Steve and Mindy's Corner

Accounting Aid's Tax Sites for the Jan-April 2010 Tax Season

Accounting Aid Society has 26 free tax preparation locations in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Livingston counties for the main tax season, operating through April 15.

Most locations offer walk-in first come, first served service. Some are by appointment only as noted. For seniors and those physically unable to visit a tax site, we offer a homebound program. Call us about the hombound program after February 1 at 313-556-1920 or toll-free at 866-673-0873.

Eligibility for our free service is based on annual household income:
$25,000 and under for an individual
$50,000 and under for a family (a married couple or a person with at least one dependent)

For a list of what to bring to a tax site to make sure you get all of the refunds and credits you deserve, click here.

For tax assistance whatever the season, Accounting Aid has three year-round neighborhood tax centers.

(A) = wheelchair accessible

DETROIT - EAST SIDE

Accounting Aid Society at Detroit Main Public Library (A)
5201 Woodward@ Warren 48202
Saturdays 1/30 - 4/10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesdays, Feb. 2-Feb. 23, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fridays, March 5-March 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Guided computer self-tax preparation available on Saturdays, beginning Feb.6.
(Closed 2/13)

Accounting Aid Society at Knapp Branch Library
13330 Conant @ E. Davison 48212
Saturdays 1/30 - 4/10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Closed 2/6 and 4/3)
Appointment only, call (313) 852-4283

Accounting Aid Society at Detroit DHS - Butzel Family Center (A)
7737 Kercheval @ Van Dyke 48214
Saturdays 1/30 - 4/10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (walk-in service)
Wednesdays 3/10 - 3/31 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (appointment only)
Call (313) 887-6656 for Wednesday evening appointment

Accounting Aid Society at Harper-Gratiot Multi-Service Center (A)
9641 Harper @ Gratiot 48213
Saturdays 1/30 - 4/10 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Accounting Aid Society at Chandler Branch Library
12800 Harper @ Dickerson 48213
Saturdays 1/30 - 4/10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Appointment only, call (313) 852-4346
Closed 4/3

Accounting Aid Society at Detroit Urban League (A)
208 Mack Avenue @ John R 48201
Saturdays 2/13, 3/6, 3/13, and 4/3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Appointment only, call (313) 831-5581

Accounting Aid Society's Osborn Neighborhood Tax Center (A)
4777 E. Outer Drive @ Van Dyke 48234
Tuesdays and Thursdays 1/21 - 4/15 from 12 noon to 7 p.m.
Wednesdays and Fridays 1/22 - 4/9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturdays 1/23 - 4/10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments preferrred, call (313) 368-5220
Utility assistance and other resource referrals are available

Accounting Aid Society's Northend Neighborhood Tax Center (A)
7700 Second Avenue @ Pallister, Suite 314 48202
Saturdays, 1/30 - 4/10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesdays 2/2 - 4/13, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursdays 2/4 - 4/15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments preferred, call (313) 556-1920 or toll-free 866-673-0873
Utility assistance and other resource referrals are available
Guided computer self-tax preparation available Mon., Wed. and Fri. from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tues. from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.;Thurs. from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

DETROIT - WEST SIDE

Accounting Aid Society at Detroit Main Public Library (A)
5201 Woodward@ Warren 48202
Saturdays 1/30 - 4/10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesdays, Feb. 2-Feb. 23, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fridays, March 5-March 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Guided computer self-tax preparation available on Saturdays, beginning Feb. 6.
(Closed 2/13)

Accounting Aid Society at Detroit DHS - Northwest Activities Center (A)
18100 Meyers @ Six Mile and Curtis 48235
Saturdays 1/30 - 4/10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Accounting Aid Society at Focus:HOPE (A)
1300 Oakman @ Linwood 48238
Saturdays 1/23 - 4/10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tuesdays through Fridays 1/26 - 4/9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Closed 4/2 and 4/3)

Accounting Aid Society at Duffield Branch Library
2507 W. Grand Blvd. @ 12th Street 48208
Saturdays 1/30 - 4/10 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
(Closed 2/20 and 4/3)
Appointment only, call (313) 224-6460

