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Health & Fitness

Free Income Tax Preparation Available From IRS Certified Volunteers

The IRS partners with nonprofit and community organizations to provide free tax preparation services for qualified taxpayers

The IRS partners with nonprofit and community organizations to provide free tax preparation services for qualified taxpayers

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help generally to people who earn $51,000 or less and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program offers free tax help to taxpayers with priority assistance to people who are 60 and older.

The East River Development Alliance has the following VITA sites in Queens open and ready to assist eligible taxpayers.

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East River Development Alliance, 12-15 40th Avenue, Long Island City

East River Development Alliance, 4-25 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria

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For more information and days of operation for ERDA sites call 718-784-0877.

Also in Queens openings are available at the York College VITA Program and Calvary Baptist Church.

York College VITA program, 94-20 Guy R Brewer Boulevard, Jamaica

Calvary Baptist Church, 160-60 Claude Avenue, Jamaica

Hours and days of operation at York College and Calvary Baptist Church and additional information on numerous other free tax preparation sites is available on www.irs.gov by typing VITA into the search box or by calling call 800-906-9887.

Taxpayers need to present the following items to have their returns prepared:

  • Photo identification
  • Valid Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents
  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for taxpayer, spouse and  dependents, if applicable
  • Birth dates for taxpayer, spouse and dependents on the tax return
  • Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
  • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
  • Proof of bank or credit union routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
  • Other relevant information about income and expenses
  • Total paid for day care
  • Day care provider's identifying number

To file taxes electronically on a married filing jointly return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

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