Harlem’s speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito along with Council Member Daniel Dromm today visited Food Bank NYC in Jackson Heights to remind New Yorkers to file their taxes and to utilize the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) at free tax preparation sites at locations across the City. The Earned Income Tax Credit is the largest direct poverty reduction program in the nation, allowing working families to receive as much as $8,427 when filing their taxes. In the 2015 tax season, with help from the City Council, Food Bank NYC was able to file 85,000 tax returns for low income New Yorkers who received more than $141 million as a result.
“With the tax deadline fast approaching, New Yorkers who are eligible for the EITC should take advantage of this program,” said Speaker Mark-Viverito.“Through the EITC, taxpayers are eligible for a credit of up to $8,427 which can make an enormous difference in someone’s life. The Council is proud to partner with organizations like Food Bank NYC to help New Yorkers file their taxes and receive the benefits to which they are entitled to.”
The City Council provided $250,000 in funding in FY 2016 to support tax preparation services for New Yorkers. This funding allows Food Bank NYC to help New Yorkers prepare all necessary tax documents and receive the maximum tax return using the Earned Income Tax Credit and other deductions.
“This Council has incessantly advocated for more funding for free tax preparation for low-income residents and for the Earned Income Tax Credit and NYC Child Care Tax Credit, two of the most effective anti-poverty initiatives in the country. As tax season draws to a close, I urge New Yorkers to file their taxes and take advantage of these credits that can help supplement a family’s income. The New York City Council and I are very proud to support free tax prep sites across the five boroughs where New Yorkers may have their taxes prepared at no cost by professionals.” Council Finance Committee Chairwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland.
“Tax preparation can be overwhelming especially if English is not your first language,” said NYC Council Member Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst). “Therefore I am proud to join Speaker Mark-Viverito and Council Finance Committee Chairperson Julissa Ferreras-Copeland in funding the Food Bank for New York City’s free tax preparation services which will make filing easier for thousands of New Yorkers. I urge all who are eligible to sign up for this free quality program.”
“For families struggling to make ends meet, the Earned Income Tax Credit can be a lifeline. Our free tax assistance and financial services program not only serves the New Yorkers who need it most, it serves the entire city,” said Margarette Purvis, President and CEO of Food Bank For New York City. “Tax benefits help New Yorkers put food on the table while boosting the local economy to foster growth and job creation. We’re grateful to Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and the New York City Council for providing key financial support for our tax program and helping to spread the word to encourage all New Yorkers who think they may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit to visit one of the free tax preparation sites throughout the five boroughs.”
To learn more about how you can help, please visit foodbanknyc.org.
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