FREE INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE  (VITA)

I am certified by the IRS to provide Free income tax assistance to low income and senior citizens through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).  Low income is usually the limit of the EITC Credit. about ($49,000)

NEW for 2009

• New York State is NOT mailing any tax forms to individuals. Forms may be obtained from Tax Preparers or Libraries
• Federal Return asks you to report the amount of the Federal Economic Recovery Payment  you received in 2009. (see below)
• If you itemized deductions on your federal return  AND received a NY refund you must go to the NEW YORK STATE WEB SITE and retrieve your 1099G.

Free Electronic Filing for both New York and Federal Returns!!

Last day to file a 2008 return electronically was Oct 14, 2009.

To file New York electronically you MUST file the Federal return at the same time. Both returns must be transmitted together. This is a New York State rule for VITA sites.   If you file at the Federal building, you cannot file a free electronic New York State return. Paid preparers can file New York electronically without the federal return but VITA cannot.

I operate two locations  BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

I am taking appointments for the 2009 tax season (2008 returns) now. I can still do returns for refunds for  2006 and 2007. You cannot get refunds for 2005 or before, but the IRS can get you.

The first appointments will Start  Jan 19, 2010 for 2009 returns.

Call 446-3326  (3) Give your name, telephone number and when you can be reached at that number. Repeat your phone number. Some phones produce horrible voice quality. If I can't understand you, I can't call you back.

When I call you to set up an appointment I will ask you about your situation to estimate how long your appointment will take.
The average time to do a tax return (both state an Federal) is 45 min. Usually New York only.

1- St. Alban's Church ( Corner or Scott Ave and Meadowbrook Drive)  near Nottingham HS   (east side of Syracuse)    Click Here for map to St. Alban's  Here I can do returns all year.

2- Beauchamp Library (Corner of Colvin and Salina)   south side of Syracuse  Click Here for map to Beauchamp Library

This site is open only during the prime tax season  Jan 24 - April 30

Bring with you

Partial check list :

• Must bring photo identification
• Social Security Cards for Everybody on your tax return. This includes newborns and parents living in Canada or Mexico if you want to claim them as a dependent.
• Birth Dates for everyone  on the tax return
• Current year’s tax package if you received one
• Wage and earning statement(s) Form W-2 from all employers
  • 1099R - Pension - Annuity Payments
  • W-2G
  • State tax refunds
  • Gambling  or lottery winnings   and   losses
  • Unemployment Comp.
  • SSA-1099  Social Security Benefits
  • Forms 1099-Div or Int -Interest and dividend statements from banks, mutual funds, etc.
• Amount of Federal Rebate (ECONOMIC RECOVERY PAYMENT) you received or credited to you in 2009. Usually $250 for SSA recipients etc. This payment was sent late spring or early summer 2009.
• 1098 Mortgage interest payments - Real estate taxes Paid  - Star Rebate amount
• Rent Paid  (New York State home owners or renters credit (Total income must be less the $18,000 to qualify))
• 1099B If you sold stock and Proof of how much you paid for the stock when you bought it.
• A copy of last year’s Federal and State returns if available
• Bank Routing Numbers and Account Numbers for Direct Deposit
• Other relevant information about income and expenses
  • Total Paid for Day Care
  • Day Care providers Identifying number (SSA or EIN)
• To file taxes electronically on a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. It is extremely important that each person use the correct Social Security Number (SSN).
• To file taxes electronically on a married filing Separate tax return you Must have Social Security Number (SSN) of BOTH spouses. Also New York State requires knowledge of both spouses income.

The most accurate information is usually located on your original social security card.    If you do not have a Social Security Number for you or a dependent you should complete Form SS-5, Social Security Number Application.  This form should be submitted to the nearest Social Security Administration Office.

If you or your dependent is not eligible to get a Social Security Number you may need an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

If you have not received your Forms W-2 from your employer and want to know what to do, you may obtain information here.

SCAMS

Dave Gregg 315-446-3326 davegreg@acmenet.net  Syracuse Volunteer

Note if you do not live in the Syracuse area call the IRS (800-829-1040) for assistance.