BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Tax season is underway and below you can find out how to prepare and file your tax returns for free in New York State
New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website
According to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, if your 2022 income is $73,000 or less, you can file both your federal and New York State returns at no cost through its website. You can find more information here.
“Too often, taxpayers who use commercial tax preparation software are surprised by charges for additional fees while completing their annual filing. For a truly free experience, come to the New York State Tax Department website where there are no added costs or hidden fees—ever.”
If you are not eligible to free file, you can still e-file and you may qualify for other free options. You can find those options on the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance website here.
University at Buffalo School of Management
The University at Buffalo School of Management offers free tax preparation services to individuals and families with an annual income of $60,000 or less. You can find more information here.
"Area residents and students are encouraged to take advantage of this tax preparation opportunity, which, by IRS estimates, can save taxpayers anywhere from $100 to $300 in preparation fees."
Parachute Credit Counseling
Parachute Credit Counseling — formerly known as Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Buffalo (CCCS) — will offer its Niagara County Free Tax Preparation Program on January 31. If you are interested you can contact Parachute’s main office at 716-712-2060 to schedule a time to drop off documents. You do not need to be a Niagara County resident but the two drop-off sites are in Niagara County. One in Niagara Falls at Pinnacle Community Services, 1522 Main St., and the other in Lockport at the Lockport Library, 23 East Avenue. Parachute said appointments book very quickly. You can find more information here.
"Certified, trained Parachute tax volunteers then prepare the tax returns remotely. Tax filers will be given a time to go back to the Drop Off site to review their return and provide their signature to e-file the return. They will receive a copy of the completed return as well."
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs provide free tax help for those who qualify. You can visit the IRS website here and enter your zip code to find a provider near you.
