(Madison County, NY – Feb. 2013) Avoid the high fees of a commercial tax preparer. If you are a Madison County resident who earned less than $50,000 this tax year, you may qualify to have your tax preparation done free of charge. Trained community volunteers can help you determine if you are eligible for special credits such as Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Credit for the Elderly.
Easy electronic filing puts your refund in your hands in as little as two weeks.
Many people will qualify for the first time this year due to economic changes in their income or changes in their marital or parental statuses, according to the IRS. The agency estimates four out of five eligible workers currently claim their EITC.
In 2012, hundreds of families and individuals took advantage of this program and had their income taxes prepared by IRS-certified volunteers. More than $1.75 million in tax returns were refunded to the local communities, with nearly two-thirds coming from the EITC.
To help preparers – volunteer or paid – accurately determine EITC eligibility and prepare returns, individuals should bring:
* Photo proof of identification
* Social Security cards for themselves, their spouse and all dependents or Social Security number verification letters issued by the Social Security Administration
* Birth dates for all persons listed on the tax return
* Wage and earning statement(s) Forms W-2, W-2G and 1099-R, from all employers
* Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
* Copies of their prior year federal and state returns, if available
* Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of their refunds
* Other relevant information about income and expenses
* Amounts paid for day care, if applicable, and the day care provider’s identifying number
* Form 1099-G, if applicable
Both spouses must be present to sign joint returns.
Daytime, evening and weekend appointments are available Mondays through Saturdays now through April 11 at locations throughout Madison County. Before calling for an appointment, be sure all tax documents and information are available for review.
In Madison County, appointments will be available at Community Action Partnership for Madison County in Morrisville, Department of Social Services in Wampsville and the Hamilton Public Library in Hamilton. To arrange an appointment, call CAP at 315.697.3588.
If you are 60 years old or older, you are eligible for free tax return preparation regardless of income. For an appointment in Madison County, call Madison County Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program at 684-3001, ext. 103.