Should you file a 1040A, or a 1040EZ? What's the deal with e-filing? What deductions are you entitled to--and who, oh who, can help make sense of IRS legal jargon?

Lucky for us all, the answers are out there...for free! Community organizations across the country are offering free tax preparation assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. With experts on hand to guide you, you can be sure to get (or keep!) the money you are entitled to.

Here are some Syracuse-area community centers offering these services:

Franciscan Outreach Center
800 North Salina Street
Syracuse, NY 13210

Extra day! Tuesday 4/15, 4 pm-7 pm
Walk-ins welcome

At the end of February, President Bush signed the Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 – a piece of legislation he described as a “booster shot” for the American economy. This legislation promises payment of at least $300 to all qualifying Americans. Here are some frequently ask questions about the Economic Stimulus Payment, including how to get it ... and how to use it!

2007 was an exciting year for Cooperative Federal. We provided high-quality services to more members across Syracuse, expanded our community development programs ... we even changed our name! Check out our 2007 Annual Report to learn all about the changes, challenges, and triumphs your credit union experienced last year.

Download (2.3mb .pdf) the 2007 Annual Report

The Credit Union gave $3,914 to local non-profits in 2007 through our Common Cents program. Each time you use your VISA check card, the Common Cents fund grows!
The 2008 voting period has begun! Ballots are available at any office, or online as a pdf. Ballots must be returned by May 31, 2008.

Central New York Credit Unions, Home HeadQuarters Landscape City Home

Syracuse, NY – On Thursday, October 18, 2007, a coalition of Central New York Credit Unions, including Cooperative Federal, landscaped a home in Syracuse’s Eastside neighborhood to commemorate International Credit Union Day. The building is home to an extended family of refugees saving up to purchase the house, which is currently managed by Home HeadQuarters, Inc.

The Landscaping Party was held on Thursday, October 18th.

Syracuse, NY --- This October, Cooperative Federal reaches a milestone as it celebrates its 25th year working for social and economic justice in Syracuse. The celebration culminated with an Anniversary celebration held at May Memorial on Friday evening, October 5, 2007. Nearly 200 members, community leaders, and local politicians participated in the event which featured dinner, dancing, and impromptu testimonials from people whose lives have been touched by the credit union.

“"Our credit union'’s success has demonstrated that ordinary people can come together to create a financial institution that meets the needs of their families and neighbors,”" said Ron Ehrenreich, co-founder and Treasurer/CEO of Cooperative Federal. "This Silver Anniversary Celebration is more than a time to look backward: it’'s a time to envision our future and our ongoing commitment to serve all the Syracuse neighborhoods that have been abandoned by for-profit, corporate banks."”

Effective November 15, 2007, all Saturday transactions will be posted on “next day's business.” That means when you come in to the office on Saturday, your transactions register on your account as done on Monday. (Or, if Monday is a holiday, they post on Tuesday.)
Please note that this includes loan payments. If your loan due date falls on a Saturday, please make sure that we receive your payment by Friday.

Cooperative Federal is the leading provider of financial education in the Syracuse area - in fact, we wrote the book on it!

We are very happy to announce the publication of our financial literacy textbook for high school aged youth called, "Life Skills: Planning Your Financial Future!"

The Post Standard interviewed Thom Dellwo, Financial Education Coordinator at Cooperative Federal for their special "Choices" section. All the articles focused on what students need to know beofre the leave for college. The story was printed on April, 3rd 2007. Here is an excerpt...

Q: What are problems young people often face when it comes to finances?