New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Thomas H. Mattox today thanked nonprofit organizations statewide for voluntarily preparing – for free – more than 212,000 individual income tax returns.  

In March, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo encouraged eligible New Yorkers to take advantage of the free tax preparation services offered at hundreds of locations throughout the state.  

“More than 3,500 volunteers showed us the true meaning of community spirit to help low and moderate income taxpayers meet their tax obligations,” Commissioner Mattox said.  “I extend my sincere thanks for their diligence and dedication.  They delivered exceptional service.”

Volunteer income tax assistance centers were supported by the Internal Revenue Service, AARP, United Way, and dozens of other regional non-profit organizations.

“We, at the IRS, also applaud the great work of our volunteers,” said Verlinda Paul, the Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communications Director for the IRS. “The country continues to depend on this dedicated group to provide a needed service for taxpayers who need help filing their taxes each year.”

The average cost to have a tax return professionally prepared is $250.  Statewide, volunteers saved New York State taxpayers more than $53 million in tax preparation fees.  

Assistance was available during this year’s tax-filing season to individuals and families with an annual income of $51,000 or less.  Taxpayers had their federal and state taxes prepared and filed for free by certified volunteers at more than 660 locations.

Sheila Kornowski of Buffalo had her income tax returns prepared at no cost at the Buffalo Federation Neighborhood Center for the past three years.  “This is a great convenience - it’s hard to believe that it’s free,” she said.  “The volunteers make it easy and ensure that you don’t miss anything on your return. It’s been a really positive experience.”

Expanding outreach services

Commissioner Mattox also announced that the Department is significantly expanding its outreach effort.  By redeploying existing employees, the Department is tripling the number of staff who provide tax and financial literacy assistance to community advocacy groups and support volunteer tax preparation services.   

“The expansion of the Tax Department’s education program is great news for community financial organizations and the multitude of taxpayers that benefit from their services,” said Diana R. Breen, Executive Director of Ariva, a Bronx not-for-profit that works with low-wealth New Yorkers to achieve economic stability.  “For example, this year Ariva’s volunteer program helped more taxpayers than ever before.  More than 8,000 households - most of who earn less than $10,000 – are receiving $13 million in refunds.  We look forward to working with the Tax Department to further expand the program next year.”

The enhanced outreach effort follows on the heels of the Department’s April announcement that Mwisa Chisunka has been appointed as New York’s first Business Ombudswoman.

For more information

• IRS’s Volunteer Tax Preparation Web page