Senator Andrew Gounardes and Councilman Justin Brannan to Host NYC Free Tax Prep Sites

Brooklyn, NY - State Senator Andrew Gounardes’ office and Councilman Justin Brannan's office are hosting NYC Free Tax Prep sites, offering free tax preparation every Sunday starting on February 2nd through March 29th. The offices partnered with Grow Brooklyn, a member of the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s (DCWP) NYC Free Tax Prep program to provide this resource for the community. At the sites, returns can be prepared in-person by an IRS certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteer preparer. The services provided are by appointment only, so constituents should call 347.682.5606 or visit https://www.growbrooklyn.org/freetaxes/ to schedule an appointment online.

Tax assistance services will be located at Senator Gounardes’ office from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 8018 5th Avenue on 2/2, 2/16, 3/1, 3/15 and 3/29. Services will also be located at Councilman Justin Brannan's office from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 8203 3rd Avenue on 2/9, 2/23, 3/8 and 3/22.

The eligibility requirements for booking an appointment are as follows: anyone with an income of $64,000 or less (with dependents), anyone with an income of $45,000 or less (single), anyone who is self-employed with expenses of $5,000 or less.

“I am glad to partner with such a great organization to provide free tax preparation services for the residents of southern Brooklyn,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “It’s so important that residents have access to resources to make their lives easier and make a difference in their finances. We are here to help.”

“It’s the time of year again and my office is here to help with taxes. Seniors have done so much for our communities, it’s my privilege to be able to help them with what can be a frustrating, but necessary, task like filing taxes. Last year we helped nearly 100 seniors with their taxes and we expect to be able to help even more this year,” said Councilman Justin Brannan.

“Since 2014, we have helped New Yorkers file more than 700,000 returns for free and claim refund-boosting tax credits that can be pivotal in helping them pay bills, reduce debt, and save for their future,” said DCWP Commissioner Lorelei Salas. “I am excited to continue expanding NYC Free Tax Prep this year and help connect even more New Yorkers with our trusted and professional tax prep services to help ease the financial stress and frustration that is often experienced during tax season. We thank all of our amazing tax season partners like Grow Brooklyn, Senator Gounardes, and Councilman Brannan for all of their work helping New Yorkers to keep every penny of their hard-earned refunds.”

DCWP’s NYC Free Tax Prep services include more than 150 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)/Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and AARP Tax-Aide sites citywide. Sites across the city are now open with additional sites opening next week as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins to accept returns on January 27. New Yorkers can call 311 or visit nyc.gov/taxprep and use DCWP’s interactive map to search for the most convenient free tax site near them. A checklist of what New Yorkers need to bring with them to file is available at nyc.gov/taxprep

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