Free tax-filing options available now

NYS Tax Department expands partnership with colleges across New York to provide filing assistance on campuses

By the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced the statewide opening of its free tax-filing assistance sites. These locations are open to help eligible taxpayers electronically prepare and file their income tax returns, claiming potentially valuable credits owed to them. 

“Taxpayers with adjusted gross household incomes of $66,000 or less in 2018 may use free, user-friendly software at these sites to electronically prepare and file both their state and federal tax returns,” Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion said. “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.”

Taxpayers can search “Free File” on the Tax Department website to be directed to the tax preparation software. Using the software can reduce filing errors that 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. At certain locations, they can assist taxpayers in multiple languages, including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu.

Partnership with Colleges

The Tax Department is expanding its presence on college campuses across New York this year. By partnering with seven different community colleges around the state, the Tax Department is providing exclusive access to college students, faculty and staff to electronically prepare and file their income tax returns for free.

A schedule of dates, times, and locations for all free filing sessions statewide is available

•Facilitated self-assistance (FSA) program.

Benefits of E-filing

E-filing is safer and more efficient than sending paper returns through the mail. About 92 percent 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.

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