Healthy Living Kit, Free Online Tax Program

By Cindy Denby

Staying committed to a healthy lifestyle can be very difficult to maintain especially with a busy schedule. The Department of Community Health and the state of Michigan are committed to help Michigan residents get healthy and stay healthy.  The MI Healthier Now pledge is available on their website here. Once you take the pledge you will receive a free starter kit in the mail full of resources to help make healthy choices.

The kit has many tools for helping to make healthy choices including motivation tips, a grocery planning tips booklet, and menu planner. The best part is that it is free. You can also sign up for twice monthly motivational emails or text messages to keep you going. In today's world everyone is so busy, and with a fast food restaurant on almost every corner it easy to default to the easy options which often times means an unhealthy one.

I think it is wonderful that our state is committed to helping us stay healthy and giving us great free tools to make healthy options easier.

Tax season is fast approaching

Tax season is fast approaching and I know that for many residents filing taxes can be a very daunting process. One option that residents should consider is the IRS's free e-file program. Residents with an Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less can visit www.IRS.gov/freefile to prepare, complete and e -file your federal tax returns at no cost.

When you visit the website you will find a list of Free File Alliance member companies and a "help me find my company" tool that will help those who are unsure which company is best for them. Free File Alliance has partnered with the IRS since 2003 and has been consistently reported for its user friendliness and efficiency. 

Taking advantage of this great opportunity can save frustration and money this tax season. Seventy percent of Americans will have access to this service, so I encourage you to go today and find out if you qualify for this great program.

If you have any questions or need assistance with any state issues, please contact me toll free at 866-828-4863 or via e-mail at cindydenby@house.mi.gov.