Tax Prep Doesn't Have To Cost Bed-Stuy: Free Local Program

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, BROOKLYN — Tax season doesn't have to be a nightmare, or at least it can be less of one. That's the goal of a free — yes, free — tax prep program offered by Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation.

NYC Free Tax Prep opened Tuesday in Restoration Plaza. That location helped taxpayers reap a combined $5.5 million in tax refunds last year, according to a release.

It's one of 150 sites across the city offering free tax prep to families who earned $64,000 or less and individuals who earned $45,000 or less.

Odds are many Bed-Stuy residents qualify — 47 percent of the neighborhood's households make less than $50,000 a year, according to U. S. Census data.

Restoration, a community development program, will offer the tax prep program seven days a week. Volunteer professional tax preparers will be available for one-on-one help, or to assist as people "self prep" their taxes, according to the program's website.

It also offers virtual tax prep.

The program is appointment only, so residents are encouraged to email freetaxprep@restorationplaza.org, visit the website or call 929-432-3314. Hours for appointments are:

Monday 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Tuesday 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday 5:30pm - 9:00pm

Thursday 5:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Seniors only until 2 p.m.)

Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Sunday 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Restoration Plaza is at 1368 Fulton St., near Fulton Street and Marcy Avenue.

Last year, Restoration processed 3,400 tax returns. The wider program is run by the city's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.