Public Employee Press

Free Tax Preparation

In 2011, DC 37 helped over 4,000 members get $10 million in refunds and savings on tax preparation. This year, DC 37 is continuing our partnership with Food Bank, which will operate 14 centers in all five boroughs, with professional tax preparers at each site. Centers are near members' workplaces, homes or transportation hubs. Please use the checklist at right to be sure you bring ALL the required documents.

NEW INCOME LIMITS THIS YEAR: To qualify for FREE electronic filing and tax preparation, a person with dependent children must have earned less than $50,000 TOTAL FAMILY INCOME INCLUDING SPOUSE INCOME. A person with NO children must have earned less than $18,000 TOTAL FAMILY INCOME INCLUDING SPOUSE INCOME. SELF-PREPARATION OPTION For filers with incomes up to $48,000, regardless of family size, free self-preparation with electronic filing and assistance of a preparer is available at three locations.

Depending on income and family size, the member may also be eligible for the EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT, an additional amount of money paid to low-income families in addition to their tax refund. Income limits for free tax service and the EITC are determined by the Internal Revenue Service.

What You Need To Bring
	Social Security cards (you must bring an original card, a copy of the card or a copy of last year's tax return) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers; and dates of birth for yourself and all family members you are claiming.
	W-2s for all jobs you held in 2011 and any other tax-related documents.
	Form 1099-G, if you received unemployment insurance in 2011.
	Form 1099-INT, if you received interest from a bank account in 2011.
	If you are claiming child-care expenses, documentation of expenses and child-care agency's ID or Social Security number of provider.
	If you are filing your taxes with a spouse, you must bring your spouse.
	A sample check if you want direct deposit of your refund. Two photo IDs (one government-issued), if you wish to open a savings account and receive your refund within 7-10 days.