Free Tax Preparation Assistance By VITA Available

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is going on now through mid-April and appointments are available for those needing assistance in filing their 2024 taxes.

The program offers free tax help for those who make less than $67,000 dollars a year, someone who is disabled, is elderly, and/or is limited in English-speaking. All volunteers for the program are IRS-certified who provide a free basic income tax return preparation assistance with electronic filing.

The VITA program began in the county back in 2005 with support from the Cornell Cooperative Extension. Since then, the program has grown and has completed over 4,500 tax returns for individuals under the income threshold. VITA credits the growth of the program to Barb Henza, Cornell Cooperative’s Financial Educator. 

Those who would like to schedule an appointment may call 2-1-1 between Monday and Friday from 8:30a to 5p. The VITA program will be taking place at multiple locations within Cortland County with the location determined at the time of scheduling. More information on the program may be found at CortlandFreeTaxes.org.