The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced that it’s partnering with multiple colleges in Western New York to offer free electronic tax preparation and filing resources to students, faculty, and members of the community. Those with income of $69,000 or less in 2019 may be eligible to file their federal and state taxes at one of the Tax Department’s free tax assistance sites.
“College students who can no longer be claimed as dependents on their parents’ income tax returns may be required by law to file their own tax returns,” said New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Michael Schmidt. “I’m thrilled to help by offering free services to these college students and faculty in our expanding partnership with colleges around New York State.”
Free Tax Assistance Locations
SUNY Buffalo State University
1300 Elmwood Ave, Buffalo 14222
Monroe Community College, Downtown Campus
321 State Street, Rochester 14608
Monroe Community College, Brighton Campus
1000 E. Henrietta Rd, Rochester 14623
Other tax assistance sites are open to any taxpayer earning $69,000 or less in 2019.
Central (Downtown) Library of Buffalo
1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo 14203
Central Library of Rochester
115 South Street, Rochester 14604
You can find a schedule of dates and times at each Free tax assistance sites in Western New York on the Tax Department website.
What to bring
- email address
- copy of last year’s tax return or the amount of your prior year’s federal adjusted gross income
- driver license or state-issued ID (for you and your spouse if filing jointly)
- birthdates and Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and your dependents
- income statements (wages, interest, and dividends), including W-2 and 1099 forms
- statements related to any property taxes paid or mortgage interest payments
- Forms 1095-A, B, or C, Affordable Healthcare Statement
- information related to any credits you’re claiming
- your banking information (account number and routing number)
- NY 529 College Savings Plan information if you have an account
Tax Department experts will be on hand to guide you through the tax preparation and filing software. At certain locations, they can assist taxpayers in multiple languages.
The IRS and AARP also offer free tax filing services at locations statewide. If your income is $55,000 or less, AARP volunteers and certified IRS volunteers will help you prepare both federal and state returns at no cost. To locate volunteers near you, visit the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) webpage: Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers.
Free tax preparation software available online
You don’t need to visit a free tax assistance site, though: if eligible, you can also access and use the same free software anytime from your computer, smartphone, or tablet at www.tax.ny.gov.
Click Free File your income tax return on the Tax Department website to be directed to the tax preparation software. Using the software can reduce filing errors that delay return processing and refunds. It also prevents valuable credits from being overlooked.
Filing information
Your federal filing status is used to determine your filing requirements, standard deduction, eligibility for certain credits, and your correct tax. If you are a New York State resident you must file Form IT-201, Resident Income Tax Return. If you are a part-year resident you must file Form IT-203, Nonresident and Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return.
You may have additional filing responsibilities if you are a New York City or Yonkers resident or part-year resident, or have Yonkers income, or are subject to the MCTMT. To determine the proper forms to file, visit the Tax Department website, www.tax.ny.gov (search: resident).
