Food Bank For New York City Free Tax Assistance food bank for new york city, nyc, free tax assistance, financial empowerment, earned income tax credit, food poverty, self-sufficiency, returns, benefits, stimulus payment, volunteer, irs

Charity Navigator — the nation's largest independent charity evaluator — has given the Food Bank a four-star rating for effective and fiscally responsible management for four, consecutive years.

Only 6 percent of charities rated have received this many consecutive four-star evaluations.

Free Tax Assistance

TAX VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Food Bank's Free Tax Assistance Program helped provide $100 million in tax credits, benefits and stimulus payments for low- to moderate-income New Yorkers in 2008.

To keep this essential program at full capacity during this time of need, we are recruiting approximately 500 volunteer tax preparers. Learn more about this volunteer opportunity, or contact us today to volunteer!

An essential part of the Food Bank's financial empowerment efforts, the Free Tax Assistance Program provides low- to moderate-income New Yorkers with free tax preparation services as well as information on how to access the various credits they are entitled to. As evidenced by the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — which alone can be worth up to $6,360 for individuals and families — our free tax services can constitute a significant step from food poverty toward self-sufficiency.

In 2008 alone, the Free Tax Assistance Program prepared more than 50,000 tax returns that provided approximately $100 million in earned income tax credits, benefits and stimulus payments for New York City residents.

The Free Tax Assistance Program operates 12 assistance sites throughout the five boroughs, including the Food Bank's Harlem Food & Finance Center and a mobile unit, during the January–April tax season — staffed mainly by volunteer tax preparers from corporations and law schools. In addition, the Food Bank's Food & Finance Center in Harlem provides year-round assistance on late filings, prior-year returns and other financial and budgetary issues. The program is also made possible through additional partnerships with the City of New York, the Internal Revenue Service, community organizations and unions.

New Yorkers are eligible for free tax assistance if they earn $40,000 or less with dependent children, or $20,000 or less without dependent children. In addition, self-employed people, such as taxi drivers and childcare providers, are eligible for tax credits and free tax preparation.

For more information, contact German Tejeda, Director of Income Policy. For more information on becoming a volunteer tax preparer click here or contact Heather Joseph, Volunteer Services Manager.