Feb. 6, 2017— The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB) offers free tax preparation assistance to Westchester residents through a program called VITA. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program, offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.

VITA aims to help working families take advantage of all tax credits for which they are eligible, including earned income tax credit, child tax credits and education credits. This not only assists the individual family, but also increases tax dollars in the county. It is estimated that about 80% of refunds are then spent locally, which generates local sales, wages, and jobs, ultimately boosting the local economy.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax credit available to working families and individuals with modest incomes. Many eligible Westchester residents are not aware of the credit and therefore do not claim it. Maximum credits depend on income, marital status and size of family. Each year New York State and New York City set threshold limits. Limits for the current tax year are issued prior to the beginning of the tax preparation season.
To qualify, individuals must file certain tax forms with their federal and state income taxes. The federal form is 1040 or 1040A with Schedule EITC. The state form is Form IT-215

Volunteer income tax assistance program runs through April 17
Volunteer tax preparer and Spanish translator assistance runs through April 17 and is available at the sites below. The last appointment dates are listed by each location. Call 211 or (800) 899-1479 to make an appointment at one of the Westchester County EITC Tax Assistance locations. At every site, the last appointment is an hour before closing.

Appointments and walk-ins locations

White Plains: Westchester/Putnam One-Stop Center, 120 Bloomingdale Rd.
Appointments run: Feb. 2 - April 18, 2017
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Languages: English, Spanish

Mt. Vernon: Mt Vernon One-Stop Center, 100 East First St.
Appointments run: Feb. 1 - April 14, 2017
Wednesdays and Fridays: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Languages: English

Valhalla: Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Rd., Gateway Center across from parking lot #1
Appointments run: Feb. 3 - April 17, 2017
Mondays and Fridays: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Languages: English
Appointments, but walk-ins are WCC Alumni and students only

Yonkers: Educational Opportunity Center of Westchester, 26 South Broadway
Appointments run: Feb. 2 - April 18, 2017
Tuesdays and Thursdays:  Noon - 8 p.m.
During Spring Break:  April 11 and April 13 appointments run 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Languages: English

Dobbs Ferry: Mercy College, 555 Broadway, Room 100, Victory Hall (formerly Our Lady of  Victory)
Appointments run: Varying dates
Saturdays: Feb. 4 - March 25, April 8, April, 15; Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sundays: Feb. 19, Feb. 26, March 5, March 12, March 19; Hours: 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Languages: English, Spanish

Who Qualifies for EITC
Below is information for tax year 2016. The potential maximum tax credit includes federal, state and New York City credits and depends on income, marital status and number of children in the household. Children can be a son, daughter, grandchild, adopted child, step child or foster child as long as the child is under 19 years of age.

• Single (ages 25-65)
  With no children
  Maximum income to be eligible: $15,010
  Maximum tax credit: $510

  With one child
  Maximum income to be eligible: $39,617
  Maximum tax credit:  $3,400

  With 2 children 
  Maximum income to be eligible: $45,007
  Maximum tax credit: $5,616

  With 3 or more children 
  Maximum income to be eligible: $48,340
  Maximum tax credit:  $6,318

• Married/filing jointly  (ages 25-65)
  With no children
  Maximum income to be eligible:  $20,600
  Maximum tax credit: $510

  With one child
  Maximum income to be eligible: $45,207
  Maximum tax credit:  $3,400

  With 2 children  
  Maximum income to be eligible:  $50,597
  Maximum tax credit:  $5,616

  With 3 or more children  
  Maximum income to be eligible:  $53,930
  Maximum tax credit:  $6,318

The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board provides an environment where job seekers and employers interact to meet the needs for a highly qualified regional workforce. The WPWDB seeks to strengthen partnerships with business sectors, service providers and the public education system to offer career services and various training modalities to youth and adults.

Media materials: printer-friendly release, and image/video assets

• "VITA Helps Westchester Residents Prepare Taxes" image

Media contact
Risa B. Hoag for Harquin Creative, (845) 627-3000
risabh@gmail.com