In partnership with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance and the Civic and Community Engagement Office, the campus is supporting free self-assisted tax returns to students, alumni, community members, and faculty/staff. The Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP) service allows you to file your New York state and federal taxes with the support of volunteers. 

This page will be updated with more information in early 2025. 

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Session Information

When?: TAP tax preparation sessions will be held and led by the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance staff in person at Buffalo State University Fridays beginning February 2 thru April 12, 2024, by appointment.   

Where?: On-Campus. We will send you information about getting to campus and the computer lab, as well as a parking pass. A staff member from CCE will also be present during the sessions to assist with any minor technology-related questions. Any tax-related questions will be directed to the NYSDTF staff who will be there to assist you. 

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Registration

Before Your Session: To prepare for the session, read through the Frequently Asked Question section below.

You will also need to have these items available during your session:

  • email address (username and password)
  • copy of last year’s tax return or your prior year federal adjusted gross income (FAGI)
  • driver's license or state-issued non-driver ID (for you and your spouse, if filing jointly)
  • birth dates and Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and your dependents
  • proof of income (wages, interest and dividend statements):
  • Forms W-2, 1098, 1099 and any other documents showing additional income
  • Forms 1095-A, B, or C, Affordable Healthcare Statement information related to any credits you’re claiming
  • your banking information (the account number and the routing number for your bank, which you can find on a blank check)

The NYS Department of Taxation and Finance website also offers other resources and information which includes access to other free tax filing software options. Should you have any questions, please email them at taxpartners@tax.ny.gov.

 

To register for your session, fill out this questionnaire

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Is there an income limit for those who can file using this free service? $79,000. 
  • I don't know how to prepare my own taxes, is that a problem? No. NYS Department of Taxation and Finance staff and volunteers will walk you through the income tax return filing system, step-by-step. It takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours. 
  • Is filing online safe? Yes, using this program is safe and secure to file your taxes. The Tax Department staff will verify your identity as you file and you will meet with them on a secure video conference platform. 
  • Do I need an email address to file? Yes.  If you don't have one (or can't remember your login information), create an email address before you attend your tax return preparation session.  You can create an email address with Google, Yahoo, or AOL.
  • Who do I contact if I have questions or need more information? Please contact the Civic and Community Engagement Office at 716-878-3919, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Additional information can also be found at: https://www.tax.ny.gov/fsa/
  • Where are sessions located? Bacon Hall at Buffalo State University.. 
  • What if I prefer to file my taxes from home? Please reference Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP) (ny.gov) for more information.  They can assist you with an at home session.
  • Can I use my smartphone to attend my session? No. Using a smartphone will not give you the functionality you will need to file your taxes. Please register for a session and choose to use an on-campus computer lab if you do not have the required technology. We will provide location details by email and on-site support when you arrive. 
  • Is there someone who can prepare my taxes for me? This program requires you to complete and file your taxes yourself, with the guidance of NYS Department of Taxation and Finance staff members on video conference. If you would prefer to have someone complete and file your taxes, we recommend using the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. To schedule an appointment with VITA, call 2-1-1 to make an appointment and find a free tax preparation site near you (dial 2-1-1 or 1-888-696-9211). You can also schedule an appointment at the Elaine M. Panty, Frank E. Merriweather, Jr., and Kenmore library branches, UB School of Management, First Shiloh Buffalo, and BFNC Hope Center. 
  • Fridays do not work with my schedule. Are there other options? There are several programs where you can receive assistance for tax filing in the WNY community. You can call 211 or 1-888-696-9211 to schedule an appointment at a VITA location, schedule an appointment at the Elaine M. Pantry Library, Frank E. Merriweather, Jr., and Kenmore library branches, UB School of Management, First Shiloh Buffalo, and BFNC Hope Center. 
  • I'm pretty tech-savvy and think I can file my taxes on my own. Is there free software? Yes. If you have a simple return you can file online for free. Some websites to do so include MyFreeTaxes, FreeFile, and AARP Foundation Tax Aide (if aged 55+). 
  • I know how to fill out my taxes and do it online every year.  This year I have a very specific question pertaining to an unusual financial event last year.  Do I have to sign up?  Specific questions can be sent to taxpartners@tax.ny.gov, so you do not have to sit through a 90-minute session to get a specific question answered.
  • What do I need to bring to my tax return session? You'll need to bring:
    • An email account that you can access.  Please bring your email address and password login information. 
    • Basic knowledge of how to use a computer
    • Photo Identification (i.e. Driver’s license and/or Non-driver ID) (for you and your spouse, if filing jointly)
    • birth dates and Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and your dependents
    • Copy of last year’s tax return or prior Federal adjusted gross income
    • W-2’s, 1098, 1099’s and other documents to complete the return
    • Forms 1095-A, B, or C, Affordable Healthcare Statement information related to any credits you’re claiming (if applicable) 
    • your banking information (the account number and the routing number for your bank, which you can find on a blank check)