Accounting Aid Society's Northwest Neighborhood Tax Center (A)
19556 Grand River @ Evergreen 48223
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1/26 - 4/14 from 12 noon to 7 p.m.
Thursdays and Fridays 1/21 - 4/15 from 9 a.m to 4 p.m.
Saturdays 1/23 - 4/10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments preferred, call (313) 531-1829 or (313) 531-1Tax
Utility assistance and other resource referrals are available

Accounting Aid Society's Southwest Neighborhood Tax Center (A)
8634 W. Vernor @ Lawndale 48209
Tuesdays and Thursdays 1/21 - 4/15 from 12 noon to 7 p.m.
Wednesdays and Fridays 1/22 - 4/9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturdays 1/23 - 4/10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Appointments preferred, call (313) 554-2884
Bilingual (Spanish) services available
Utility assistance and other resource referrals are available

Accounting Aid Society at State Rep. Rashida Tlaib's Office (A)
1401 Lawndale @ Holmer 48209
Thursdays and Saturdays 2/6-4/3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WAYNE COUNTY - SUBURBS

Accounting Aid Society at ACCESS
Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services
Two locations:
6451 Schaefer @ Ford Road 48126 (A)
Saturdays 2/6 - 2/27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
2651 Saulino Court @ Dix 48120 (A)
Saturdays 3/6 - 3/13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bilingual (Arabic) services available

Accounting Aid Society at River Rouge Senior Center (A)
10625 W. Jefferson @ Coolidge 48218
Wednesdays 2/3 - 3/31 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.


OAKLAND COUNTY

Accounting Aid Society at Lighthouse Community Development (A)
46156 Woodward @ Cottage, Pontiac 48342
Tuesdays 2/2-4/9 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursdays 2/4-4/8 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Appointments only on Tues. & Thurs., call 248-920-6060, ext. 2411
Walk-in serice Saturdays, 1/30 - 4/10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
(Closed 4/3)

Accounting Aid Society at Oakland-Livingston Human Services Agency (A)
196 Cesar Chavez @ Baldwin, Pontiac 48342
Saturdays 1/30 - 4/10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday evenings 2/3 - 3/31 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Bilingual (Spanish) services available

Accounting Aid Society at Pontiac Consumers Energy (A)
1030 Featherstone @ Opdyke, Pontiac 48073
Saturdays 1/30 - 4/10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Accounting Aid Society at Royal Oak Consumers Energy (A)
4600 Coolidge @ 14 MIle, Royal Oak 48073
Saturdays, 1/30 - 4/10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Accounting Aid Socity at Royal Oak Township Parks and Recreation Center
21272 Mendota @ Cloverdale, Ferndale 48220
Tuesdays, Feb. 16 and Feb. 23, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
By appointment, call 248-209-2692

Accounting Aid Society at Southfield Department of Human Services (A)
26000 Evrgreen @ Civic Center Drive, Southfield 48076
Wednesdays, 2/3 - 4/7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Services for Southfield Residents Only
Appointment only, call (248) 796-4540

MACOMB COUNTY

Accounting Aid Society at Center Line Senior Center
25355 Lawrence by 10 Mile and Van Dyke, Center Line 48015
Saturdays 1/30 - 4/10 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Appointment only, call (586) 757-1610
American Sign Language service available on Saturday, Feb. 13.

Accounting Aid Society at Samaritan House (A)
62324 Van Dyke, between 28 and 29 Mile roads, Washington 48094
Thursdays 1/28 - 3/25 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturdays 1/30 - 3/27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Appointment only, call (586) 336-9956

LIVINGSTON COUNTY

Accounting Aid Society at Brighton Senior Center (A)
850 Spencer @ Main, Brighton 48116
Mondays through Wednesdays 1/25 - 3/31 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturdays 1/30 - 3/27 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Appointment only, call (810) 299-3817

Accounting Aid Society at Cleary University - Howell Campus (A)
3750 Cleary College Drive @ E. Grand River, Howell 48843
Saturdays 1/30 - 4/10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:

· Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.

· Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

· First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

· Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

If you purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please consult your accountant for applicable 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit qualifications.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Is Available?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?

Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by tow additional factors:

1. The price of the home.

2. The buyer's income.

Price

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

Buyer Income

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective on November 7, 2009, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

These income limits have changed from the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits. If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.