Volunteers to be Honored at Kick-Off to VITA Free Tax Prep Program

The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB) has been directing the “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance” (VITA) Program since 2004. Over the past 21 years, hundreds of people have volunteered their time and expertise to help low- and moderate-income individuals and families file their taxes for free, including people with disabilities, senior citizens, and those for whom English is a second language. To ensure the program delivers maximum benefits, VITA relies on dedicated volunteers to act as greeters, assist with language translation and call-center operations. Tax preparation is done by IRS-certified volunteers via electronic filing.

To thank and recognize those volunteers, including many students who are participating in “service learning” from both the Mt. Vernon and Ossining school districts, this year’s kick-off for the VITA program will include a breakfast and awards presentation. The event will take place at the Mt. Vernon Career Center at 130 Mt. Vernon Avenue on Saturday, February 15th. The special event will include breakfast at 9:00 am followed by the volunteer recognition at 9:30 am and the kick-off for the 2025 program at 10:00 am.

In addition, this year marks the first time WPWDB is collaborating with Rockland County to support individuals who may benefit from the program across the river. Stephen Papas, President and CEO of United Way of Rockland; Katie Pfeifer, Senior Director of Programs for Volunteer New York!; Maria Vanessa Cipolla the Finkelstein Memorial Library Head of Marketing and Communications and Marie Sturm, Yolanda Durant, and Tiffany Stuart from the IRS were instrumental in brainstorming an effective pathway for this first-time, intercounty collaborative effort.

The VITA program is available at select locations throughout Westchester County, Rockland, and the Bronx through Tuesday, April 15. Residents can call 211 or 1-800-899-1479 to schedule an appointment at one of nine locations listed below. Tax prep help will take place in Rockland County at the Finkelstein Memorial Library, 24 Chestnut Street in Spring Valley.

Westchester County Executive Ken W. Jenkins stated, “VITA, which started as a program to help the IRS increase taxpayer education, has evolved into a critical resource for low- and moderate-income taxpayers. Today, the VITA program ensures accurate tax returns, equitable access to the tax code, and needed tax refunds for our working families and individuals who most need them. It also serves to boost the local economy; it’s estimated that about 80% of refunds are spent locally, generating sales, wages, and jobs.”

“We are thrilled to bring the VITA program to Rockland County this year. This initiative not only aids those in need of tax assistance but also fortifies the financial health of our community by ensuring that everyone has access to the resources necessary for economic stability. Our collaboration with Westchester underscores our commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of our residents by taking advantage of available resources,” stated Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

“The VITA program has been a cornerstone for community support in Mount Vernon, providing invaluable tax assistance to our residents who need it the most. Its expansion is a testament to the program's success and its essential role in nurturing the economic well-being of our community. By empowering our citizens through financial education and support, we're investing in a brighter, more prosperous future for everyone.” said Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard.

The VITA program is delivered through a collaboration of partners who worked diligently to coordinate the day-to-day operations—2-1-1 Hudson Valley/United Way of Westchester and Putnam; the IRS; Westchester County Government; Westchester Community College, Valhalla; Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry and Bronx Campuses; Ossining High School; Ossining Youth Bureau; Westchester Jewish Community Services; the Westchester-Putnam Career Center Network, United Way of Rockland County, Volunteer NY! and the Finkelstein Memorial Library

Volunteer tax preparer and language translator assistance runs from February 2 through April 15 and is available at the sites below. Call 211 or (800) 899-1479 to make an appointment at one of the VITA/Tax Assistance locations.

A complete list of the sites with the services offered as well as times can be found at this www.westchesterputnamonestop.com:

Free Tax Prep Locations

• White Plains Career Center, 120 Bloomingdale Road (2nd Floor), White Plains, NY
• Mercy University—Dobbs Ferry Campus,555 Broadway (Victory Hall, Room 100), Dobbs Ferry, NY
• Mercy University - Bronx Campus, 1200 Waters Place (1st Floor, Room 1344), Bronx, NY
• Mount Vernon Career Center, 130 Mount Vernon Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY
• Ossining Youth Bureau, Joseph G. Caputo Community Center, 95 Broadway, Ossining, NY
• Ossining High School, 29 South Highland Avenue (Room 202), Ossining, NY
• Westchester Community College -- Gateway Center, Valhalla Campus, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, NY
• Westchester Jewish Community Services – 141 North Central Avenue, Hartsdale, NY
• UWRC/VNY! at Finkelstein Memorial Library, 24 Chestnut Street, Spring Valley, NY

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Free Tax Prep program is a national initiative sponsored by the IRS and the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to help low- and moderate-income residents qualify for federal and state earned income tax credits.

THE WESTCHESTER-PUTNAM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (WPWDB) is comprised of leaders and staff of state and county government agencies, non-profits, public education, and the private sector who work together to strengthen the partnerships between business, education, and service providers within the “Career Center Network” to meet the needs for a skilled workforce. The WPWDB pursues funding opportunities and develops model programs and leading-edge practices. The “Network” is made up of four Career Centers (White Plains, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, and Carmel) as well as partner agencies that provide state-of-the-art technology, training, resources, and services to youth, adults and employers. For more information, visit www.westchesterputnamonestop.com.