Free tax prep was offered at three locations in 2024, starting on Monday, January 29 and ending on Monday, April 15.

Tax preparation takes place in four stages:

Intake

Customers complete an intake form and submit a copy of their tax required documents in person. The identification card, Social Security card, ITIN card, or ITIN letter of every person who will be listed on the return will be inspected. Individuals who need a tax identification number can apply for one at this VITA/TCE site. Submitted tax documents are reviewed by a VITA/TCE professional for completeness and accuracy.

Preparation

When all material is received, tax return preparation begins.

Quality Review

All tax documents to be submitted to the IRS are reviewed for quality by our most experienced preparers with the client. Signed authorization to transmit the returns to the taxing authorities is given by the client. Copies of the completed return are provided to the client for record keeping.

Transmission

Finally, tax returns are submitted electronically to the Taxing Authorities.

You can receive free tax services at any NYC Free Tax Prep site if your income is below $59,000 for single individuals and $85,000 for families. These income limits are based on 60% of Area Median Income (AMI).

Gather your documents

Along with identification, you’ll need a W2 and/or 1099-NEC, plus any other expense or income/asset documents you may have in order to file taxes. Most W2 and 1099-NEC forms are received by the end of January.

Taxable income includes unemployment compensation, investment interest, digital assets,  and earnings from gig economy work. 

Mortgage statements, tuition statements, and student loan payments are other documents you may want to share with your VITA/TCE tax preparer.

To expedite service, we recommend that you bring in all copies of your documentation. 

Update your documentation

We suggest making sure that your legal name and addresses are current. Notify the IRS and Social Security Administration of any critical changes before filing.

Get a bank account

Taxpayers who choose to receive their refunds as a paper check experience a greater likelihood of forgery, theft, and returned checks compared to taxpayers who choose direct deposit–the faster, more secure way to receive funds. To use the direct deposit option, you’ll need a bank account.

Don’t have one? Financial counselors at the Center for Personal Financial Health can help you get banking. Make an appointment online or call the front desk to schedule at 718-636-6994.

We can also assist clients with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN), Identity Protection PIN (IPIN), and Identity Theft Affidavits.

The Center for Personal Financial Health may also help clients with issues concerning Stimulus Payments, Tax Refunds, and Tax Assessment Letters from the Internal Revenue Service or New York State Department of Taxation.

Interested in helping people in your community get access to tax preparation services? Sign up.

VITA/TCE is especially in need of certified volunteers who fluently speak languages other than English. Learn more about available roles.

Send an email to freetaxprep@restorationplaza.org or call the tax hotline at (929) 432-3314.

Last update: 4/16/2024