For the first time ever, the Benefit Fund’s Tax Preparation Assistance Program includes two quick, easy and secure options for filing your taxes online from home, with the help of our partners. Each option comes with step-by-step instructions and phone assistance to help you prepare your taxes yourself.
For Those with a Household Income of $33,000 or Less
For Those with a Household Income of $66,000 or Less
As long as your 2017 household income was below $54,000 (or $30,000 if you are single and have no dependents), our partners at the Food Bank For New York City and Ariva—a nonprofit educational program—are offering free tax preparation events at sites throughout the five boroughs.
The Food Bank For New York City also offers the Virtual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (Virtual VITA) program for convenient electronic filing (e-filing) at various locations. You are eligible to use Virtual VITA if your 2017 household income was $54,000 or less, whether you have dependents or not. For more information, read more below or call Member Services at (646) 473-9200.
Even if you don’t live near a Food Bank For New York City or Ariva site, be sure to check the “Claim Your EITC” guide below to find out whether you qualify for the credit before filing your return.
Claim Your EITC
You can check whether you meet the income requirements for the EITC by using the 2017 tax guidelines listed here:
- Income below $48,340 ($53,930 if married, filing a joint return) with three or more dependent children
- Income below $45,007 ($50,597 if married, filing a joint return) with two dependent children
- Income below $39,617 ($45,207 if married, filing a joint return) with one dependent child
- Income below $15,010 ($20,600 if married, filing a joint return) with no dependent children
Find Out If You’re Eligible for SNAP
At the Food Bank, you can also be pre-screened to see if you are eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program helps more than two million New Yorkers buy healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, breads, and meat and dairy products, through a debit card that can be used like cash. You may earn up to $60,000 a year and still qualify for SNAP, even if you own a home or car, have money in the bank or live with others. For more information, visit www.NY.gov/services/apply-snap.
How Much Could You Receive From SNAP?*
| Family Size | Maximum Amount (per month) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $192 |
| 2 | $352 |
| 3 | $504 |
| 4 | $640 |
| 5 | $760 |
| 6 | $913 |
*The actual amount of monthly assistance you can receive will vary based on individual financial circumstances. You may be eligible for more assistance for each additional family member, depending on your income.
For More Information, Including Free Tax Preparation Sites
For National Benefit Fund and Greater New York Benefit Fund Members »
(In English, en español)
Tax Preparation Sites: Long Island | New Jersey | Westchester
For Home Care Members »
Regardless of your status, all Home Care members are eligible to receive free tax preparation assistance—even if you don’t receive health benefits.
(In English, en español, На русском языке, nan lang Kreyòl, 中文)
Tax Preparation Sites: Long Island | New Jersey | Westchester