Top officials from the New York State Tax Department and the United Way of Northern New York met today with representatives from non-profit, community and government groups serving three counties to advocate a host of free services available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers.  

The first-ever North Country Community Outreach Tax Summit was led by New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Thomas H. Mattox and Bob Gorman, the CEO and President of United Way of Northern New York, which sponsored the event.

“The New York State Tax Department is committed to helping taxpayers through our outreach programs,” said Commissioner Mattox. “Community advocates help us to expand our reach to ensure taxpayers are receiving valuable credits and taking advantage of services to improve financial literacy and overall fiscal well-being.”

“United Way helps people change their lives through a host of services, including those related to economic self-sufficiency and financial education,” Gorman said. “That’s why this Summit is relevant and key to our outreach effort.”

The Summit, held at the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown, NY, also was attended by New York State Taxpayer Rights Advocate Margaret Neri, New York State Business Ombudswoman Mwisa Chisunka, and other tax experts, with participation by Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell and the office of New York State Senator Patty Ritchie.

More than two dozen community organizations participated in the event.  

“This Summit spotlights the fact that a wide array of volunteers and non-profit organizations can join hands with Government and work together on behalf of all our communities – communities that need and deserve help on a daily basis,” said Sharon Bouchard, Family Center Director, with Community Action Planning Council of Jefferson County, which is devoted to helping people move out of poverty.  

Free Tax Preparation

Free tax preparation – available to most New York taxpayers – sparked high interest at the summit. Families and individuals with incomes under $52,000 are eligible to have their tax returns prepared for free by individuals trained and certified by either the IRS or AARP.  

For those who are comfortable preparing their returns on their own, almost all New Yorkers will are able to do so for free using software available from the Department’s Web site, www.tax.ny.gov.

Services of the Taxpayer Rights Advocate

In addition to free tax preparation, the Office of the Taxpayer Rights Advocate assists New York taxpayers at no cost. The office works directly with individuals whose tax burden is creating an economic hardship, as well those having difficulty resolving a tax issue through the Tax Department’s regular channels.

“We serve as a liaison between the Department and taxpayers to help mediate disputes,” added Ms. Neri, who was appointed to her position as the Taxpayer Rights Advocate in August. “We can also assist taxpayers whose tax problems are causing undue economic harm, often through our Offer in Compromise Program.”

Tax Credits

Among the topics discussed was the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Provided directly to low- and moderate-income taxpayers, it is worth hundreds – even thousands of dollars – yet estimates are that as many as one in four eligible taxpayers fail to claim the credit. EITC benefits vary by income, family size, and filing status. Eligible families with three or more qualifying children may receive up to the maximum benefit outside of New York City – more than $7,800.

Help in Selecting a Tax Preparer

Deputy Commissioner for Professional Responsibility Richard Ernst introduced Summit participants to new and historic regulations to further protect New Yorkers from illegal or unethical practices by tax preparers.   Noting that 70% of New York taxpayers hire a paid preparer, he advised participants to check the Department’s Web site to ensure that a preparer is registered if they’re required to be.   In addition, taxpayers should call 518-530-HELP if they’re aware of unscrupulous activities by tax preparers.

“Roughly seven million income tax returns are completed by paid preparers each year, and most of those preparers are upright professionals,” Ernst said. “Where there are practices that victimize taxpayers, however, we want to investigate and protect taxpayers.”