, IRS Spokesman. “Super Saturday will help lots of people get credits and deductions they may not have been aware of but are in fact eligible for.”

First Timers

Many people in Michigan may be eligible for certain tax credits for the first time ever due to reduced income. For example, the Earned Income Tax Credit is for people who work but who do not earn a lot of money. The EITC adds an extra $2,000 benefit on average and can worth as much as $4,824.

People who earn $42,000 or less can have their tax return prepared by the IRS or a trained community volunteer at a number of participating locations. Filing a tax return may also be the fastest way to get some extra money. Taxpayers who electronically file their tax returns and who use direct deposit can receive their refunds in as few as 10 days. Approximately 83 percent of Michigan taxpayers receive a refund.

What to Bring

People who want their tax returns prepared should bring the following information:

# Valid driver’s license or photo identification (self and spouse, if applicable)

# Social Security cards for all persons listed on the return

# Dates of birth for all persons listed on the return

# All income statements: Forms W-2, 1099, Social Security, Unemployment, or other benefits statements, self-employment records and any documents showing taxes withheld

# Dependent child care information: payee’s name, address and Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification Number.

# Proof of account at financial institution for direct debit or deposit (i.e. cancelled/voided check or bank statement)

# Prior year tax return (if available)

# Any other pertinent documents or papers

Options

People who owe taxes but who cannot pay should contact the IRS as soon as possible. Regardless of income, people who need payment options can get help at an IRS office. The IRS can help set up an installment payment plan or a deferred payment plan. It is important that people contact IRS so they can avoid penalties and interest that will make their tax bill even higher.

Alternatives

For those who don’t want to make a trip:

-The IRS web site remains the best place to go for answers and access to forms and publications. IRS also offers free electronic tax preparation including the Free File program on IRS.gov.

-IRS customer service telephone lines, 1-800-829-1040, also will be available on Super Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer tax questions.

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Locations and hours of operation of Super Saturday sites are available at IRS.gov, keyword Super Saturday. People without computer access can call 1-800-906-9887 to find a nearby IRS or partner office.

Michigan IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers
Detroit 477 Michigan Avenue Detroit, MI 48226 
Flint   815 S. Saginaw, Flint, MI 48502
Grand Rapids    3251 N. Evergreen Dr. N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49525    
Saginaw 4901 Towne Centre, Saginaw, MI 48604  
Traverse City   2040 N. US 31 South, Traverse City, MI 49684  

Luis D. Garcia
IRS Media Relations