Top officials from the New York State Tax Department met today with representatives from non-profit, community and government groups serving Montgomery, Fulton and Schoharie Counties to advocate a host of free services available to low- and moderate-income taxpayers.  

The tax summit, held in Amsterdam at the Creative Connections Art Center, is one of many recent outreach meetings across the state alerting community organizations to the availability of department-sponsored services “that could improve the overall fiscal well-being of taxpayers,” said Commissioner Thomas H. Mattox.

More than 20 community representatives participated in the event.

 “We welcome any opportunity to learn more about programs that may reduce the tax burden for city residents and help strengthen their economic security,” said the Honorable Ann Thane, Mayor of the City of Amsterdam.  “I thank the New York State Tax Department for raising awareness on the availability of critical, dollar-saving credits.”

Commissioner Mattox was joined at the three-county summit by Margaret Neri, New York State Taxpayer Rights Advocate; Mwisa Chisunka, New York State Business Ombudswoman; and Richard Ernst, Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Professional Responsibility.

The Commissioner drew on U.S. Census statistics to explain why available tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), play a key role in the financial security of so many families. “In Montgomery County, for example, 26% of all families with related children under 18 have an income below the federal poverty level, yet we believe as many as one in four eligible taxpayers fail to claim the EITC – missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars.”

Eligible families with three or more qualifying children may receive up to the maximum benefit outside of New York City of more than $7,800. Last year alone, New York State, with some of the most generous EITC programs in the nation, paid nearly $1 billion in EITC benefits.

“Many taxpayers are entitled to refundable credits, and this is money that goes right back into their pockets,” said Margaret Neri. “We’re here to help New Yorkers with their tax responsibilities and ensure they receive the refunds they have earned.”

Deputy Commissioner for the Office of 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. “In Montgomery County, 79% of the taxpayers who filed a personal income tax return last year used a preparer,” Ernst noted. “In Fulton County that number was 70%, and 67% in Schoharie County. Clearly preparers influence taxpayer behavior, validating the need for our new regulations.”