Tax Assistance

An essential part of the Food Bank's financial empowerment efforts, the Tax Assistance Program provides low-income New Yorkers with free tax preparation services as well as information on how to access the various credits they are entitled to. As evidenced by the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — a key piece of the public safety net, which alone can be worth up to $7,637 for families — our free and low-cost tax services can constitute a significant step from food poverty toward self-sufficiency.

One of the largest programs of its type in the country, the Food Bank's Tax Assistance Program has completed up to 50,000 tax returns for low- to moderate-income New Yorkers annually — helping to provide as much as $100 million in tax refunds. New Yorkers who earn $50,000 or less with dependents or $18,000 or less without dependents are eligible for the Food Bank's free tax assistance. Free tax preparation is also offered to self-employed taxi drivers and childcare providers. For a list of our tax assistance locations, including hours of operation, click here or call 311 and ask for the nearest Food Bank tax site. 

In addition, the Food Bank's Tax Assistance Program helps move New Yorkers toward greater economic self-sufficiency by providing eligible households with access to bank accounts, health insurance information and $aveNYC accounts — a New York City savings incentive program offered in limited locations.

The Food Bank's Tax Assistance Program is able to make a difference in the lives of low- and moderate-income New Yorkers thanks to the time and efforts of our IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers, seasonal workers, Food Bank staff; and through partnerships with corporations, the higher education community, unions, partner community-based organizations and government agencies such as New York City’s Office for Financial Empowerment and the Internal Revenue Service. We are particularly grateful to Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP, the College of Staten Island, Credit Suisse, Deloitte & Touche, Linklaters, Morgan Stanley, Ropes & Gray LLC, and St John’s University for their continued efforts in supporting struggling New Yorkers.

To find out if you qualify for our services please contact German Tejeda, Senior Director of Tax Services. For more information about volunteering with our tax program please contact Heather Joseph, Volunteer Services Manager.