Free Tax Filing Options Available to Many New Yorkers

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded taxpayers of the free tax filing options available to many New Yorkers.

Free tax assistance sites are open to help eligible taxpayers e-file their income tax returns and claim valuable credits. Taxpayers with adjusted gross household incomes of $66,000 or less in 2017 may use free, user-friendly software at these sites to electronically prepare and file both their state and federal tax returns. Eligible taxpayers don’t need to visit a site, though: they can also access and use the same free software anytime from their computer, smartphone, or tablet at www.tax.ny.gov (search: freefile2017). 

The tax preparation software helps reduce filing errors that can delay return processing and refunds. It also prevents valuable credits from being overlooked.

Tax Department experts will be available at each free tax assistance site to assist low- and middle-income New Yorkers through the filing process at no charge. A schedule of dates, times, and locations is available online at www.tax.ny.gov/fsa.

Tax Department experts are also able, at certain locations, to assist taxpayers in multiple languages, including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu. 

The Tax Department also announced the start of its free filing ad campaign in New York City. Radio spots, in both English and Spanish, are being broadcast on radio stations throughout the five boroughs. Ad posters are also on display at select NYC bus shelters and subway stations.

“Those who qualify can e-file for free through our website at www.tax.ny.gov or get free help at one of the tax assistance sites located across New York City,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “New Yorkers can save the money they spend on tax preparation assistance or software.”

Listen to the radio spots in English and Spanish.

View poster here.

E-filing is safer and more efficient than sending paper returns through the mail. About 92% of all personal income tax returns in New York are electronically prepared and filed. All returns, whether filed electronically or on paper, undergo the same systematic review. 

Source: The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance