2026 Free Tax Prep Kick-Off Event at Ossining High School

VITA program expands to 11 locations serving Westchester, Rockland, and Bronx residents

Free Tax Prep for tax working families and individuals February-April at 11 Locations. You earned it, keep all of it!
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The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB) will officially launch its 2026 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) season with a kick-off event at Ossining High School on Monday, Feb. 2, spotlighting the student-led effort that provides free, IRS-certified tax preparation services to local residents. Ossining High School is one of 11 locations where residents can book an appointment for free tax prep services. The VITA Kick-Off Event will include remarks and certificate presentations recognizing the 2025 student volunteers. Community partners, County representatives and members of the media are invited to attend.

WPWDB has directed the VITA program since 2004, coordinating volunteers who assist low- and moderate-income individuals and families file accurate tax returns at no cost. Over the past 22 years, hundreds of volunteers have assisted thousands of residents, including people with disabilities, senior citizens and individuals for whom English is a second language. Services are delivered by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers using secure electronic filing systems, with additional volunteers supporting operations as greeters and translators. VITA Program services are also supported by United Way of Westchester and Putnam Call Center staff.

This year, the program has expanded to two additional locations; Haverstraw Center in Rockland County and Westchester Jewish Community Services – MJ Blige Center in Yonkers. Additionally, students from Archbishop Stepinac High School will be volunteering at the White Plains Career Center location.

Student Leadership and Training

Holding the free tax prep launch at Ossining High School launch underscores the power of the Learn and Serve model of youth engagement. Few high schools nationwide offer hands-on tax preparation services to the community, making Ossining’s program a model of civic learning and workforce development. The Ossining High School VITA Volunteer Team consists of the students from the Accounting Class. Student volunteers provide VITA services Mondays after school and receive extensive training before working directly with individuals and families who need assistance. All VITA site locations are staffed by IRS-certified volunteers.

How to Make an Appointment: Residents may call 211 or (800) 899-1479 to schedule an appointment at one of the VITA locations. Volunteer tax preparation will be available beginning the week of February 1st through April 15th.

11 Free Tax Preparation Locations Include:

1. White Plains Career Center, 120 Bloomingdale Road (2nd Floor), White Plains, NY
2. Mercy University – Dobbs Ferry Campus, 555 Broadway (Victory Hall, Room 100), Dobbs Ferry, NY
3. Mercy University – Bronx Campus, 1200 Waters Place (1st Floor, Room 1344), Bronx, NY
4. Mount Vernon Career Center, 130 Mount Vernon Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY
5. Ossining Youth Bureau, Joseph G. Caputo Community Center, 95 Broadway, Ossining, NY
6. Ossining High School, 29 South Highland Avenue (Room 202), Ossining, NY
7. Westchester Community College – Gateway Center, Valhalla Campus, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, NY
8. Westchester Jewish Community Services, 141 North Central Avenue, Hartsdale, NY
9. Westchester Jewish Community Services – MJ Blige Center, 489 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY
10. UWRC/VNY! at Finkelstein Memorial Library, 24 Chestnut Street, Spring Valley, NY
11. UWRC/VNY! at Haverstraw Center, 50 Broad Street, Haverstraw, NY