Congressman Bill Owens is using his Congressional website to inform constituents and promote free tax filing services available to Upstate New Yorkers.

Owens has added new features to his Congressional website, such as information on how to file taxes electronically or by mail, at http://owens.house.gov/ConstituentServices/taxhelp.htm.

AARP offers free services, run by certified tax preparers, for low-to-moderate income taxpayers of all ages every year. Upstate New Yorkers can find the nearest tax aide site by visiting Owens’ website or http://www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/taxAideLocations.action.

A number of organizations in New York also partner with the IRS to run a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). This free service, staffed by IRS certified tax preparers, is open to taxpayers making $50,000 or less. A full list of VITA sites in New York can be found at http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=234169,00.html.

“Correctly filing one’s taxes can be a confusing and stressful process, and very few people know that there are free services available that can help them through these procedures,” said Owens. “During tough economic times, every penny counts and it is important that qualified tax specialists are available to the general public to help them receive the largest refund possible.”