2026 Free Tax Prep Kick-Off Event at Ossining High School

The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB) will officially launch its 2026 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) season with a kick-off event at Ossining High School on Monday, Feb. 2, spotlighting the student-led effort that provides free, IRS-certified tax preparation services to local residents. Ossining High School is one of 11 locations where residents can book an appointment for free tax prep services.

The VITA Kick-Off Event will include remarks and certificate presentations recognizing the 2025 student volunteers. Community partners, County representatives and members of the media are invited to attend.

WPWDB has directed the VITA program since 2004, coordinating volunteers who assist low- and moderate-income individuals and families file accurate tax returns at no cost. Over the past 22 years, hundreds of volunteers have assisted thousands of residents, including people with disabilities, senior citizens and individuals for whom English is a second language. Services are delivered by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers using secure electronic filing systems, with additional volunteers supporting operations as greeters and translators. VITA Program services are also supported by United Way of Westchester and Putnam Call Center staff.

This year, the program has expanded to two additional locations; Haverstraw Center in Rockland County and Westchester Jewish Community Services – MJ Blige Center in Yonkers. Additionally, students from Archbishop Stepinac High School will be volunteering at the White Plains Career Center location.

Student Leadership and Training

Holding the free tax prep launch at Ossining High School launch underscores the power of the Learn and Serve model of youth engagement. Few high schools nationwide offer hands-on tax preparation services to the community, making Ossining’s program a model of civic learning and workforce development. The Ossining High School VITA Volunteer Team consists of the students from the Accounting Class. Student volunteers provide VITA services Mondays after school and receive extensive training before working directly with individuals and families who need assistance. All VITA site locations are staffed by IRS-certified volunteers.

How to Make an Appointment:

Residents may call 211 or (800) 899-1479 to schedule an appointment at one of the VITA locations. Volunteer tax preparation will be available beginning the week of February 1st through April 15th.

Eleven Free Tax Preparation Locations Include:

1. White Plains Career Center, 120 Bloomingdale Road (2nd Floor), White Plains, NY
2. Mercy University – Dobbs Ferry Campus, 555 Broadway (Victory Hall, Room 100), Dobbs Ferry, NY
3. Mercy University – Bronx Campus, 1200 Waters Place (1st Floor, Room 1344), Bronx, NY
4. Mount Vernon Career Center, 130 Mount Vernon Avenue, Mount Vernon, NY
5. Ossining Youth Bureau, Joseph G. Caputo Community Center, 95 Broadway, Ossining, NY
6. Ossining High School, 29 South Highland Avenue (Room 202), Ossining, NY
7. Westchester Community College – Gateway Center, Valhalla Campus, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, NY
8. Westchester Jewish Community Services, 141 North Central Avenue, Hartsdale, NY
9. Westchester Jewish Community Services – MJ Blige Center, 489 S. Broadway, Yonkers, NY
10. UWRC/VNY! at Finkelstein Memorial Library, 24 Chestnut Street, Spring Valley, NY
11. UWRC/VNY! at Haverstraw Center, 50 Broad Street, Haverstraw, NY

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “VITA is a critical resource for low- and moderate-income taxpayers. The program ensures accurate tax returns, equitable access to the tax code, and refunds for working families who need them most. With an estimated 80 percent of refunds spent locally, VITA also helps strengthen our local economy.”

Rockland County Executive Ed Day said: “We are thrilled to bring the VITA program to Rockland County again this year. This initiative supports residents in need of tax assistance while strengthening the overall financial health of our community. Our collaboration with Westchester reflects a shared commitment to economic stability and opportunity.”

Ossining Mayor Rika Levin said: “The VITA program has long been a trusted resource for families and individuals across Ossining, helping residents navigate tax season with confidence and care. Its continued growth reflects both the program’s impact and the real need it meets in our community. By providing free, reliable tax assistance and strengthening financial literacy, we are helping our neighbors build stability today and opportunity for the future.”

Town of Ossining Supervisor Liz Feldman said: “For 10 years, Ossining DECA students have participated in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, applying classroom learning to meaningful community service. Through in-depth training, they gain practical experience while working directly with individuals and families in need at Ossining High School.”

Superintendent of Schools Mary Fox-Alter said: “Hosting the launch of the VITA program at Ossining High School highlights the meaningful role students can play in serving their community while gaining real-world experience. Through DECA, our students receive extensive training and provide free, IRS-certified tax preparation services to local families -- an opportunity that is rare among high schools nationwide. This program is a powerful example of how civic learning and workforce development can come together to benefit both students and the community.”

About VITA: The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Free Tax Prep Program is a national initiative sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, providing free tax help to qualifying low- and moderate-income residents.

About Westchester County

Westchester County, located in the heart of the historic Hudson Valley, covers 500 square miles and has a population of just over 1 million. Originally home to Native Americans of the Lenape tribe, it is now a rich mix of diverse cultures and landscapes. The County is a blend of bustling cities, quaint villages, and picturesque towns, as well as open spaces and a network of beautiful parks. Westchester is made up of six cities, 19 towns, and 20 villages. The County is known for its top-notch public schools and high quality of life. It is also an intellectual capital, boasting a highly educated workforce, competitive colleges and universities, Fortune 500 companies, world-changing nonprofits, and cutting-edge research centers. Westchester is led by County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins, who took office in January 2025 as the tenth County Executive. Focusing on innovation, Jenkins is leveraging technology and fostering business growth to position Westchester as a dynamic and inclusive destination where everyone can thrive. Learn more about Westchester County by visiting www.westchestergov.com.

About the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB): The WPWDB is comprised of leaders from state and county government, nonprofit organizations, education, and the private sector who work collaboratively to strengthen partnerships between business, education, and service providers. Through the Career Center Network, WPWDB supports youth, adults, and employers with training, resources, and workforce solutions across Westchester and Putnam counties. For more information, visit www.westchesterputnamonestop.com.