It’s tax time for Long Islanders again. So what are the most important things to know and where can tax filers find resources and help? April 15th 2015 brings the deadline for filing federal income taxes for the year. On top of this there can be New York state taxes, county property taxes, and tax filing requirements for business owners. Not everyone finds filing taxes fun, but it can yield big tax refunds and savings.
2015 Federal Income Taxes
While not everyone may owe property taxes, business taxes, or even state income taxes, the vast majority of Long Island residents will need to at least file federal income taxes with the IRS. These returns must be received by the IRS, or at least postmarked by April 15th, 2015 in order to avoid additional penalties, interest, and fines. Even those that won’t owe taxes will often find this a smart move in order to obtain refunds, take advantage of credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, and others. Long Island post offices for mailing tax returns include:
- 4602 21st Street, Long Island City
- 160 Duryea Road, Melville
- 245 Centereach Mall, Centereach
More USPS locations can be found using the tool here. Many online tax preparation services and local offices like Jackson Hewitt and H&R Block serve those that can afford them, yet do not need the expertise of a CPA or more expert tax accountant.
Free Tax Prep Help
Long Islanders will also find an array of sources of free help in filing taxes. This includes:
- Online at IRS.gov
- The AFTC (Armed Forces Tax Council)
- TCE (Tax Counselling for the Elderly)
- Long Island Volunteer Income Tax Assistance VITA sites
Property Tax Help
Long Island property taxes are separate to NY state and federal income taxes. These can be some of the most significant tax bills New Yorkers’ will receive each year. They are often a major source of frustration, not just because of how big they are, but how wildly inaccurate and overblown they are.
Property Tax Adjusters, Ltd. helps Long Islanders to navigate, and reduce these bills, often saving individual property owners thousands of dollars per year. So many miss big tax breaks like the STAR and Enhanced STAR exemption, and more than 20 others exemptions for homeowners, members of the clergy, those that bought new homes or made home improvements, and government workers, and more it is heart breaking. There is help out there! Reach out and accept it…