United Way of the Southern Tier

Appointment information

Appointments are accepted year-round for all prior year issues, including returns or amendments. 211 Helpline is still booking appointments for the 2011 season. If you missed the tax deadline, click here for helpful advice from the IRS.

If you think you may owe money, don't put off filing! You must file by the deadline, or face penalties. Some things to remember:

Don't panic!
If you cannot pay the full amount you owe, you should still file your return by the deadline and pay as much as you can.
You should also contact the IRS at (800) 829-1040 to discuss your payment options.
The IRS may be able to provide some relief, such as a short-term extension to pay or an installment agreement.

Making an appointment
When you receive all of your W-2s, it's time to call 2-1-1 Helpline and make your appointment!

Dial 2-1-1 or 1 (800) 346-2211

Monday through Friday

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2-1-1 will help you find the appointment location and time that work best for you. Sites are available through Chemung and Steuben counties, and special one-day CA$H sites will be scheduled throughout the season.

What to bring to your appointment

    • A copy of last year's return
    • Social Security cards and birth dates for you, your spouse and children you are claiming. (Copies are no longer acceptable. You must bring the actual Social Security card.)
    • Picture ID for you and your spouse, if filing jointly
    • Any letter or notice you received from the IRS
    • Your savings and/or checking routing and account numbers (for a faster refund that is directly deposited)

Sources of income

    • W-2 forms for ALL jobs held in 2011. (If you lost or never received your W2, call the IRS at this number: 800.829.0922. If the IRS does not have the information, an IRS representative will send a formal request to your employer to provide the W2 within 10 days.)
    • Pension documents, including records of withdrawals from 401(k) or other pension plans
    • 1099 forms, such as Unemployment, Social Security and Self-Employment
    • Documentation of cancellation of debt
    • Records of your contributions to Traditional and Roth IRAs, and Health Savings Accounts
    • Records showing any Estimated Tax payments made

Possible deductions and credits

    • If you paid for child care, bring documentation listing provider name, address, tax ID# and amount you paid in 2011
    • If you, your spouse or a child attended college, bring your tuition expense statement (1098T), documentation of amount spent on books, supplies and equipment, and/or student loan interest statement (1098E)
    • Documentation of alimony and child support
    • Property taxes paid, and rental information for NYS credit
    • Receipts for energy efficient home improvements
    • If you are itemizing, bring documentation of out-of-pocket expenses for:
      Medical bills
     Charitable contributions
      Mortgage interest and points
      Real estate taxes
      Job-related expenses
     Job-hunting expenses

•Any other information you think we may need to prepare your return(s) successfully

What to expect at your appointment
When you arrive at your appointment, you will be asked to fill out paperwork that will help CA$H volunteers prepare accurate returns -- and possibly find you credits you did not know you qualified for. The preparer will walk you through the return, and ask you more questions along the way.

If you are eligible for a federal refund this year and you do not have a bank account for direct deposit, you will have the option of receiving a debit card instead of a paper check. The IRS will mail you the card, and information on how to use it.

At your appointment, you will have access to information about free or low-cost financial services that can help you make a budget, get out of debt and more.

After your appointment
About 15 to 20 days after you return was prepared, you must confirm with the IRS and home state that your returns have been accepted. You may do this online or by phone. You will need your social security number, your filing status and the amount of your refund /balance due.

Federal returns
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1954, or visit IRS.gov and click on the "Where is my refund"? link.
New York State return
Call 1-518-457-5181, or visit http://www.tax.state.ny.us/ and click on the "Get my refund status" link. New York does not offer a toll-free number for checking refund status.
Pennsylvania return
Call 1-888-728-2937, or visit http://www.revenue.state.pa.us/ and follow the link to "Where is my refund?"

If you have questions or you find that your return has not been accepted, please call the CA$H program at 936-3984.

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