• Hundreds of volunteers and staff offering expert tax preparation at no cost to Detroiters
• Quality of Detroit’s no-cost tax preparers returns among highest in nation according to IRS
• Last year, Detroiters received hundreds of millions in tax credits through the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit
• Increase to Michigan EITC means more money for residents this year
• All the information needed is available at getthetaxfacts.org

Today, Mayor Mary Sheffield joined with a coalition of community partners to announce a campaign to help all Detroiters access every dollar of federal and state tax credits they are eligible for by scheduling an appointment for best-in-the-nation, no-cost tax preparation. Through last year’s coordinated outreach in the City of Detroit, thousands of Detroit families were able to take advantage of the Earned Income and Child Tax Credit, bringing millions into their homes. This year, even more money is available in state credits thanks to 2023 legislation that increased the Michigan EITC five-fold.

Mayor Sheffield was joined by United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Accounting Aid Society, and Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency as they kicked off the 2026 income tax season today and outlined efforts to urge residents to claim their credits.

“My administration is intensely focused on getting more Detroit families and children out of poverty and making sure they receive the valuable tax credits is a very easy way to do that,” said Mayor Mary Sheffield.  “Through our partners, we have volunteers ready to help residents claim and receive the tax returns they are entitled to, so they can have the money they need to support their families.”

All residents with income less than $69,000 qualify for an expert tax preparation appointment at no cost to them. Last year the coalition partners filed more than 26,000 tax returns in the region. Audits by the IRS find they achieve better than a 98% accuracy rate, making them a leader in the nation. An IRS study of paid tax preparers found they achieve a 40% accuracy rate, meaning that Detroit’s coalition of no-cost tax preparers are far more accurate and their returns are at far less risk of penalties or audit.

As a result of the coalition’s work in 2024, Detroiters claimed more than $450 million in EITC refunds for tax year 2023, plus many millions more in Child Tax Credits. Prior to 2017, EITC-eligible Detroiters left an estimated $80 million of potential tax refunds unclaimed each year.

There are several cash payments available to low-income, working Detroit families, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, but you’ve got to file your taxes to claim these credits. Even if you don’t typically file your taxes or didn’t earn much in 2024, you may qualify for these payments. 

Mayor Mary Sheffield greets Detroit resident Cynthia Able, who has benefitted from the Earned Income Tax Credit, thanks to free tax preparation offered by Wayne Metro Community Action Agency and the Accounting Aid Society

Eligible Detroiters to receive text message reminders

The City of Detroit and its no-cost tax prep partners are using nation-leading strategies to communicate with low-income families who may be eligible for large tax refunds. This includes evidence-based text messages delivered in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).  Analysis by the United Way of Southeastern Michigan finds that on days when text messages go out, use of its online tax prep appointment scheduling tool triples and online bookings jump by 2.25 times. Today MDHHS partnered with the City of Detroit to send a text message about the availability of no-cost, highly accurate tax prep services to over 70,000 Detroit households on food aid.

“Too often, people miss out on tax refunds simply because they can’t afford professional tax prep help,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director. “This free service offered by the United Way of Southeastern Michigan and the city of Detroit will help put money back into the pockets of those who need it most. MDHHS is helping to ensure eligible families in Detroit are aware of this opportunity available to them at no cost.”

Starting today, residents can call 2-1-1 or visit getthetaxfacts.org to learn more and schedule an appointment.

EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT – Who is eligible?

For more than 50 years, the Earned Income Tax credit has been providing much-needed extra cash to hard-working families.  The EITC is available to working families and individuals who meet certain income requirements.  There are actually two EITC credits – a main credit when you file your federal tax return, and an additional credit when you file your state of Michigan tax return.  This year is the third year of new state legislation in which the Michigan credit is worth 5 times what it used to be.  That means more money in Detroiters’ pockets.

If you worked at all in 2025, you may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. The Earned Income Tax Credit provides extra income to workers with low to moderate incomes, up to $69,000.  The amount of the refund depends on income, filing status, and number of qualifying children claimed on tax returns.  For example, a single individual with no children who works and makes less than $19,104 could get back as much as $844. A married couple with three or more children who files a joint return, with a combined income of less than $68,675 could receive the maximum EITC of $10,460 between the federal and state credits.  Adults and children must have a Social Security Number to claim the EITC.

