Contact Us
Andrew Kochian
andrew@unitedwaygcr.org | (518) 459-0183
Catholic Charities, 513 Clinton Ave, Albany, NY 12206
Claire Reid
communityimpact@unitedwaygcr.org | (518) 456-2200
United Way at The Blake Annex, 1 Steuben Place, Albany, NY 12207
To ensure your tax return is prepared accurately, please bring the following:
Required Items
- Social Security Cards
- For yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and all dependents.
- Copies or pictures are acceptable.
- These are essential for ID verification and preventing identity theft.
- Photo ID
- For you and your spouse (if filing jointly).
Recommended Items
- Bank Account Information: Routing and account numbers for direct deposit.
- Previous Tax Returns: Federal and NY State returns from last year (if applicable).
- Identity Protection PIN (if applicable): If you were a victim of identity theft and received an IRS IP PIN, bring the most recent one (IRS Letter CP01A). Retrieve it online or call the IRS at 800-908-4490 if needed.
Income Documents
Bring all applicable forms for any income received:
- Wages: Form W-2.
- Unemployment: Form 1099-G (retrieve online at NYS Tax if needed).
- Social Security Benefits: Form SSA-1099.
- Pension Distributions: Form 1099-R.
- Self-Employment Income: Forms 1099-K, NEC, or MISC (check ride-share accounts for forms).
- Gambling Winnings: Form W-2G.
- Brokerage Statements - Sale of Stock: Form 1099-B, Dividens: From 1099-DIV, Interest: Form 1099-INT.
- Other Income: Bring any additional tax forms showing income not listed here.
Expense Documents
If applicable, bring forms for these deductible expenses:
- Mortgage Interest: Form 1098.
- College Tuition: Form 1098-T (available via the student’s college account).
- Student Loan Interest: Form 1098-E.
- Health Insurance: Form 1095-A (from NY Marketplace, if applicable).
- Charitable Contributions: Summary of donations (cash and non-cash).
- Child Care Expenses: Provider details and amounts paid.
- Self-Employment Expenses: Itemized business expenses (e.g., mileage, supplies).
If unsure about your documents, email Andrew Kochian at andrew@unitedwaygcr.org for assistance.
MyFreeTaxes
Powered by United Way, is the only free, nonprofit tax filing service available nationwide. With secure software provided by TaxSlayer, it allows individuals earning less than $73,000 to file both federal and state taxes online with ease. The platform is user-friendly, accessible from any device, and guides you step-by-step to maximize your refund. It’s available in English and Spanish and ensures your personal information is protected with the highest industry standards.
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
1-800-829-1040
No matter when need tax help or information, your best option is to visit IRS.gov or call the above number for tools and services which make getting help from the IRS just a click or call away.
New York State Taxation and Finance
1-800-225-5829
The New York State Taxation and Finance Department is there to help taxpayers learn information that will assist in making them responsible taxpayers. The overall goal of the tax department is that all taxpayers voluntarily pay the correct amount of taxes at the right times. They are there to help you with your state tax concerns. Give them a call.
211 Northeast Region
2-1-1
Get Connected. Get Answers! Call 2-1-1 for free, confidential information and referrals, available 24/7. Access resources from over 500 health and human services agencies, including housing, financial literacy, food, domestic violence support, medical care, mental health services, and more. Prefer to text? Send your ZIP CODE to 898-211 (available Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM; message and data rates may apply).
Bank On
Open an affordable bank account
Open a safe and affordable bank account to receive your tax refund by direct deposit, which is free and faster than a check. If you don’t already have a bank account, we recommend opening an account that is certified to meet the Bank On National Account Standards. These accounts take the stress out of banking by charging only $5 or less per month with no overdraft or insufficient fund fees, and include convenient features like Bill Pay or free checks you can use to help pay rent and other bills without using expensive money orders. These accounts are also great options for anyone with a limited or challenging banking history.
You can review the full list of available Bank On certified accounts you can open online here.
