Tax season brings stress and financial strain for many families. That’s why Lighthouse partners with Accounting Aid Society to turn anxiety into relief for Oakland County residents. Together, they offer free, professional tax preparation services to low-income households every Saturday from January through April — helping families maximize refunds, claim critical credits, and stay financially stable. This is the innovative partnership’s fourth year.

Led by Lighthouse Economic Mobility Coach Courtland Sargent, the program helps households earning under $69,000 per year file accurately, access valuable credits, and keep more hard-earned money in their pockets. Last year alone, the program filed 300 returns, securing nearly $400,000 in refunds and saving participants an estimated $90,000 in preparation fees.

“I’ve had people tell me that they’re paying $300, $400 just to get their taxes prepared. Only to realize that they’re only getting about $600 back,” says Sargent. Here, they keep every dollar.

How to Participate
The service is held at Lighthouse’s Pontiac headquarters on Woodward Avenue and coordinated on-site by Pete Keating, who has been volunteering with the Accounting Aid Society for 22 years. Appointments can be made in advance through Lighthouse or the Accounting Aid Society by visiting Lighthousemi.org/Accounting. Keating explains that for many clients, returns are life-changing.

“Our program’s geared to mid-range income, most important individuals who may not file their tax returns because they only have social security,” he says. “They can get up to $1,900 of property tax credit back and a couple $100 home heating credit… it’s a valuable service.”

For Natalee H., the program provided stability during a difficult transition. After leaving a domestic violence situation and facing economic abuse, she could no longer afford an accountant.

“I started getting my taxes completed here in 2024,” she says. “It’s very helpful. Because I have a court hearing coming up… to modify my child support and I need this as proof.”

This program helps participants beyond the numbers, it also strengthens community ties. Many clients return year after year, and Sargent often connects them with additional Lighthouse resources— whether that’s food from the pantry, eviction prevention support, or enrollment in the Center for Working Families.

“We try to focus on each specific individual’s needs,” Sargent reflects. “Our goal is to prevent hunger, eviction, and even homelessness and help people achieve stability.”

Lighthouse’s free tax assistance runs through April 11 at Lighthouse headquarters: 46156 Woodward Avenue in Pontiac. To learn more or make an appointment, visit: Lighthousemi.org/Accounting.