Free Tax-Prep Available for Dutchess, Orange Counties

Residents of Dutchess and Orange counties can get their tax returns prepared for free by calling the United Way Hudson Valley Region 2-1-1 Helpline.

According a spokeswoman for the United Way, a call specialist will review the caller’s eligibility, and then make an appointment and provide directions to the tax-preparation site.

The specialist will even supply a complete list of required documents.

The appointments are only available through April 16.

The rest of the statement from the United Way:

“Last year, over 7,100 returns were prepared for people with low to moderate incomes in Dutchess and Orange Counties, who took advantage of this free tax preparation service,” noted Jeannie Montano, President and CEO of United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region. “This resulted in $5,738,546 million returned in the form of tax credits and refunds to our community, to people who need it most.”

"By receiving help filing their taxes, many people will receive these much needed refunds that can be used to pay rent, medical bills, and to buy food and fulfill other basic needs," Jeannie Montano explained. "We proudly support the Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition and its partner organizations with grants from the United Way Community Fund. This program is a great example of how we can all come together to help Mid-Hudson Valley residents gain financial stability. It remains a cornerstone of our mission."

There are 35 tax preparation locations conveniently located throughout Dutchess and Orange Counties and will be staffed by AARP Tax-Aide volunteers, six days-a-week, including evenings and weekends through April 16, 2016. Assistance will be available for the hearing-impaired and for those who need a translator. The tax service is open to area residents of all ages who meet eligibility guidelines. AARP membership is not required.

In Dutchess County, there are 20 Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition tax preparation sites in: Beacon (2), Dover Plains, Fishkill, Hopewell Junction (2), Hyde Pak, Millbrook, Millerton, Pleasant Valley, Poughkeepsie (6), Rhinebeck, Staatsburg, Stanfordville and Wappinger Falls.

In Orange County, there are 15 Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition tax preparation sites in: Chester, Cornwall, Goshen, Middletown, Monroe, Montgomery, Newburgh (3), New Windsor, Pine Bush, Port Jervis, Walden, Warwick and Washingtonville.

“This year we were able to increase the number of people we serve by the addition of more sites and volunteers,” noted Linda Eddy, Dutchess County CA$H Coalition Coordinator. “I’d like to remind everyone to call 2-1-1 now to schedule an appointment as these slots fill up very quickly.”

Please note that appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis, so individuals should call 2-1-1 as soon as possible.

“United Way, Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition, and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide members would like to express their gratitude to all the trained volunteers who make this program possible,” said Dave Weaving, the Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition coordinator.

For additional information about Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition, including volunteer opportunities, go to www.hv-cash.org or www.uwdor.org/hv-cash.