Welcome to Lifelong’s TCE Tax program for the 2024 tax year!

Who is qualified for our assistance?

All persons
• age 60+ (with spouses of any age), OR
• with disabilities, OR
• with limited-English proficiency, OR
• families with incomes below $67,000

Note that some returns may not qualify, including, but not limited to, rental income or loss; home office deduction; some self-employment; plug-in electric vehicle credits; sale of real property other than your principal residence; and geothermal, solar panels, and some other large clean energy installation credits.

IRS Federal and NYS tax returns will be prepared this year from January 28 through April 12 by Lifelong TCE volunteers, trained and certified by the IRS.

In-person preparation

This year we will be meeting with taxpayers at Lifelong in Ithaca, Ulysses Philomathic Library in Trumansburg, and Southworth Library in Dryden. Some returns may not be able to be completed in a single visit.

While we are not requiring masks this year, we encourage everyone to wear one. Appropriate masks and hand sanitizer will be available at all sites.

To schedule an appointment

Make an appointment for a date when you expect to have received all your tax documents
Call 607-379-4045 and leave a voicemail
OR
Text your name and phone number to 607-379-4045
OR
Submit an appointment request form by CLICKING HERE.

Taxpayers aged 60+ or whose return we completed last year may request an appointment beginning January 6.

All eligible taxpayers may request an appointment beginning February 3.

Before Your Appointment

Pick up and complete a packet of forms and information.

• Beginning January 15, packets can be picked up at the following locations:
  • on the porch at Lifelong (24/7)
  • during open hours at
  Ulysses Philomathic Library in Trumansburg,
  Groton Public Library, and Southworth Library in Dryden.

If you want to save a trip, you can complete and print the materials here:

1. Lifelong Intake form: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

2. Information on tax documents to bring “What to Bring to Your Appointment. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

3. IRS Intake/Interview Form (Yellow form 13614C) This form is available in many different languages. If you would like a language other than English, call 607-273-1511 x258 or email [email protected]. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD.

4. NYS Income Tax Worksheet (TP-301) CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD

Self-preparation with Lifelong assistance

Are you interested in free software options (and a little help) to complete your own federal and state return?

If you expect your AGI to be $84,000 or less, Lifelong can provide free access to Tax Slayer FSA online software (with no limitations on forms or schedules).

Lifelong tax counselors will provide phone assistance by appointment and answer questions by email. *Note that we are unable to provide help with questions beyond the scope of our regular services.

After January 30, email [email protected] or call 607-273-1511 x258 with questions or to request access to the software.

Self-preparation with MyFreeTaxes:

The United Way sponsors free software access for taxpayers whose income is $84,000 or less at MyFreeTaxes.com (beginning in late January). Some assistance may be available through the website.

Contact-free virtual process:

Are you interested in a contact-free option and have access to a computer or mobile device and the Internet?

If you are able to upload copies (scan or photo) of your documents and interact with a volunteer preparer on a computer or mobile device, we can prepare your return (and you can sign it) in a secure virtual portal. After January 30, email [email protected] or call 607-273-1511 x258 for more information.

If you have a disability, language issue, or any other concern related to accessing our clinic sites; reading, writing, or communicating with us; or completing your forms, please let us know so we can help you successfully complete this year’s process and to make sure you understand your tax return. Call 607-273-1511 x258 or email [email protected].

The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program is sponsored by a grant from the Internal Revenue Service with additional financial support from Lifelong, Tompkins County, and the Tompkins County Office for the Aging.

Lifelong’s Health Insurance Information Counseling & Assistance Program (HIICAP) offers free assistance to anyone navigating their Medicare coverage. If you have questions about Medicare and related insurance or are having trouble paying for premiums, deductibles, or prescription drugs, please turn to HIICAP. Trained, certified Health Insurance Counselors are available to respond to your individual insurance needs.

Medicare Basics presentations and FREE, non-biased 1:1 health insurance counseling are available at Lifelong. Telephone, Zoom, or in-person HIICAP appointments are available. Lifelong membership not required.

Schedule an in-person, virtual, or telephone appointment with a HIICAP counselor: 607-273-1511 or email Heidi Berghoff at [email protected]

Access to a recorded Zoom presentation on Medicare Basics can be found HERE

Tompkin’s County HIICAP is funded by the Tompkins County Office for the Aging

Need one-on-one assistance navigating your smart phone or computer? Schedule an appointment for your FREE 1-hour consultation. Appointments are at 1:00 or 2:00 only, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lifelong membership required.

Call 607-273-1511

First Wednesday of the Month 5:30-7:00 PM

Lifelong membership not required. Conducted by trained facilitators, this caregiver support group is a safe place for care partners of those living with dementia to:

• develop a support system
• exchange practical information on challenges and possible solutions; learn about community resources
• talk through issues and ways of coping; share feelings, needs and concerns

Run by a dedicated group of volunteers, Wonderful Wheelchairs is a program of Lifelong which helps members of the community gain access to a wide variety of mobility equipment. We provide quality and affordable mobility devices and maintenance of those devices to those who need them. Email us at [email protected] or call 607-444-2817. On-site service hours in basement of Cayuga Nursing and Rehabilitation: Wed. and Fri., 9-11:30AM

For more information, visit www.wonderfulwheelchairs.info/home

Looking for a meaningful one time, seasonal, or consistent volunteer placement in our community?  Check out Lifelong’s list of nonprofits in our community who need your support by clicking below and/or attending our volunteer fair on Wednesday, April 24, 2 – 4:00.

List of nonprofits seeking volunteers

SCHOLARSHIPS AT LIFELONG- 2024

Thanks to support from the Triad Foundation, Lifelong has set aside funds to assist older adults for whom cost is a barrier to participation, to pay for programs offered by Lifelong. As long as funds are available, eligible individuals may use up to $250 a year towards Lifelong membership, semester-based classes, Health & Wellness or Creative Arts Activities, Special Events, or Day Trips. Some programs do not qualify for scholarship funds, such as extended travel and AARP classes, etc.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE? 

Tompkins County residents, age 50 and older, can qualify for scholarships with a total monthly income (from all sources) of $1883/month or less for a single person, and $2555/month or less for a couple. In addition to meeting the monthly income guidelines, eligibility is also based on very limited assets and limited disposable income.

HOW DO I APPLY?  Call Lifelong’s front office at 607-273-1511 or stop by at 119 West Court Street in Ithaca for more information!