Assemblyman Stirpe: Don’t Let the Tax Season Be So Taxing

A guide to tax breaks and local assistance

Tax season is not supposed to be so taxing. Yet, when navigating through the complex system, it’s easy to overlook opportunities that could save you and your family hundreds or even thousands of dollars in federal and state tax credits. This month, I encourage residents in our communities to set aside time and check what tax credits are available for them. Current programs you may qualify for include:

  • the Empire State Child Credit, a refundable tax credit worth up to $330 per child for ages 4-16;
  • the Child and Dependent Care Credit, a tax credit based on a sliding income scale for working parents who pay for child care or those who live with a spouse or dependent who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care;
  • the federal Child Tax Credit, a non-refundable tax credit of up to $1,000 per child under the age of 17, or the refundable Additional Child Tax Credit; and
  • the Real Property Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit worth up to $375 for eligible homeowners and renters.
C.A.S.H. provides free tax help In addition, free assistance with filing tax returns is available to Onondaga County families whose household income is $53,000 or less through Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (C.A.S.H.), a community initiative of United Way of Central New York. These are qualified IRS-certified volunteers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Here’s a list of some local sites near you:
Sites with no appointments needed
Assisi Center
Opens Saturday, Feb. 14th
800 N. Salina St., Syracuse (2/14 -4/11)
Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (except 3/7 & 3/14) Le Moyne College Library
Opens Tuesday, Feb. 17th
Bernat Special Events Room (2/17-4/7)
1419 Salt Springs Road, Syracuse
Every Tuesday 5 to 8 p.m. (except 3/10) Sites by appointment only
Shoppingtown Mall – Dewitt
Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday - Thursday noon to 7 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Call: 315-634-3756 Syracuse Educational Center
100 New St., Syracuse
Monday – Thursday 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Call: 315-295-1822 JOBSplus!
677 S. Salina St. #201, Syracuse
Call: 315-442-3242 Beauchamp Library – Onondaga County Library
2111 S. Salina St., Syracuse
Call: 315-446-3326
Making life less taxing for Central New York families continues to be one of my top priorities. That’s why I’ve helped lock in the lowest income tax rate for hardworking families and cut taxes for businesses. To continue those efforts, I’m supporting a “circuit breaker,” which would limit property taxes based on an individual’s income. I’ll also fight to make sure that this year’s state budget is passed on time with no new taxes. If you have any questions on this or any other community issues, please feel free to call our office at 315-452-1115 or email me at StirpeA@assembly.state.ny.us.