With the April 15 tax deadline approaching, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is encouraging residents to avail themselves of free tax assistance.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is available to individuals and families with an annual income of $51,000 or less. Taxpayers can have their federal and state taxes prepared and filed for free by IRS-certified volunteers at more than 400 locations across the state.
VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations.
Last year, VITA volunteers in New York prepared nearly 200,000 returns, and they consistently receive high reviews from the taxpayers who use their services.
Taxpayers with personal computers and incomes below $57,000 also have the option to file their income taxes for free from home by going to the "free file" link at tax.ny.gov.