This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION AVAILABLE BY IRS CERTIFIED VOLUNTEERS

The Bethpage Federal Credit Union (BFCU) operates several free income tax assistance sites on Long Island

The IRS partners with nonprofit and community organizations to provide free tax preparation services for qualified taxpayers

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help generally to people who earn $51,000 or less, and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program offers free tax help to taxpayers with priority assistance to people who are 60 and older.

The Bethpage Federal Credit Union (BFCU) operates several free income tax assistance sites on Long Island with locations in Bayshore, Farmingdale, Freeport, Patchogue, Riverhead, West Babylon, Central Islip, Elmont, Hempstead, Massapequa, Roosevelt and Westbury.  

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

For more information and days of operation for BFCE sites call 800-628-7070.

Taxpayers need to present the following items to have their returns prepared:

Find out what's happening in Riverheadwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Photo identification
  • Valid Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents
  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for taxpayer, spouse and dependents, if applicable
  • Birth dates for taxpayer, spouse and dependents on the tax return
  • Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, from all employers
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
  • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
  • Proof of bank or credit union routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit
  • Other relevant information about income and expenses
  • Total paid for day care
  • Day care provider's identifying number

To file taxes electronically on a Married Filing Jointly return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms.

For hours and days of operation and further Information on numerous other free tax preparation sites is available on www.irs.gov by typing VITA into the search box or by calling call 800-906-9887 (VITA) or 888-227-7669 (TCE).

 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?