Many people struggle to balance their finances, especially during tax season. You can get free tax help at your local food bank today.
Food banks often have partnerships with tax preparation organizations to provide free tax assistance to those in need. These organizations may include the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, and other local non-profits.
You can find a VITA or TCE site near you by visiting the IRS website or by calling 1-800-906-9887.
Free Tax Services
The Food Bank for New York City offers free tax preparation services to low-income residents. They have been doing this for over 20 years, providing crucial tax refunds to help people fight poverty rates and food insecurity.
Families who earned $54,000 or less with dependents, and individuals who earned $30,000 or less with no dependents, are eligible for the service. These individuals can access their full tax credits and refunds, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, which can be worth up to $8,463 for families.
To get started, eligible participants must schedule an appointment by calling the center or visiting the Food Bank's website. They must also bring the necessary documents, such as a photo ID, Social Security cards, and W-2s.
The free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites are run by trained professional tax preparers, who complete the full tax return during visits. Centers also offer bilingual tax assistance for non-English speakers, including immigrants without a Social Security Number.
In 2021, IRS-certified volunteers trained by the Food Bank prepared over 17,500 returns, yielding over $30 million in refunds for New Yorkers across the city. This is just one example of the impact of the Food Bank's tax assistance program.
Here are the required documents to bring to your appointment:
- Social Security cards* (originals or copies) or ITIN (originals or copies) for you and anyone you are claiming on your tax return; or a letter from the Social Security Administration.
- If you are claiming childcare expenses, the amount you paid and the childcare agency's ID, or the name and Social Security Number of the childcare provider.
- A sample check or a bank statement with the routing and account number, if you have a savings or checking account for direct deposit.
- Form 1098-T if you paid tuition for post-high school education.
- If you are filing a joint return, both you and your spouse must be present.
- W-2s for all jobs you held in the prior year and all 1099 forms paid in cash or personal checks. You must also know your total income and deductible expenses for the year.
- If you purchased health insurance through the marketplace and were eligible for the premium tax credit, please bring form 1095-A.
- If you are a victim of identity theft, bring your IP-PIN (Individual Protection- Personal Identification Number) assigned by the IRS.
- Any other tax-related information you may have received.
Food Bank Assistance
If you're struggling to file your taxes, don't worry, help is on the way. The Food Bank For New York City in partnership with Brooklyn Public Library offers free tax help, and it's available by appointment or even walk-in if space allows.
You can get assistance at the New Lots Library, where tax assistants will help you prepare and electronically file your tax return. This service is available from January 29th to April 15th, 2024, specifically on Tuesdays from 1:30-6:30pm, Fridays from 10:30am-4:30pm, and Saturdays from 10:30am-3:30pm.
To participate in this program, you'll need to meet certain requirements, including earning income of $73,000 or less in 2023. You'll also need a valid email address and basic computer skills, as well as all the necessary information to file your taxes.
Here's a list of the information you'll need to bring:
- Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all names on the return, including dependents
- Government-issued photo ID (includes IDNYC)
- Birth dates for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents on the return
- Your 2023 Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or Self-Select PIN number
- Wage and earning statement from your employer(s): Form W-2, Form W-2G, 1099-R
- Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1098 and 1099)
- Proof of any other income, e.g. lottery winnings
- Total paid for childcare provider and the provider’s Taxpayer Identification Number or SSN (if you are claiming the New York City Child Care Tax Credit)
- Bank account and routing numbers (if you are directly depositing your refund)
- If you purchased health insurance through the marketplace, bring Form 1095-A and dependents'
Don't worry if you're missing some of this information – you can request a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS by calling 1-800-908-9946 or visiting irs.gov and searching “Get Transcript”.
Sources
- https://volunteer.uwkc.org/need/detail/
- https://www.bkreader.com/news/food-bank-for-nyc-offers-free-tax-prep-to-low-income-brooklynites-6543638
- https://www.bklynlibrary.org/calendar/nyc-food-bank-free-tax-new-lots-library-20240305
- https://www.1degree.org/opp/get-free-tax-prep-services-food-bank-nyc-new-york-ny
- https://abc7ny.com/food-bank-for-new-york-city-taxes-income-volunteer-tax-assistance/12938466/
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