Owens pushes free tax help for New Yorkers
Website offers information for free tax filing services
PLATTSBURGH – Congressman Bill Owens today announced a new section of his website dedicated to promoting free tax filing services for New Yorkers. Owens has added outreach to his website, located at http://owens.house.gov. New features of the website include information on how to file taxes both electronically and by mail, and can be found directly at http://owens.house.gov/ConstituentServices/taxhelp.htm.
“Correctly filing one’s taxes can be a confusing and stressful process, and very few people know that there are free services available that can help them through these procedures,” said Owens. “During tough economic times, every penny counts and it is important that qualified tax specialists are available to the general public to help them receive the largest refund possible.”
The IRS Free File program is open to all taxpayers who made $57,000 or less in 2011. Eligible taxpayers can visit http://www.irs.gov/freefile to prepare and e-file their federal tax returns.
AARP offers free services, run by certified tax preparers, for low-to-moderate income taxpayers of all ages every year. New Yorkers can find the nearest tax aide site by visiting Owens’ website <http://owens.house.gov> or clicking here <http://www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/taxAideLocations.action> .
A number of organizations in New York also partner with the IRS to run a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). This free service, staffed by IRS certified tax preparers, is open to taxpayers making $51,000 or less. A full list of VITA sites in New York can be found by calling 800-906-9887.
Posted: February 6th, 2012 under Congressional News.