Bethpage Federal offers free tax filing program

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Bethpage Federal Credit Union is offering free tax filing options through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.  The program is available to qualifying taxpayers, regardless of whether they are members of the credit union.

“This is our 21st year of partnering with the IRS to provide free tax filing assistance to the community,” Ever Martinez, the credit union’s community engagement relationship manager, said in a statement.

“Tax returns and tax credits provide individuals and families with money back that can make a large impact on their quality of life. We encourage those who are eligible, to register. You don’t have to be a Bethpage member to receive the free services.”

With the Bethpage Virtual VITA program, taxpayers meet with Bethpage’s trained volunteers virtually, who will then prepare and e-file the tax returns. Virtual appointments will take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays  through Aprill 11. Pre-scheduled appointments are required and can be made on Bethpage’s website.

With the Bethpage Traditional VITA program,  taxpayers meet with Bethpage’s trained volunteers in-person, who will then prepare and e-file the tax returns. Appointments will take place at select locations in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, on Wednesdays and Fridays. Locations include every Wednesday at Touro Law Center in Central Islip, from April 10, and every other Friday at the Hempstead Public Schools Parent Resource Center in Hempstead, through April 12.

With the Bethpage VITA – In-Person Facilitated Self Assistance (FSA) program, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance employee volunteers will help taxpayers prepare and e-file income tax returns for free, at select Long Island libraries in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Appointments will take place Feb. 27 and March 12, at Bellmore Memorial Library; March 5 at Central Islip Public Library; Feb. 20 at Lindenhurst Memorial Library; Feb. 8 and Feb. 22, March 7, March 21 and April 4 at Middle Country Library in Centereach; Feb. 28 March 13 and April 10  at South Country Library in Bellport; Feb, 13 and March 26, at West Babylon Public Library. Appointments at library locations are open to library patrons and town residents only.

Through the Bethpage VITA Remote FSA program, taxpayers can work with the “Use Our Software for Free” program. The program makes make filing software available for free to qualifying taxpayers, after they participate in prerequisite lab sessions to learn how to use the software to e-file tax returns themselves. To participate, taxpayers must first view an information webinar, presented by Bethpage and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

To learn more, click here or email [email protected].

Bethpage VITA volunteers will also educate eligible working families about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) while preparing tax returns. The EITC is an anti-poverty program available to four out of five eligible Long Island households and could put up to an extra $7,830 into the hands of Long Island families. Credit amounts are based on income levels, filing status and other factors.

In 2023, Bethpage completed 787 VITA tax returns, and helped secure IRS total refunds of over $793,734. Bethpage also helped secure $163,939 in Earned Income Tax Credits.