125 North Fulton St. Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: (607) 273-4611
Toll Free: (877) 273-AFCU      E-mail
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Free Tax Assistance Information

Outreach Materials | Free Tax Assistance Information | Itemization | Volunteer for Free Tax Preparation Program | Tax referrals | Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) | How Free Tax Preparation Concerns Community Development

How fast can I get my refund?
FAST! We offer free electronic filing to get your return to the IRS as quickly as possible. We'll deposit your federal refund to the account of your choice in two weeks or less. Don't have an account? Don't worry! Anyone can get direct deposit by opening an account with Alternatives.

When can volunteers prepare my tax returns?
The Free Tax Preparation Program runs from January 17 to April 14, 2012.
Hours are Tuesdays 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM and 3:00 - 8:00 PM; Wednesdays and Thursdays 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM; Saturdays 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.

What are the annual income limits for eligibility for this free service?
$50,000 for taxpayers with a spouse or child on their return and $30,000 for single taxpayers.

We CANNOT do returns that include:

  • Sale of property, such as a home or stocks or bonds
  • Rental income and expenses (Sch. E)
  • Foreign tax credits
  • Adoption credits
  • Non-Resident Alien (1040 NR)
  • Household Employment (Sch. H)
  • Business Partnership (Sch. K)

NOTE: If you are self-employed (Sch. C or received a 1099-MISC), please fill out our self-employed worksheet before calling 2-1-1 to schedule your appointment.

How do I make an appointment?
Please call 2-1-1. If you live outside Tompkins County, call 877-211-8667.

What should I bring?
In order to accurately complete your return, you will need to bring certain documents to your appointment. These include:

  • Picture Identification
  • Social security (or ITIN) cards for yourself and all other individuals on your return
  • All W2 forms
  • Your 2010 tax return
  • Documentation of higher education expenses, including tuition paid, loans received, student loan interest payments made, and student fees.
  • Documentation to support itemization, if applicable.
  • If you paid for daycare, we'll need to know how much you paid and the provider's name, address, and tax ID number.
  • All other tax mailings.
  • Checking and savings account numbers and Routing (ABA) number for direct deposit.


What if I don't qualify?
We've compiled a list of referrals for you.

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At NorthStar House, we use as many local, organic vegetables and meats as we can, so you have our word that we will do all we can to help the community grow in the healthiest way possible. Naturally we bank at Alternatives, not only because they share our goals of community development, but they also provide the tools to make those goals a reality. Alternatives has been there for us from the beginning, helping us develop a business plan in the Business CENTS program, and continues to support us as we grow and have new financial needs.


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