NYS: Free File your income tax returns

Take advantage of free tax filing software available through the NYS Tax Department

Submitted by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded taxpayers that Free File software options – available at www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile – can make filing federal and state income tax returns fast and free for qualifying New Yorkers.

“Many New Yorkers are eligible to electronically prepare and file their taxes online using brand-name software through Free File,” said New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller. “As the April 15 tax filing deadline approaches, we encourage eligible taxpayers to take advantage of this free software to quickly and easily e-file their tax returns.”

To avoid fees, carefully review eligibility criteria for each software provider and access the Free File software directly from the Tax Department’s website: www.tax.ny.gov (search: Free File).

If you do not qualify to use one of New York’s Free File software providers, you still have choices. See Other e-file options on the Tax Department website to learn more.

Information about Free File is available in multiple languages: Spanish | Chinese | Russian | Bengali | Yiddish | Haitian Creole | Korean | Italian | Arabic | Polish.

Qualifying New Yorkers may also be eligible for additional free e-filing resources:

Direct File

New York state and the IRS have developed a new program that allows eligible New Yorkers to e-file their federal and state personal income tax returns for free. The Direct File pilot program is currently open to New Yorkers reporting certain types of income and claiming certain credits and adjustments.

Taxpayer Assistance Program

Taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less may qualify for in-person or virtual assistance through the Taxpayer Assistance Program. Certified NYS Tax Department staff will guide eligible taxpayers as they electronically prepare and file their basic federal and state tax returns themselves for free.

To register for an in-person or virtual session, see our Taxpayer Assistance Program.