MICHIGAN EITC – 5X INCREASE

The Michigan EITC uses the same eligibility criteria as the federal EITC.  The amount of the Michigan credit is calculated as a percentage of the amount the family or individual receives from the federal EITC.  Previously, the Michigan EITC was calculated as 6% of the federal EITC.  For example, if a family qualified for a $3000 federal EITC refund, they received an additional $180 ($3000 x 6%) from the state of Michigan when filing their state taxes.  

Under the new law, now in its third year of implementation, the Michigan credit was increased to 30% of the federal credit.  In the same example, a family qualifying for a $3000 federal EITC refund will now receive an additional $900 ($3000 x 30%) from the state of Michigan.

CHILD TAX CREDIT – Who is eligible?

The Child Tax Credit provides $1700-2200 per child for qualifying families.

• Children under age 17 living in your home.
• If you are the child’s primary caregiver, you are likely eligible. You don’t need to be the child’s biological parent to qualify.
• You earned at least $2500 from working in 2025.
• You (or your spouse, if filing jointly) and the child(ren) must have a valid Social Security Number to claim the Child Tax Credit.

EXPERT TAX PREP AVAILABLE AT NO COST:

All residents with income less than $69,000 qualify for an expert tax preparation appointment at no cost to them.  For the 2026 tax season, Accounting Aid Society and Wayne Metro will offer primarily in-person tax prep services.  Drop-and-go and all-virtual appointments will also still be available.

"The Earned Income Tax Credit remains one of the most powerful tools for helping families build financial stability, and with Michigan’s 30% state match, it continues to create meaningful opportunities for working households,” said Priscilla Perkins, President and CEO of Accounting Aid Society. “As we enter the 2026 tax season, we are grateful for the continued partnership and support of the Mayor’s Office as we work together to provide no-cost tax preparation services and ensure every eligible family receives the credits they have earned. Together, we are strengthening Detroit - one family at a time." 

A communitywide coalition of partners last year helped Detroiters receive more than $450 million in earned income tax credits alone. Detroiter Tiffany Thomas (far right) used her Child Care Tax Credit checks over the years to help put her son through school.

SPREADING THE WORD:

This coalition is working to spread the word to those who are at the greatest risk of missing out, such as first-time parents who may not know they are eligible, non-traditional families where the biological parents are not the primary caregivers, families that don’t make much money and don’t normally file taxes, and families with limited English, limited education, and limited connections to social services.  

We are working with community-based organizations to meet families where they are with in-person outreach at community events, flyers at community locations, direct outreach to neighborhood residents, and more.  These efforts receive additional funding and support through the generosity of funding partners including Kresge Foundation, Ballmer Group, and Comerica.

The most important thing to know is that most Detroiters are eligible for expert tax preparation at no-cost, thanks to the help of hundreds of staff and volunteers from Accounting Aid Society and Wayne Metro. These IRS-certified non-profit partners specialize in helping low- and moderate-income individuals claim the credits they are entitled to.  They have a higher accuracy rate than most for-profit tax filing companies.

“Too many Wayne County households miss out on tax refunds simply because they don't know they qualify or they don't have access to trusted tax preparation services,” said Louis D. Piszker, Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. “Wayne Metro’s free certified tax services help remove those barriers and ensure that residents receive the full tax credits they’ve earned, putting real dollars back into the family budget.”

Through its extensive network of community resources, United Way will again lead this coalition - making sure Detroiters are connected to the help they need.

“At a time when families are feeling the pressure of rising costs and reduced federal supports, the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit are more important than ever,” said Darienne Hudson, president and CEO of United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “These credits provide real relief—helping families afford basic necessities, catch up on overdue bills, and regain financial stability while building a pathway to economic mobility. Alongside our partners at the City of Detroit, Accounting Aid Society, Wayne Metro, and others, we’re committed to ensuring every eligible household can access the full refund they deserve.”

Thousands of Detroiters have scheduled their appointments for tax help by calling 2-1-1 or going online at GetTheTaxFacts.org – you can too!