One week to file your tax return! Find out if you qualify for Free File

Deadline to file your personal income tax return and pay any tax owed is April 18

Submitted by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance on Monday reminded New Yorkers the deadline to file a completed personal income tax return and pay any taxes owed is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time Monday, April 18.

Complete this annual obligation by taking advantage of free resources available on the Tax Department website, www.tax.ny.gov.

“New Yorkers have already saved more than $25 million in tax preparation fees so far this filing season by using our free-filing resources,” said Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller. “Don’t miss out: find out if you qualify to use the Free File software available at www.tax.ny.gov.”

Prepare & File Your Income Tax Returns for Free

Taxpayers with income of $73,000 or less in 2021 can electronically complete and submit their federal and New York state income tax returns now through the Tax Department website, www.tax.ny.gov. Simply click Free File your income tax return on the website. It’s easy, fast and secure.

To ensure you're not charged a fee, you must go to the Tax Department’s website to complete your return. You’ll save on preparation fees, prevent costly errors, and ensure that you receive any refund you’re owed in the most efficient way possible.

Need Assistance?

If you need filing assistance, free help is available. If your federal adjusted gross income in 2021 was $73,000 or less, Tax Department representatives can guide you through the free tax preparation software to help you electronically prepare and file your 2021 federal and state income tax returns at no cost.

To get started, see “Register for a virtual FSA session.”

Receive Your Refund Faster

You can receive the refunds you’re owed up to two weeks sooner by e-filing your return and choosing direct deposit.

E-filing is safer, faster, and more efficient than sending paper returns through the mail. And you’ll receive your refund faster if it’s directly deposited into your bank account rather than mailed as a paper check.

To use direct deposit, simply check direct deposit on your tax return, then enter your bank’s nine-digit routing number and your account number. For checking accounts, this information is available on your checks; for savings accounts, contact your bank.

Check Your Refund Status

Taxpayers can also quickly view the status of their New York state tax refund anytime by using the “Check your Refund” application on the Tax Department website: www.tax.ny.gov. It’s the fastest and most convenient way to know when to expect your refund. It’s updated daily and provides the same information available to our phone representatives – only without the wait!

You can also find out when your refund will be issued by signing up for Tax Department email alerts. Visit the Tax Department homepage at www.tax.ny.gov and select “Subscribe” under the “Connect with Us” heading at the bottom of the page.

Get Your Questions Answered

Call center representatives are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 518-457-5181 on weekdays.

Before you call, however, consider that the most efficient way to obtain tax filing guidance and information, including answers to common questions, is to visit the Tax Department’s website, www.tax.ny.gov, and our “Filing season resource center” for online resources to help you electronically prepare and file an accurate return on time.

Need More Time to File?

You can obtain an automatic extension of time to file if you’re unable to file a completed income tax return by the April 18 deadline. An extension will provide more time to prepare and file your return, but not more time to pay any tax owed. You must make full payment of the properly estimated tax balance owed when requesting an extension of time to file. Personal income tax returns filed on extension are due on or before Oct. 17.