Governor Cuomo Announces Opening of 80 New Free Tax Assistance Sites
Expanded Program Offers More Than 900 Free Sessions Statewide, Targets Assistance to Low-Income New Yorkers
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of a greatly-expanded
network of free tax filing assistance sites across New York. The State
is offering 942 free sessions to New Yorkers – a 400 percent increase
over last year – at 80 locations statewide. Each site is staffed
by State Department of Taxation and Finance tax experts who are available
to assist low-income New Yorkers with electronically filing their 2014 taxes.
"By helping hard-working families and individuals file their taxes,
we're ensuring that more people can get their taxes done on time and
accurately," Governor Cuomo said. "We want to help cut down
on confusion – and by enhancing free access at dozens of key assistance
centers across the state, more families and individuals can maximize their
refund."
The free tax preparation service is available to New York individuals
and families who earned less than $60,000 in 2014. Appointments are recommended,
but walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Select
sites offer staff who can speak foreign languages including Chinese, Spanish
or Russian. The list of tax sites including those with foreign language
assistance and session dates can be viewed
HERE.
More than 70 percent of New York taxpayers hire tax preparers, often costing
hundreds of dollars per filing. This is cost prohibitive to low-income
residents filing taxes and attempting to maximize their refund. By offering
this service free of charge, more New Yorkers can effectively fulfill
their tax responsibilities while maximizing their household's possible
tax refund.
Department of Taxation and Finance Executive Deputy Commissioner Nonie
Manion said, "To support taxpayers statewide, we have more than 200
employee volunteers helping New Yorkers do their taxes accurately and
at no cost. Not only do taxpayers prepare their taxes for free, but they'll
learn how to do it themselves for future years."
Centro Civico Executive Director Ladan Alomar said, "This is about
helping low-income individuals and families with one of their most important
financial transactions of the year. Free tax assistance is another critical
service we can provide for the community."
Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Executive Deputy Commissioner
Sharon Devine said, "Another tremendous benefit of free tax assistance
sites is that they help ensure that eligible taxpayers—especially
those with low incomes—receive every tax credit they deserve. These
credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, can provide families
and individuals with thousands of dollars, and have a tremendous impact
on their financial well-being."
CA$H of the Capital District Region Program Director David Galin said,
"Taxpayers are sometimes intimidated by the idea of doing their own
taxes, but these sites help to ease those fears and increase financial
literacy in the community. Last year we helped more than 8,700 Capital
Region taxpayers do their taxes for free, and we're pleased to work
with the Tax Department, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance,
Centro Civico and community organizations throughout the Capital District
to expand the program this year."
Locations for the State's free electronic filing assistance may also
be found by calling the Department of Taxation and Finance at 518-457-5181.
The IRS and AARP additionally offer a directory of certified volunteers
at 800-plus sites to assist in tax preparation for taxpayers uncomfortable
using a computer. The free service is available to individuals and families
earning $53,000 or less. A list of preparers is available
here.