To qualify for free tax preparation, you must meet the following criteria:

• Income for 2024: $67,000 or less (single or married filing jointly)
• No rental income
• No bankruptcy declared in 2024
• No self-employment income involving inventory
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or resident alien (or married to one)
• Foreign Students: Send us an email 

Additional qualifications may apply in rare cases. If you do not meet these criteria, we are unable to prepare your tax return. If your income exceeds this threshold, please contact Andrew Kochian at andrew@unitedwaygcr.org or call 518-456-2200, as some sites may still be able to assist with your return.

To ensure your tax return is prepared accurately, please bring the following:

Required Items

1. Social Security Cards
   • For yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and all dependents.
   • Copies or pictures are acceptable.
   • These are essential for ID verification and preventing identity theft.
      
2. Photo ID
   • For you and your spouse (if filing jointly).

Recommended Items

• Bank Account Information: Routing and account numbers for direct deposit.
• Previous Tax Returns: Federal and NY State returns from last year (if applicable).
• Identity Protection PIN (if applicable): If you were a victim of identity theft and received an IRS IP PIN, bring the most recent one (IRS Letter CP01A). Retrieve it online or call the IRS at 800-908-4490 if needed.

Income Documents

Bring all applicable forms for any income received:

• Wages: Form W-2.
• Unemployment: Form 1099-G (retrieve online at NYS Tax if needed).
• Social Security Benefits: Form SSA-1099.
• Pension Distributions: Form 1099-R.
• Self-Employment Income: Forms 1099-K, NEC, or MISC (check ride-share accounts for forms).
• Gambling Winnings: Form W-2G.
• Brokerage Statements - Sale of Stock: Form 1099-B, Dividens: From 1099-DIV, Interest: Form 1099-INT.
• Other Income: Bring any additional tax forms showing income not listed here.

Expense Documents

If applicable, bring forms for these deductible expenses:

• Mortgage Interest: Form 1098.
• College Tuition: Form 1098-T (available via the student’s college account).
• Student Loan Interest: Form 1098-E.
• Health Insurance: Form 1095-A (from NY Marketplace, if applicable).
• Charitable Contributions: Summary of donations (cash and non-cash).
• Child Care Expenses: Provider details and amounts paid.
• Self-Employment Expenses: Itemized business expenses (e.g., mileage, supplies).

If unsure about your documents, email Andrew Kochian at andrew@unitedwaygcr.org for assistance.

Filing your tax return can be a daunting, expensive task. That's why the United Way network provides free tax filing support to U.S. residents, through our online MyFreeTaxes service or VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. In both cases, United Way partners with the IRS.

MyFreeTaxes is the only free, national online tax filing program offered by a nonprofit. It helps you file your state and federal taxes in 1 hour, from your phone, tablet or computer. The secure software guides you through the process to guarantee you get your maximum refund.

Get started at MyFreeTaxes.com