Whether we like it or not, time is running out to get our taxes filed before that April 15 deadline. For so many across the state, that means spending hundreds of dollars to go to a professional.

But one service in the Southern Tier is removing that burden.

What You Need To Know

  • 70% of individual taxpayers qualify to file federal returns for free

  • In Broome County alone, free tax services brought in more than $1.4 million

  • The final day to file taxes is Monday, April 15

Hundreds of tax forms are organized in a filing cabinet at the offices of the United Way. For yet another year, the organization is making it easier than ever for individuals to file their taxes.

Through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, anyone who earned less than $64,000 in 2023 can have their taxes prepared and filed for free.

"They can talk with our tax preparers. They can just ask the questions. They can answer them. And it's all done electronically. And they don't have to worry about a thing," said Paula Perna, executive director of the United Way of Broome County.

The average price to file your taxes with an expert last year was $220. According to their websites, an in-person visit to H&R Block could run you anywhere from $89 to $228. Filing with a live expert at Turbo Tax will cost between $89 and $209.

"We all know that the prices of everything are going up on gas. It's very hard for people to pay rent. You know, when you meet that threshold 64,000 years ago or may have been a lot. Now, with the cost of living, it's not," said Perna.

The average salary in New York State is $74,870 a year. That means 70% of individual taxpayers qualify to file federal returns for free.

For volunteers at the United Way, this is yet another way to give back.

"I like being able to help the people so that sharing this and volunteering is one way to do that,” said Patricia Gallia, volunteer with the United Way of Broome County.

"It's really fun to help people and really get them through this and they can walk out of here and, you know, 90% of the time everybody's so happy when they leave, they're done," said Lisa Brooks, site coordinator, United way of Broome County.

For seniors, every-changing tax requirements can also be challenging. This year, RMD rules, which require individuals to take withdrawls from their IRAs went up from age 72 to 73. 

Volunteers and staff must stay up to date on these changes year-round.

"We do pretty extensive training that provides us with a training program that we go through, and then we have to take a test and be certified in the program. And all of our volunteers are certified at the advanced level so that we can do all that. We don't have to pick and choose who does returns, although all them are available to do the returns that come in," said Brooks.

In Broome County alone, free tax services brought in more than $1.4 million. That’s in addition to $185,000 in tax prep savings.

"It's a lot coming back into the community and more times than not, the money that's made off that goes back into the community. A lot of times used to help people. You know, with rent, mortgage, electric bills," said Perna.

The final day to file taxes is Monday, April 15. Anyone interested in signing up for free tax services at the United Way of Broome County can call 211.