It's time to pull out all those receipts, W-2 forms, and all the other documents you've (hopefully) been holding on to and file your taxes.

I don't know about you, but I always find filing my taxes so stressful. What's a deduction and what's not? The good news is help is available for Central New Yorkers who qualify.

Free tax preparation services are offered through both the Internal Revenue Service and the United Way of The Valley and Greater Utica area in partnership with the Mohawk Valley Asset Building Coalition.

The United Way says their stated mission is to help "low-income individuals and families in Oneida and Herkimer Counties become financially self-sufficient by offering free tax preparation services, financial empowerment workshops, and a host of other services."

You qualify for services from the United Way if you generally earn less than approximately $56,000 per year, and you're a resident of Oneida or Herkimer counties. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing for taxpayers from eligible households. Tax prep sites accommodate people with disabilities and interpreting for limited English speakers is available.

Locations:

Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees
201 Bleecker St.
Utica, NY 13501

Program Dates:
February 7th - April 15th

Hours:
Wednesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

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Jervis Public Library
613 North Washington St.
Rome, NY 13440

Program Dates:
February 19th - April 15th

Hours:
Monday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Tuesday: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am - 3:00pm

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Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency
38 Morgan St.
Ilion, NY 13357

Program Dates:
February 7th - April 15th

Hours:
Monday: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 3:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 3:00pm

You can schedule an appointment with the United Way tax preparers by going to their website at unitedwayvgu.org/freetaxprep.

You can also check with the Internal Revenue Service, who offers services to seniors, and individuals earning less than up to $66,000 annually. They offer services throughout Central New York - you can search by your zip code to find the free tax preparer nearest you.

You can search for a site near you by visitng their website at irs.gov

 

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