On Feb. 7 Ridgewood Savings Bank, the largest mutual savings bank in New York State, announced it had partnered with non-profit tax professionals Ariva, in offering free tax preparation at two of its Bronx branches, including one at 3445 Jerome Ave. in Norwood. Customers arrived at the Jerome Avenue branch on Feb. 9 and 10 with documents in hand and met with a tax specialist and e-filed their returns the same day.

Few seats were available as one group filed out the required forms, another group waited for an accountant and still another group was sitting with the accountants, doing the actual taxes.

“We’re pleased to be partnering with Ariva in providing this valuable service to residents of our local communities,” Ridgewood Savings Bank President and CEO Leonard Stekol said. “As a community bank, we’re mindful of working closely with the people in the neighborhoods we serve, so we can help them reach their financial goals.”

At the announcement, Irene Baldwin, the executive director of Ariva, said, the service is “very popular with neighborhood residents.”

Baldwin added, “It is all the more important this year with all of the changes in the tax law to have high quality professional tax assistance and we really encourage folks… to take advantage of this service.”

According to Dominic Ciaccio, the CRA officer at the bank, explained, “We’re very busy, I believe we saw 80 individuals today, that we were able to help with their taxes. We’re getting them in and out and basically getting their taxes done at no cost.”

Ridgewood Savings Bank has been offering the free service to customers for about the last six years. Their service is in line with services offered by Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, which offers free tax prep services for those income eligible.

East Gun Hill Road resident Renee Narvaez was busy filing out her forms, when she said she “found out about it from a sign on the door.” She excitedly added, “Yes, it’s free and I get a tax refund this year.”

Ciaccio said that residents have two more chances on Saturday, March 9, at the office of Community Board 12, located at 4101 White Plains Rd. and Saturday, March 16, at the Ridgewood Saving Bank at 711 Allerton Ave., where 60 to 70 residents will be seen on both dates.

Eligible individuals include single payers with no deductions earning less than $30,000 and individuals with dependents earning less than $55,000 are also eligible.

Editor’s Note: Eligible residents can reserve a space by calling (917) 509-4609 or email: vkancler@ridgewoodbank.com and interested parties should bring a photo ID, social security card and Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) as well as all income statements, tax forms, W-2 or 1099 forms as well as other documentation of child care payments and / or charitable donations