Free Tax Return Assistance Available for Low-Income Area Residents

More than two dozen students from SUNY Oneonta’s School of Economics and Business are teaming up with the local United Way to offer free assistance with income tax returns to low-income area residents.

A total of 28 SUNY Oneonta student volunteers have become certified by the IRS to help families prepare simple tax forms through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

Residents of Delaware and Otsego counties who earned less than $51,000 in 2013 may be eligible for this free service, which is offered through the United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties CA$H program.

The SUNY Oneonta students join a number of trained community volunteers who will help taxpayers fill out tax forms and determine whether they qualify for special credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Credit for the Elderly, and education credits.

From February through April, volunteers will offer help by appointment between 5 and 9 pm Tuesdays and Thursdays, and between 9 am and noon on Saturdays at the First United Methodist Church on Chestnut Street in Oneonta.

Appointments can be made by calling (607) 432-0061.