Ossining High School Students Offer Free Tax Services

Business and accounting club students at Ossining High School are offering their services to the community by preparing taxes for local residents. This initiative is part of the students' class requirements and aims to provide hands-on experience while also giving back to the community.

Under the guidance of accounting teacher Debra Jacoby, students have been studying tax laws and regulations, learning how to fill out tax forms and gaining an understanding of the various deductions and credits available to taxpayers. Additionally, students must pass the Internal Revenue Service's Advanced Tax Law Exam, take an ethics test, and sign a confidentiality agreement in order to prepare taxes for residents.

"We are very excited to be continuing this service to the community," said Ms. Jacoby. "Our students have been working hard to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare taxes accurately and efficiently. This is a great opportunity for them to apply what they've learned in class to a real-world situation."

Westchester County has partnered with Jacoby to provide tax services. This year, free tax preparation is available generally to people who earned $60,00 or less in 2022, as well as people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency who need assistance.

“I thought it was cool to know I was able to prepare taxes for people in our community,” said Junior Katie Quizhpi. “It benefits them by providing the service for free and benefits me because I can learn how to prepare taxes but also understand how taxes work.”

For Junior Elvis Sumba, learning relevant life skills is the most rewarding.

“This class has taught me real-world skills that are important and now I can give back to the community,” said Elvis.

The tax preparation service is free of charge and residents are encouraged to call the school to schedule an appointment. The service will be offered through April 17.