Ridgewood Savings Bank to Host Ariva's Free Tax Preparation Days in the Bronx

The sessions will be held at the following sites/dates/times:

· Sunday, February 8, 2015: 9:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Held at the bank’s Jerome Avenue branch – 3445 Jerome Avenue; (718) 881-3430

· Saturday, February 21, 2015: 9:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Hosted by Ridgewood’s White Plains Road branch and held at Community Board #12 – 4101 White Plains Road at 229th Street; (718) 882-0440

· Saturday, February 28, 2015: 9:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Held at the bank’s Soundview

branch – 1626 Bruckner Boulevard; (718) 589-1323

· Saturday, March 21, 2015: 9:45 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Held at the bank’s Allerton Avenue branch – 711 Allerton Avenue; (718) 882-2220

All Bronx residents are eligible for free tax filing if they are single with no dependents and earn less than $25,000 or file with dependents and earn less than $53,000. Since space is limited, qualifying taxpayers must call the branch that is hosting the session in advance to schedule an appointment.

This community service is presented by Ridgewood Savings Bank in partnership with ARIVA, a non-profit organization that implements a program instituted by the IRS known as “VITA”, which trains volunteers who then provide pro bono service for income-eligible households. The IRS Certified VITA Volunteer Preparers will prepare and electronically file the common 2014 tax forms: 1040 EZ, 1040A and 1040 forms.

“We are pleased to continue our tradition of providing this timely assistance to our local community,” said Peter M. Boger, Ridgewood Savings Bank chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Our tax preparation program is always well-received, as it enables people to file their taxes on time and avoid costly errors—while promptly receiving any refunds they are due.”

All qualified taxpayers will need to bring the following to their appointments:

• Photo IDs and Social Security Cards for each individual named on the tax return
• W-2 or 1099 Forms for every job held
• Documentation and child care provider Tax ID#, if claiming childcare expenses
• 2013 tax returns – Form 1095A (Health Marketplace)
• Any other tax-related documentation received
• *For those who are married and filing jointly, both spouses must be present at the appointment.

For first time tax filers, ARIVA can prepare the W-7 Form to obtain an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Eligible first-time taxpayers should bring a passport, USCIS photo ID, Visa issued by the U.S. Department of State or National Identification card.

Walter Reese, Ridgewood Savings Bank’s senior vice president of retail banking, explains, “Bank representatives will be available to provide information to residents who are interested in opening an account at one of our eight conveniently-located branches in the Bronx. This allows taxpayers to have their refunds quickly and safely electronically deposited directly into bank accounts—along with many other advantages for managing their finances.”