“Ask us – We’re here to help!” That’s the mantra of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance at the Great New York State Fair this year.

The Department is hosting a Tax Resolution Center in the Center of Progress Building, from the first day of the fair to the last. Privacy is assured so taxpayers can discuss personal tax issues one-on-one with a Department representative.

“Our goal is to resolve issues on the spot,” said Commissioner Thomas H. Mattox. “Our team of experts at the fair will be able to work with our staff in Albany to provide accurate answers and guidance in real time,” he said.

Received a letter from the Tax Department and have questions? Bring it to the Center. Questions about your income tax return that you want to mull over? Ask our representatives. Want to learn about how to have your taxes prepared for free?   We can help. “You don’t even need an appointment,” the Commissioner added.

Commissioner Mattox will work at the Resolution Center August 21 and 22 throughout many of its daily hours of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Margaret Neri, the New York State Taxpayer Rights Advocate, also will attend the fair. “We’re here to spread the word,” she said, “the Office of the Taxpayer Rights Advocate exists to help taxpayers who have been unable to resolve tax problems through regular Tax Department channels. We’ve brought together staff from all Tax Department divisions to ensure that we can respond to a variety of questions and concerns.”

Also available from tax experts is information on the vast array of New York’s programs to assist taxpayers, including:

• New tax credits coming this fall, as well as existing credits you may have missed
• Assistance available from the New York State Taxpayer Rights Advocate
• 85% of New Yorkers qualify to e-file their state return at no cost
• How to choose a tax preparer, and New York’s new regulations of the industry
• Better recordkeeping for businesses

“We offer many services and programs that benefit the taxpayer—individuals and businesses of all sizes—and our goal is to help them understand what these services are, as well as how and when to best apply for them,” the Commissioner said. “We truly mean it, we’re here to help.”

For more information

• NY.GOV
• Follow the Tax Department on Twitter and YouTube