Tax Preparation Resources

Getting help with tax preparation

Preparing your taxes can be a difficult process. There are a number of completely free services that can put New York taxpayers in touch with qualified tax preparers.

•    Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is available to New York residents making under $50,000 per year. A full list of VITA sites in New York can be found by calling 1-800-906-9887.

•    The American Association for Retired People (AARP) offers tax preparation assistance to low-to-moderate income taxpayers of all ages. For more information, please visit AARP's wesbite below to find a center near you.

Click here to find your nearest AARP Tax-Aide location

New York City Department of Finance Tax Prep Assistance

E-file your taxes here

Free File – Do you federal taxes for free

•    Let Free File do the hard work for you with brand-name software or online Fillable Forms. You can prepare and e-file your federal return for free. Participating software companies make their products available through the IRS. Some also support state tax returns.

Click here to learn more about Free File

Where to file paper returns

For taxpayers filing paper returns – please consult the following link of locations.

Click here to find out where to file your paper returns

Disputes with the IRS

If you are having issues with the IRS, my Middle Village district office may be able to assist. Please call Redmond Haskins at (718) 426-5000.

Taxpayer advocate – an independent advocate department within the IRS can also help taxpayers resolve their IRS problems. NY-9 residents can contact the Brooklyn Taxpayer advocate:

Internal Revenue Service
Taxpayer Advocate
10 Metro Tech Center
625 Fulton Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201

P: (718)488-8020
F: (718)488-3100

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers

IRS Taxpayer Assistance Centers can help taxpayers with complicated issues. No appointment is necessary - just walk in. However, if you have an ongoing, complex tax account problem or a special need, such as a disability, an appointment may be requested. All other issues will be handled without an appointment. Please consult the following link for additional information.

Click here to get in contact with your local IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center

Small Business tax corner

Small Business Filing Season Central is your one-stop assistance center for filing your business returns.

Click here to learn more about the small business tax corner

How to contact the IRS

For Individuals: Toll-Free, 800-829-1040. Mon – Fri, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

For Businesses: Toll-Free, 800-829-4933. Mon – Fri, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

For Exempt Organizations, Retirement Plan Administrators, and Government Entities: 1-877-829-5500. Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time

For people with hearing impairments: Toll-Free 1-800-829-4059 (TDD). Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (your local time).

Helpful Links

IRS Forms

1. New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
http://www.tax.ny.gov/

2. Internal Revenue Service
www.irs.gov  

3. NYC Department of Finance
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dof/html/home/home.shtml

Eight Tax-Time Errors To Avoid

IRS Tax Tip 2012-58

If you make a mistake on your tax return, it can take longer to process, which in turn, may delay your refund. Here are eight common errors to avoid .

  1. Incorrect or missing Social Security numbers When entering SSNs for anyone listed on your tax return, be sure to enter them exactly as they appear on the Social Security cards.
  2. Incorrect or misspelling of dependent’s last name When entering a dependent’s last name on your tax return, make sure to enter it exactly as it appears on their Social Security card.
  3. Filing status errors Choose the correct filing status for your situation. There are five filing statuses: Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household and Qualifying Widow(er) With Dependent Child. See Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction and Filing Information, to determine the filing status that best fits your situation.
  4. Math errors When preparing paper returns, review all math for accuracy. Or file electronically; the software does the math for you!
  5. Computation errors Take your time. Many taxpayers make mistakes when figuring their taxable income, withholding and estimated tax payments, Earned Income Tax Credit, Standard Deduction for age 65 or over or blind, the taxable amount of Social Security benefits and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
  6. Incorrect bank account numbers for direct deposit Double check your bank routing and account numbers if you are using direct deposit for your refund.
  7. Forgetting to sign and date the return An unsigned tax return is like an unsigned check – it is invalid. Also, both spouses must sign a joint return.
  8. Incorrect adjusted gross income If you file electronically, you must sign the return electronically using a Personal Identification Number. To verify your identity, the software will prompt you to enter your AGI from your originally filed 2010 federal income tax return or last year's PIN if you e-filed. Taxpayers should not use an AGI amount from an amended return, Form 1040X, or a math-error correction made by IRS.