Free Tax Preparation Service Begins February 3; Appointment Through 2-1-1 Required
Registration opens Monday, January 26 for free tax preparation services for qualified residents at Tompkins County Public Library, in partnership with Cornell University, the Human Services Coalition and the Internal Revenue Service.
To qualify, you must:
- Be a resident of Tompkins or Cortland County
- Have an income of $69,000 or less in tax year 2025
A reservation through 2-1-1 in Tompkins County is required. Tompkins County 211 can also be reached by calling 1-877-211-8667.
In-person appointments with IRS-certified tax preparers from Cornell Volunteer Income Assistance Program (VITA) will be available from Tuesday, February 3 through Tuesday, April 14 on the following days inside the TCPL Digital Lab:
- Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Appointments will not be available during Cornell University’s spring break which runs from Monday, March 30 to Friday, April 3. The deadline to file state and federal returns is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
The full list of dates is available in the Library Events Calendar. Reservations must be made through 2-1-1.
Cornell VITA separately offers self-preparation with coaching and live facilitated self-assist for those who made up to $89,000 in tax year 2025. More information about those programs as well as documents to have ready for an in-person appointment are available on the VITA website ithacafreetax.org.
Cornell VITA encourages those with reservations to download and complete 2 intake forms linked below BEFORE an appointment if possible.
(Please download and complete BOTH)
Please also review WHAT TO BRING with you by clicking on the pdf file below:
If you're unsure about any answers on the forms, don't worry, VITA’s tax preparers can guide you through them when you arrive for your appointment.
For the self-employed, please click here for a helpful worksheet to organize income and expenses.
Last year, Cornell VITA, through its partnership with TCPL and the Human Services Coalition, prepared tax returns for more than 900 people, generating $924,031 in tax refunds and providing a $1.16 million in community impact.