The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today encouraged all eligible taxpayers in Western New York to take advantage of the free tax filing assistance event scheduled for Thursday, March 30. Three Tax Department employees will be available to help taxpayers e-file their taxes for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Western New York taxpayers with adjusted gross household incomes of $64,000 or less in 2016 qualify to electronically prepare and file their tax returns using free online software at these events.

“We want to help more taxpayers discover the ease and benefits of e-filing,” said Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Nonie Manion. “The tax preparation software can help ensure that they don’t overlook valuable deductions and credits, such as earned income tax credits, that they’re entitled to receive.”

The error rate for e-filed returns is 20 times lower than it is for paper returns, speeding processing and refunds.

Since the tax filing season opened in January, the Tax Department has been partnering with libraries and other organizations to provide free tax return filing assistance to thousands of taxpayers at 54 locations throughout New York State.

To provide this service to more New Yorkers, Governor Cuomo has authorized additional one-day filing events in Western New York and other regions around the state. Tax Department employees will be at the event to answer questions about the software:

Thursday, March 30
1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Olean Public Library
134 North Second Street
Olean, NY 14760

What to bring

To ensure a successful session, taxpayers must bring the following when visiting any free tax filing assistance site:

• a copy of last year’s tax return, if available;
• a photo ID, driver license, or state-issued non-driver ID (for you and your spouse, if filing jointly);
• birth dates and Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and dependents;
• your proof of income (wages, interest, and dividend statements):
• Forms W-2, 1098, 1099
• any other documents showing additional income;
• Forms 1095-A, B, or C, Affordable Healthcare Statement;
• your Health Insurance Exemption Certificate (if received);
• supporting documents for any credits you’re claiming;
• bank account and routing numbers (such as a blank check); and
• your prior year adjusted gross income

Take advantage of other available free options

Taxpayers with adjusted gross household income of $64,000 or less who can’t attend a free-filing event can access software at www.tax.ny.gov to file both their federal and state tax returns for free (search: free file).

The Tax Department provides a highly secure, encrypted system designed to protect a filer’s personal and confidential information. About 92 percent of all personal income tax returns in New York are filed electronically.