Free Tax Filings Available For Some Queens Neighborhoods

EAST ELMHURST, QUEENS — One Queens lawmaker will save his constituents some dough on their tax refunds this year by offering free filing services at his East Elmhurst office.

State Senator Jose Peralta, D-East Elmhurst, will offer free tax preparation services to residents in his district starting Feb. 7.

Peralta, who represents the senate's 13th district in Queens, said he teamed up with Queens-based nonprofit Urban Upbound to offer the free tax filings in hopes of putting extra money his constituents' pockets. His district spans East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona and Ditmars.

"A good tax return can help families and individuals pay bills, pay some debt or save money for a rainy day," Peralta said.

The service is geared toward constituents earning $66,000 or less "who have tough times making ends meet," and need every penny of their tax returns - namely those in low-income or public housing, he said.

Urban Upbound aims to break the cycle of poverty in low income and public housing neighborhood by offering residents services like this to help them become financially independent, said CEO Bishop Mitchell Taylor. The nonprofit processed $15 million in refunds through similar programs just last year, and around $135 million since Taylor founded it in 2004.

"NYC Free Tax Prep is a vital service in low income and public housing communities where families depend on their tax refunds to cover living expenses, pay debts and establish savings," Taylor said.

He said the nonprofit also partnered with Peralta's office to offer financial counseling, banking eduction and employment services this year.

Peralta will hold the free tax preparation service in his East Elmhurst office at 32-37 Junction Blvd. District 13 residents must call 718-784-0877 in advance to make an appointment and bring these documents to their meeting:

• Proof of identification, such as a State ID, passport or driver’s license.
• Social Security cards for you, spouse and dependents, or a Social Security number verification letter.
• Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, in case you don’t have a Social Security number.
• If filing with ITIN, proof of foreign status.
• Birth dates for you, spouse, dependents.
• Wage and Earning statements from all employers.
• Interest and dividend statements.
• A copy of last year’s federal and state returns.
• Proof of bank account for direct deposit.
• To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign required forms.
• Total paid for daycare and the daycare provider’s tax filing identifying number.
• Forms 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements.
• Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state.

Lead photo via Shutterstock.