New nonprofit helps resolve tax debt for free

Thousands of people in West Michigan are in debt to the IRS.  On top of the taxes they cannot pay, the government is charging ridiculous interest for late payments.  You can hire a law firm to help negotiate payment plans and possibly reduce those rates.  Unfortunately, by the time you have finished paying, you usually will have paid more than the original debt.   In West Michigan there has been nowhere else for people to turn for help until now.  

Pete Julius and Brad Ritter have started The Tax Resolution Center of West Michigan, a non-profit agency, located in Grand Rapids, dedicated to helping eligible families  resolve tax debt.  It is their mission is to help low to middle income families in the West Michigan area that have tax controversies with the IRS or State of Michigan free of charge.  To be eligible you must make less than $27,0000 single income or $33,000 as a dual income family.  The TRC West Michigan is structured to be compliant with the qualifications of a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC) as defined by the Taxpayer Advocate, TRC West Michigan’s mission is to protect the rights of low-income taxpayers involved in tax controversies by providing them with experienced Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Attorneys, and Enrolled Agents (EAs).

This organization is only 3 months old but they are already assisting families with their tax resolution issues.  In addition to protecting taxpayer’s rights, TRC West Michigan plans to promote tax compliance and economic stability among low-income taxpayers by providing education, training, and mentors.

TRC West Michigan depends upon both paid staff and volunteers to provide low-income taxpayers with free representation, education, and training.  Since there is no charge for services, the Tax Resolution Center of West Michigan relies heavily upon the support of the surrounding community.    Currently the staff includes an Executive Director, a Case Manager, and a Tax Manager. Some of TRC West Michigan’s volunteers include an Assistant Director, a Client Services Specialist, CPAs, EAs, Tax Attorneys, Mentors, and Interns.  They need more volunteers.  They especially need to find some spanish speaking CPA’s, EA’s, lawyers, and interns who would be wiling to volunteer their time and services.  You do not have to have a background in tax law to help.  You don’t even have to like numbers.

TRC West Michigan is in the process of obtaining 501(c)3 non-profit status.  In the mean time they are continuing to search for funding form public and private organizations.  If you are interested in learning more about volunteering or about possibly inquiring about TRC West Michigan services, look up their website at http://taxresolutioncenterwestmi.com.