File Your Taxes for Free in Farmingdale

If you are struggling to afford income-tax preparation assistance this year, take heart.

Bethpage Federal Credit Union is offering help at no cost in Farmingdale, thanks to the organization’s Volunteer Tax Assistance program.

The program is available across Long Island, where more than 300 IRS certified volunteers – including bilingual taxpayer assistants – have set aside time to meet with eligible taxpayers with 2014 incomes of $55,000 and lower to file tax returns.

Through this program, residents can also learn about the Earned Income Tax Credit, an anti-poverty program, which according to Bethpage, is available to four out of five eligible Long Island households.

The tax credit could bring an additional $8,293 to Long Island families. Households can claim up to three years back of Earned Income Tax Credits, according to Bethpage, which partners with Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, to educate residents about the program.

“Last year, we were able to secure over $700,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits for Long Island families,” noted Rob Suarez, Bethpage’s assistant vice president of community development, who coordinates Bethpage’s VITA program with the Community Development team and volunteers.

Nearly 20 percent of Long Islanders do not realize they can claim these tax credits, which can help make ends meet, he added.

“Not only does it help individuals and families who might otherwise have a difficult time during tax season, the program also funnels refunds back to the Long Island economy,” said Linda Armyn, senior vice president at Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

Through April 8, the program will be available at the branch location at 1033 Route 109.

The service is also available on Saturday afternoons at Bethpage branches in Bay Shore, Central Islip, Elmont, Freeport, Hempstead, Massapequa, Patchogue, Riverhead, Roosevelt, West Babylon and Westbury. No appointments is needed.

And it is available through local libraries and community based organizations throughout Long Island during the week. See the list of locations, addresses, contact numbers, or call 1-800-628-7070.

The program is open to all eligible Long Islanders, including non-Bethpage members.

If you qualify for the program and want to participate, bring photo identification; social security cards for you, your spouse and dependents; current year’s tax package if you received one; wage and earnings statement(s) Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R from all employers, interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099); a copy of last year’s Federal and State returns if available; bank routing and account numbers for tax refund direct deposit; total paid for daycare and provider’s tax ID.

To file taxes electronically for a married filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present. For more information, visit www.bethpagefcu.com or call 1-800-628-7070.

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