Appointments available at free tax assistance sites in Western New York

Less than two weeks to file

If you earn under $60,000, e-file for free at these locations

With less than two weeks until the income tax deadline, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is encouraging Western New York taxpayers to visit free tax preparation sites in the area. The sites listed below have timeslots available for eligible taxpayers.

Individuals and families earning $60,000 or less can file their state and federal income tax returns online at no cost at any of the sites. The Tax Department is making it easy for taxpayers to e-file their own federal and state income tax returns. Volunteers are onsite to answer questions and help guide taxpayers through the user-friendly software. The software also helps to ensure valuable income tax credits are not overlooked.

Appointments are recommended, but not required.

"We've had a tremendous response to our expanded tax assistance program this year, and these Western Region sites still have appointments available," Acting Commissioner Kenneth Adams said. "As an alternative to hiring a tax preparer, which can cost hundreds of dollars, eligible taxpayers can save money while learning how to complete their own taxes in the future."

This year, the Tax Department launched a dramatically expanded program of 80 free tax preparation sites statewide, up from 14 last year.

For more information, get times, addresses and contact information for the sites below at www.tax.ny.gov/fsa, which also includes a list of forms to bring; watch this short video; or call 518-457-5181.