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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Is Now Offering Service In Rockland County

Published

2 years ago

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The Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board (WPWDB)
has been directing the “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance” (VITA) Program since 2004. Over the past 21 years, hundreds of people have volunteered their time and expertise to help low- and moderate-income individuals and families file their taxes for free, including people with disabilities, senior citizens, and those for whom English is a second language. To ensure the program delivers maximum benefits, VITA relies on dedicated volunteers to act as greeters, assist with language translation and call-center operations. Tax preparation is done by IRS-certified volunteers via electronic filing.

This year marks the first time WPWDB is collaborating with Rockland County to support individuals who may benefit from the program across the river. Stephen Papas, President and CEO of United Way of Rockland; Katie Pfeifer, Senior Director of Programs for Volunteer New York!; Maria Vanessa Cipolla the Finkelstein Memorial Library Head of Marketing and Communications and Marie Sturm, Yolanda Durant, and Tiffany Stuart from the IRS were instrumental in brainstorming an effective pathway for this first-time, intercounty collaborative effort.

The VITA program is available at select locations throughout Westchester County, Rockland, and the Bronx through Tuesday, April 15. Residents can call 211 or 1-800-899-1479 to schedule an appointment at one of nine locations listed below. Tax prep help will take place in Rockland County at the Finkelstein Memorial Library. 

Where: Finkelstein Memorial Library
24 Chestnut Street, Spring Valley, NY 10977
Dates/Times: Saturday, March 1: 9am–1pm
Sunday, March 16: 1pm–5pm
Tuesday, March 25: 9am–5pm
                                                   By Appointment Only

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Government

Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

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4 days ago

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August 9, 2026

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CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

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Government

Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

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5 days ago

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August 8, 2026

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Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?

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