United Way of Southwest Michigan is providing free tax preparation for low-income working families in Berrien or Cass counties.
The VITA Program offers free tax help to people who made less than $54,000 in 2016 and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
To schedule an appointment, call 2-1-1 or (800) 310-5454. The VITA hours of operation are from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Niles District Library on the following dates:
• Feb. 2, 9, 16 and 23
• March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
• April 6 and 13
Nancy Studebaker-Barringer is the director of the Niles District Library, a 2017 VITA site located at 620 E. Main St. in Niles. Nancy recently spoke with United Way about her experience with VITA and why the library is involved.

When did you become involved with VITA and why is this program so meaningful to you?
I was first involved with VITA more than 20 years ago at a library in my home state in Missouri. The VITA program is one of the few programs I know of that puts real dollars in the pocket of people who work for poverty wages. They do this by helping make sure they get all the tax returns they can and all the Earned Income Credit they qualify for.

Many VITA sites are at libraries. Why do you think it’s important that libraries get involved?
For decades, libraries have been the primary source for people to pick up their tax forms. In many communities, including Niles, libraries are the only place the forms are available. So we are a natural site for this service.

Do you have any success stories that stand out from your experience with this program?
Most businesses use returning customers as a measure of success. By that standard, VITA is a very successful program. We see new people each year, but there are many patrons who have been coming to the library for tax assistance for many years.

Have you seen any changes
to VITA over the years?
Absolutely. The most obvious change is that it has gone from paper and pencil to computer returns. The number of people who know about the service and want to use it grows each year.
Some things that have not changed are the diligence and dedication of the volunteers and, unfortunately, the shortage of volunteers is a challenge every year. I would recommend this as a great volunteer opportunity for anyone who wants to make a real impact on the life of a friend in their community.

MYFREETAXES
People who made less than $64,000 in 2016 have an opportunity to file their taxes for no cost. United Way has teamed up with H&R Block to offer MyFreeTaxes.com, which is a site that allows people to file their state and federal taxes for free.
Through online or phone assistance, MyFreeTaxes.com tax coaches assist individuals as they learn to navigate tax returns and help answer simple filing questions.
For more information about the United Way of Southwest Michigan visit uwsm.org.