{"id":1688,"date":"2022-12-30T11:18:08","date_gmt":"2022-12-30T16:18:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unitedwaysem.org\/common\/"},"modified":"2026-03-16T17:03:24","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T21:03:24","slug":"common","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/unitedwaysem.org\/es\/resources\/tax-preparation-assistance\/common\/","title":{"rendered":"Preguntas frecuentes sobre impuestos"},"parent":361,"template":"","class_list":["post-1688","resource","type-resource","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"details":{"description":"","image":"","program_theme":false,"topic":false,"icon":{"icon_icon":""}},"page_layout":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_hero","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_hero":{"kicker_text":"","heading":"Common Tax Questions","summary":"Worried about filing your taxes? Not sure where to start? Here is some information to help you.","image":2404,"cta":"","bubble":""}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Why file?","panels":[{"panel_heading":"I didn\u2019t file last year. So why should I file this year?","panel_copy":"Even if you have not filed taxes in a while, you can still benefit from filing your tax return<\/a>. You may have thousands of dollars waiting for you in unclaimed cash payments!"},{"panel_heading":"I\u2019m concerned that I\u2019m going to owe and can\u2019t afford to pay my taxes, so isn\u2019t it better to not file taxes?","panel_copy":"You won\u2019t know whether, and how much, you owe until you actually file. It\u2019s possible you might get a pleasant surprise and have a refund instead!\r\n\r\nIf you do owe, it\u2019s better to file before the deadline and set up a payment plan with the IRS rather than not file at all. Back taxes will pile up, and the longer you have gone without filing, the more you may owe in penalties and fees. You may be eligible for the Child Tax Credit<\/a>, which could offset up to $2,200 per child of back taxes owed."},{"panel_heading":"What happens if there\u2019s a mistake on my taxes? Or if I get audited?","panel_copy":"We\u2019ve got your back. Our non-profit, IRS-certified tax experts at Accounting Aid Society and Wayne Metro have higher accuracy rates than the big for-profit tax prep companies.\r\n\r\nIf you have received an audit letter from the IRS, we can help! The Accounting Aid Society has a special service just for helping people deal with the IRS. To get help with an IRS letter, just make a regular tax appointment with the Accounting Aid Society and we\u2019ll pair you with the right tax expert."},{"panel_heading":"What if I have missed filing in past years? Will the tax experts help me file previous years taxes?","panel_copy":"Yes! After April 15, we offer appointments to file prior year tax returns and claim any cash benefits you're eligible for from previous years. Schedule now<\/a> for a no cost appointment with our expert tax preparers."},{"panel_heading":"Why should I file taxes when I don\u2019t make enough money to bother? I was out of work in 2025.","panel_copy":"More and more, the federal government is using the IRS to distribute benefits. When you file your taxes<\/a>, you may find that you are owed cash benefits! If you worked even a little bit, you may be eligible to receive extra money through the Earned Income Tax Credit<\/a>. And the Child Tax Credit<\/a> provides up to $2,200 per child to parents, guardians and caregivers of dependent children, so long as you earned at least $2,500 in the last year. Even people who did not earn much in 2025 can still receive a big refund. You may also qualify for Michigan tax credits, which do not require any earned income."},{"panel_heading":"I do not work and my only income comes from Social Security payments. Do I qualify for these cash benefits?","panel_copy":"If you have no income from work, you may qualify for tax-time benefits through the State of Michigan to help you cover the cost of heating and owning or renting your home. If you have even a little bit of income from work\u2014from a part-time job or self-employment\u2014you may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit<\/a>. If you are a parent or guardian and earned at least $2,500 from work in 2025, you may qualify for the Child Tax Credit<\/a>, worth up to $2,200 per child. Our tax experts at Accounting Aid Society and Wayne Metro can help you figure out your eligibility and claim your cash payments."},{"panel_heading":"I missed the deadline, can I still file?","panel_copy":"Yes! There\u2019s no penalty for filing late if you receive a refund. Even if you do owe money, it\u2019s best to file as soon as possible to minimize penalties. We offer appointments after April 15 and throughout the summer and fall to file late returns for the current year as well as tax returns from previous years. Pre-register to get expert help filing your taxes at no cost to you.<\/a>\r\n\r\n "}]}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_accordion","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_accordion":{"heading":"Questions About Children and Dependents","panels":[{"panel_heading":"I had a baby in 2025. Can I claim the Child Tax Credit for my new child?","panel_copy":"Yes! You are eligible for the Child Tax Credit<\/a> for the new child, so long as you earned at least $2,500 from working in 2025. To claim your credit, you must file a 2025 tax return in early 2026. We can help you file your taxes <\/a>and claim your cash benefits."},{"panel_heading":"Someone else claimed my child on their taxes last year, or I expect someone else to claim my child on their taxes in 2026. What should I know?","panel_copy":"If someone else claimed your child on their taxes last year and you expect that person to claim your child again on their taxes in 2026:\r\n