CEDAM convenes the Michigan Economic Impact Coalition (MEIC), a statewide network of free tax preparation providers dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, no-cost income tax services.
Each year, thousands of low- and moderate-income Michigan families overlook significant financial resources by missing out on eligible tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). Community-based, volunteer-powered programs like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), and Tax-Aide provide a vital solution.
These programs ensure Michiganders:
- Claim every earned credit and deduction to maximize their refund
- File accurately to avoid costly mistakes and penalties
- Build long-term financial stability through trusted, no-cost support
Our role: Strengthening the Field
Through the MEIC, CEDAM supports free tax preparation practitioners so they can focus on their core mission: serving their communities. By providing coordination and shared infrastructure, we ensure programs do not have to recreate existing tools. Our work is centered on:
- Reducing duplication of administrative and outreach efforts
- Increasing efficiency through shared systems and statewide coordination
- Improving quality and consistency across all Michigan service sites
- Fostering shared learning and collective advocacy for systems change
What We Provide
For more than a decade, CEDAM has led the MEIC to build field capacity and protect taxpayers.
Key activities include:
- Technical Assistance and Funding: Providing 1:1 support and grant opportunities to programs at all stages of development
- Resource Development: Hosting trainings and creating tools designed to enhance local program operations
- Centralized Infrastructure: Managing MichiganFreeTaxHelp.org, the state’s primary hub for free tax preparation information
- Statewide Campaigns: Coordinating outreach and volunteer recruitment efforts, such as the Home Heating Credit awareness initiative
- The First Friday Newsletter: Publishing a monthly digest of news, tools, deadlines, and opportunities for providers
The MEIC provides a suite of tools designed to help practitioners expand their reach and maintain high standards of service, including:
- Free Tax Prep Communication Toolkit: A collection of customizable materials, including Canva templates and ready-to-use content to help programs connect with eligible filers.
- Home Heating Credit Toolkits: Specialized resources for both tax prep providers and community partners to raise awareness of this critical Michigan credit.
Join the Coalition
All free tax preparation providers in Michigan are welcome to join the MEIC. By joining the coalition, you gain access to a network of peers and receive our monthly First Friday newsletter.
POINT OF CONTACT
Madeleine March-Meenagh
Director of Economic Initiatives
madeleine@cedamichigan.org