Free Federal & State tax return preparation will be provided in Essex County

Tax Preparation is available by Certified Volunteer Preparers:
                    
Call 1-800-675-2668 today for an appointment at one of the following locations:

• OneWorkSource in Elizabethtown
• St. Patrick’s Parish Center in Port Henry
• The Sherman Free Library in Port Henry
• Senior Citizen’s Club in Schroon Lake

Or (518) 523-3200 in Lake Placid at the Lake Placid Public Library

What to bring to your appointment:

• Picture ID for you and your spouse if married and filing jointly
• Social Security cards and birth dates for you, your spouse, and children you are claiming
• W-2 Forms for all jobs held in 2009
• 1099 forms, such as 1099R, 1099G, 1099Misc, 1099Int, 1099C
• A copy of  last year's return (very helpful, but not required)
• For a faster refund that is directly deposited, bring your bank account number and your bank's routing number.
• Your spouse, if married filing jointly

Other receipts that may increase your tax refund:

• Rental information for NYS credit (only if total household income is less then $18,000)
• If you bought a house in 2009 all the paper work is needed.
• If you paid for child care - documentation listing provider name, address, tax ID#, and amount paid
• If you, your spouse, or a child attended college: a tuition expense statement (1098T) and/or student loan interest statement (1098E)
• You should bring school and property taxes, any new vehicle purchases information, and data for energy improvements at home, and if you are itemizing bring mortgage interest paid, un-reimbursed medical expenses, and charitable contributions.
• Bring your property tax receipts even if you do not itemize deductions.

Frequently asked questions:

Volunteer tax assistance - Why use it?  As a service to the community, it helps working families get the money and assistance they’ve earned by providing free income tax preparation and E-filing for those who may be less able to afford a paid tax preparer.

Program eligibility - Can I use the service?  Typically, those who have earned less than $49,000 are eligible.  While most returns can be done, including NY and VT non-resident, some may be more complex and need referral to a more specialized preparer.

EITC - What is it?  The earned income tax credit is a refundable income tax credit that is available to low-income workers with “earned” income-wages or self employment income.  If you earn less than $41,646, you may qualify for a credit up to as much as $5,657.  If you qualify, you could reduce or eliminate your income tax, even get money back that could be used for savings, home repairs or other things.

Child and dependent care credit - What is it? If you work and need to pay for child care that allows you to be gone to work, there may be federal and state credits.

Refund Anticipation Loans (RALS) - Are they a good idea? RALS, which borrow against your own refund, are extremely expensive.  Loan fees typically range from $30-$90 which would equal an annual Percentage rate (APR) of about 60% to over 700%.  RALS can eat away a big chunk of your refund.

Savings at tax time - Why do it?  It is quick and easy to save part of your tax refund, directly depositing into as many as three accounts, including the purchase of US Savings Bonds.  Pay yourself first by putting some in a savings account, and then use the rest to pay your bills or make a purchase through your checking account.