CHENANGO COUNTY – For the 10th year, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is offering free income tax preparation at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Norwich for individuals who make less than $54,000.

According to VITA Program Coordinator Casey Frazee, starting in February Chenango County residents who earned less than $54,000 in 2018 can have their income tax filed for free by calling Norwich’s Cornell Office and setting up an appointment.

“The VITA program is an IRS certified program, and there are organizations throughout the United States that offer it,” said Casey. “We have volunteers that are trained who go into different areas and communities that offer free tax prep to families or individuals who make less than $54,000.”

She said students at Colgate University become certified in tax prep and volunteer their time to assist families with their income taxes.

“It’s students from all different backgrounds and they have to pass the same certifications, and the students go out regularly and meet with the clients,” said Casey. “A lot of our clients are able to collect the child tax credit, but often times private tax preparers will charge $100 to process it.”