Get The Most Out Of Your Tax Returns

January 16, 2020

EITC_2019.jpgMake sure your tax refund is all it can be with the Earned Income Tax Credit. 1199SEIU and the National Benefit Fund are again making available a free tax prep program for members, so they can pay only the taxes they owe and apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit, a tax refund for low-to moderate income families. Since its inception in 1999, the program has helped NYC members alone file for $100 million dollars in refunds. The program works with professional tax preparers at sites throughout the Union’s regions to help members prepare their taxes free of charge. Below is what you’ll need to file for the EITC and site locations, dates and times. Call the listed numbers for more information.

GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TAX REFUND AND FIND OUT IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC)

If your 2019 household income was below $56,000 (or $30,000 if you’re single and have no dependents), our partner Food Bank For New York City is offering free tax preparation events throughout the five boroughs this tax season. The nonprofit educational program Ariva is also offering free tax preparation at its Springbank location in the Bronx.

If your 2019 household income was below $64,000 (or $45,000 if you’re single and have no dependents), Ariva has additional locations that are also offering free tax preparation events throughout the five boroughs this tax season.

Even if you don’t live near a Food Bank For New York City or Ariva site, be sure to check the guide at right to find out whether you qualify for the EITC before filing your return.

YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR THE EITC IF YOU MEET THESE 2019 INCOME REQUIREMENTS:

• Income below $50,162 ($55,952 if married, filing a joint return) with three or more dependent children

• Income below $46,703 ($52,493 if married, filing a joint return) with two dependent children

• Income below $41,094 ($46,884 if married, filing a joint return) with one dependent child

• Income below $15,570 ($21,370 if married, filing a joint return) with no dependent children

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING TO HAVE YOUR TAXES PREPARED ONSITE:

• Your spouse. If you are filing a joint return, your spouse must be present with you.
• Photo ID issued by the state or federal government. For yourself and your spouse if you are filing jointly. For example: driver license, state ID, passport, Green Card, etc..

• Social Security card, individual Taxpayer Identification Number letter or a letter from the Social Security Administration with the correct Social Security numbers. For yourself and everyone to be claimed on your tax return. Copies of past tax returns are NOT acceptable as proof of Social Security numbers. This means that you MUST bring Social Security cards (or copies of the cards) for every dependent you are claiming.

• W-2 forms for all 2019 jobs (last paystub is NOT acceptable).

• Form 1099-B, if you have income from the sale of stocks, bonds or other assets.

• Form 1099-C, if you have a forgiveness of debt.

• Form 1099-G, if you received unemployment insurance in 2019.

• Form 1099-INT, if you received interest from a bank account in 2019.

• Form 1098, if you paid real estate taxes and/or mortgage interest.

• Form 1098-E, if you paid student loan interest for post-high school education in 2019.

• Form 1098-E, if you paid student loan interest for post-high school education in 2019.

• Form 1098-T, if you paid tuition for post-high school education in 2019.

• Form 1099-DIV, if you received dividends in 2019.

• Form 1099-R, if you receive a pension, or Form SSA-1099, if you collect Social Security.

• Form 1095-A, if you were enrolled in a qualified health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace in 2019.

• To claim child-care expenses, bring: the total amount you paid in 2019, and the child-care agency’s tax Employer Identification Number (EIN) or the child-care provider’s name and Social Security number.

• A voided check with routing and account numbers if you want to use direct deposit.

• Amounts of any other income from your records (jury duty fees, cash earnings, gambling winnings [Form W2-G], etc.).

• A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available.

DOWNSTATE NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY

Members in New Jersey and downstate New York, including New York City, Westchester County and Long Island can go to www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/EITC for information about EITC tax free preparation site locations, their hours of operation and contact information. Other resources and information are available on the NBF website.

UPSTATE NEW YORK

BUFFALO
Jan. 28 – Apr. 15
2421 Main Street, Suite 100  
Call (716) 982-0540 to make an appointment. Dial Amy Sue at ext. 3721 or Kim at ext. 3724. 
Monday – Thursday 4:00pm to 8:00pm
Saturdays: 2/4, 2/16, 3/2, 3/16, 4/6, & 4/13 10:00am to 3:00pm

  NORTH COUNTRY - GOUVERNEUR
   Feb. 2 – Apr. 6
95 E. Main Street, Gouverneur
  Mon & Thursday: 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am to 2:00 pm
(315) 287-9013 ext. 11 

CARTHAGE
March 7
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Carthage Area Hospital
Call 315-287-9013 ext. 11 to make an appointment

PLATTSBURGH
Feb. 14 – 16
Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital 1199 Office Call (315-287-9013 ext. 11 to make an appointment.

ROCHESTER
259 Monroe Ave, Suite, 220, 2nd Fl. 
Jan. 28 – Apr.15
Tuesday 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Strong Memorial Hospital 
601 Elmwood Ave.
Call (585) 730-6433 for more information.
Louise Slaughter Room 9555 
2/5, 2/12, 2/19, 2/26: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

SYRACUSE
EITC FREE TAX CENTER
250 S. Clinton St.  
Jan 28 - Apr. 15, Mon - Thurs 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Sat: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Loretto – January 30 – 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
James Cecile Center – Feb. 2 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Solvay High School Feb. 9 – 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Call (315) 295-1822 to make an appointment.

FLORIDA

Call Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) to locate sites near you If you can’t find a convenient site near you, there are additional Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites that offer free tax preparation. Just call the VITA Site Locator Hotline at (800) 906-9887 or use the VITA Site Locator Tool at www.IRS.gov/Individuals/Find-a-Location-for-Free-Tax-Prep to locate your nearest VITA site and find hours of operation and contact numbers.

MARYLAND

Jan. 28 - April 15
Jan. 28 - April 15
611 North Eutaw Street, Baltimore
Tuesday to Thursday.: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m.
Sunday and Monday: Closed
*No walk-ins or drop offs.
Call (443) 449-2019 to make an appointment

MASSACHUSETTS

Jan. 29 - April 15

SPRINGFIELD
1199SEIU Office
20 Maple Street Springfield
Mondays 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Fridays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

QUINCY
1199SEIU Office
108 Myrtle Street, First Fl.
Wednesdays 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursdays 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Fridays 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Call 617-284-1188 to make an appointment

VISIT WWW.1199SEIUBENEFITS.ORG/EITC TO FIND OUT MORE.