In partnership with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, the campus is supporting free self-assisted tax returns to students, alumni, community members, and faculty/staff. This Facilitated Self-Assistance (FSA) Tax service allows you to file your New York state and federal taxes with the support of volunteers.
FSA tax preparation sessions will be held and led by the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance staff via video conference on Fridays from February 11 - April 15, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Sessions for 2022 are fully booked and now closed.
Format: Due to the pandemic, sessions will be held on video conference with NYS Department of Taxation and Finance (NYSDTF) staff members, guiding you through the online system and answering questions as you complete your filing.
Session Options: You can join the video conference session with the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance in one of two ways:
At-Home Virtual: If you have internet access and a computer or tablet with a webcam and speaker/microphone, you can meet with NYSDTF staff from the comfort of your home, dorm room, or office. A smartphone will not allow you to access the online video platform. To select this option for your session, please select "At-Home Virtual" on question #5 of the online registration form or when you call 716-878-3919.
On-Campus: If you need access to the internet, a computer, and a webcam/microphone, you can register to use Buffalo State's computer lab. We will send you information about getting to campus and the computer lab. A staff member from CCE will also be present during the sessions to assist with any minor technology-related questions. Any tax-related questions should be directed to the NYSDTF staff who will join the session via video conference. To select this option for your session, please select "On-Campus" on question #5 of the online registration form or when you call 716-878-3919. Any person coming to an on-campus session must wear a well-fitting mask, covering mouth and nose, regardless of vaccination status throughout their session. If you are sicik, please cancel your appointment and reschedule.
Registration: Registration is now closed for 2022.
Before Your Session: Prior to your session, you'll create a TaxSlayer account (step-by-step instructions will be emailed to you after you register). Bring that log-in information with you to your session. To prepare for the session, read through the Frequently Asked Question section below.
You will also need to have these items available during your session:
email address (username and password)
copy of last year’s tax return or your prior year federal adjusted gross income (FAGI)
driver license or state-issued non-driver ID (for you and your spouse, if filing jointly)
birth dates and Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and your dependents
proof of income (wages, interest and dividend statements):
Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 any other documents showing additional income
Forms 1095-A, B, or C, Affordable Healthcare Statement information related to any credits you’re claiming
your banking information (the account number and the routing number for your bank, which you can find on a blank check)
The NYS Department of Taxation and Finance website also offers other resources and information which includes access to other free tax filing software options. Should you have any questions, please email them at taxpartners@tax.ny.gov.
During the session, you'll meet by video conference with a NYS Department of Taxation and Finance staff member, receive an overview of the online tax filing platform. You'll then be able to complete your tax filing with support from their staff.
Please bring the TaxSlayer login account information and the items listed above.
Before registering, please read through the Frequently Asked Questions below. Register for an at-home virtual or on-campus session using our online registration form or by calling 716-878-3919. Registration is now closed for 2022.
Is there an income limit for those who can file using this free service? For most individuals, no. There are no income limits for your 2021 gross income. However, Schedule C, Schedule D, and Schedule E filers are limited to $69,000 and investment income limited to $3,000 for 2020.
I don't know how to prepare my own taxes, is that a problem? No. NYS Department of Taxation and Finance staff and volunteers will walk you through the income tax return filing system, step-by-step. It takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Is filing online safe? Yes, using this program is safe and secure to file your taxes. The Tax Department staff will verify your identity as you file and you will meet with them on a secure video conference platform.
Do I need an email address to file? Yes. If you don't have one (or can't remember your login information), create an email address before you attend your tax return preparation session. You can create an email address with Google, Yahoo, or AOL.
Who do I contact if I have questions or need more information? Please contact the Civic and Community Engagement Office at 716-878-3919, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Additional information can also be found at: https://www.tax.ny.gov/fsa/
Where are sessions located? You can choose to meet virtually from the comfort of your home, dorm room, or office if you have access to the internet, a computer or tablet, webcam, speaker/microphone. If you need access to technology, you can reserve a spot in a campus computer lab when you register. We'll provide everything you will need to either join your session virtually or get to campus.
I do not have a computer, can I still have my taxes prepared for free? Yes. We understand that not everyone has access to the internet or a computer. That's why we have reserved spaces in a Buffalo State computer lab where you can participate in the virtual session. When registering, select "ON-CAMPUS - I need to use the Buffalo State computer lab to meet virtually with the NYSDTF staff member" when responding to question #5 on the registration form.
Can I use my smartphone to attend my session? No. Using a smartphone will not give you the functionality you will need to file your taxes. Please register for a session and choose to use an on-campus computer lab if you do not have the required technology. We will provide location details by email and on-site support when you arrive.
Is there someone who can prepare my taxes for me? This program requires you to complete and file your taxes yourself, with the guidance of NYS Department of Taxation and Finance staff members on video conference. If you would prefer to have someone complete and file your taxes, we recommend using the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. To schedule an appointment with VITA, call 2-1-1 to make an appointment and find a free tax preparation site near you (dial 2-1-1 or 1-888-696-9211). You can also schedule an appointment at the Elaine M. Panty, Frank E. Merriweather, Jr., and Kenmore library branches, UB School of Management, First Shiloh Buffalo, and BFNC Hope Center.
Fridays do not work with my schedule. Are there other options? There are several programs where you can receive assistance for tax filing in the WNY community. You can call 211 or 1-888-696-9211 to schedule an appointment at a VITA location, schedule an appointment at the Elaine M. Panty, Frank E. Merriweather, Jr., and Kenmore library branches, UB School of Management, First Shiloh Buffalo, and BFNC Hope Center.
I'm pretty tech-savvy and think I can file my taxes on my own. Is there free software? Yes. If you have a simple return you can file online for free. Some websites to do so include MyFreeTaxes, FreeFile, and AARP Foundation Tax Aide (if aged 55+).
I know how to fill out my taxes and do it online every year. This year I have a very specific question pertaining to an unusual financial event last year. Do I have to sign up? Specific questions can be sent to taxpartners@tax.ny.gov, so you do not have to sit through a 90-minute session to get a specific question answered.
What do I need to bring to my tax return session? You'll need to bring:
TaxSlayer account information and log in (instructions to set up this account will be emailed to you when you register)
An email account that you can access. Please bring your email address and password login information.
Basic knowledge of how to use a computer
Photo Identification (i.e. Driver’s license and/or Non-driver ID) (for you and your spouse, if filing jointly)
birth dates and Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and your dependents
Copy of last year’s tax return or prior Federal adjusted gross income
W-2’s, 1098, 1099’s and other documents to complete the return
Forms 1095-A, B, or C, Affordable Healthcare Statement information related to any credits you’re claiming (if applicable)
your banking information (the account number and the routing number for your bank, which you can find on a blank check)
Civic and Community Engagement
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