File Your Taxes with NYC Free Tax Prep

family ad for NYC Free Tax Prep


The IRS deadline to file a tax return for your 2023 taxes was April 15, 2024. NYC Free Tax Prep preparers provide assistance all year round. If you missed the deadline, you can still use NYC Free Tax Prep to file your return or have questions answered. 

  • If you think you will owe taxes, it is a good idea to make an estimated payment.
  • If you don't owe taxes, you will not be penalized for filing late if you requested an extension. For example, if your income is below the 2023 requirement to file ($13,850 for single filers and $27,700 for joint filers) or if you typically get a refund and do not owe, you will not be penalized.

The deadline to request an extension was April 15. It's important to understand that an extension only applies to filing and not paying any taxes that are due. If your payment is received after the deadline, IRS and New York State penalties, fees, and interest may apply

NYC Free Tax Prep for Individuals and Families

In-Person Tax Prep and Drop-off Service

NYC Free Tax Prep map  

In-Person Tax Prep: Knowledgeable IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparers will sit down with you to complete an accurate tax return. Sessions take a minimum of 30 minutes.

 

Drop-off Service: You can drop off your tax documents and pick up the completed return later.

 

Open map to find your nearest NYC Free Tax Prep site.

Online Tax Prep Service: GetYourRefund.org

GetYourRefund.org is a virtual program that connects filers to NYC Free Tax Prep providers to have their return completed for them in two different ways.

1. File virtually with an IRS-certified VITA/TCE preparer if you make under $66,000

Steps:

  1. Visit getyourrefund.org/nyc
  2. Sign into your account.
  3. Submit tax documents using your smartphone, tablet, or computer equipped with a camera.
  4. After all necessary documentation is submitted, an IRS-certified VITA/TCE preparer will verify your tax information and contact you.
  5. After speaking with a quality reviewer over the phone and signing the final version of your return, your quality reviewer will send your return to the IRS and New York State.

2. File quickly on your own using Get Your Refund's Free Filing software if you make under $79,000

Steps:

  1. Visit getyourrefund.org/nyc
  2. Scroll down to "File Myself" and begin the process.

Online Tax Prep Service: Virtual Tax Prep

Virtual Tax Prep is a safe and reliable online tax prep service. You must have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone; a stable internet connection; and the ability to download secure video conference software. An IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer will:

  • help you file your 2023 tax return during a 60-90 minute virtual call;
  • use a secure digital system to manage your tax documents;
  • answer your tax questions.

List of Virtual Tax Prep Providers

Ariva
Hours of Operation: Beginning February 1, 2024, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Language(s): English and Spanish
Website: ariva.org/tax

BronxWorks
Hours of Operation: Beginning January 29, 2024, Wednesday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Language(s): English and Spanish
Website: bronxworkstaxes.as.me

Food Bank
Hours of Operation: Beginning January 29, 2024, Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Language(s): English, Spanish, Chinese – Mandarin, Bengali, and Russian (depending on service type)
Website: Virtual Tax Prep (English), Virtual Tax Prep (Spanish)

Met Council
Hours of Operation: Beginning January 2, 2024, Tuesday – Thursday and Sunday: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Language(s): English, Haitian Creole, and Russian
Website: outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/NYCFreeTaxHelp@metcouncil.org

Project Hospitality
Hours of Operation: Beginning January 22, 2024, Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Language(s): English and Spanish
Website: projecthospitality.org

Online Tax Prep Service: Assisted Self-Prep

Assisted Self-Preparation allows filers to complete their tax return online on their own and an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer will be available by phone or email to answer questions. Filers will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone; a stable internet connection; an email address, and their 2022 adjusted gross income (AGI) or self-select PIN.

List of Assisted Self-Preparation Providers

Grow Brooklyn
Hours of Operation: Beginning January 26, 2024, Monday – Friday: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Language(s): English, Spanish, Chinese – Cantonese, Chinese – Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Bengali, Russian, Korean, and Arabic
Website: growbrooklyn.org

Food Bank
Hours of Operation: Beginning January 29, 2024, Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Language(s): English, Spanish, Chinese – Mandarin, Bengali, and Russian (depending on service type)
Website: foodbanknyc.org

Online Tax Prep Service: IRS Direct File

IRS Direct File is a new service that allows taxpayers to file their taxes quickly, easily, and for free. Direct File will walk you through each step of filing your federal return in under an hour, using simple questions and plain language.

You can use Direct File if your tax situation from 2023 was relatively simple, and you want to claim common credits like the EITC and the CTC. If your income is below $200,000 ($160,200 if you have more than one employer) and came primarily from W-2 employment, you're likely eligible. Direct File has a screener tool that will make sure it's the right tool for you before you start filing. Follow the steps below to use the IRS Direct File pilot. 

Steps: 

  1. Visit directfile.irs.gov on your computer, tablet, or phone to check your eligibility. 
  2. If you're eligible, you'll need to create an ID.me account (Check-out this step-by-step guide in case you need help).
  3. Use the simple interview-style tool to complete your federal taxes.
  4. Once you complete your federal taxes, you’ll be taken to a free state filing system to complete your state return.

If you need help, live chat with a customer service representative who can help with technical support and basic tax law clarification in English and Spanish. Note: For security, customer service representatives will not have access to your IRS account data. 

NYC Free Tax Prep for Self-Employed Filers

Year-Round Service for Small Business Owners, Freelancers, Gig Workers

NYC Free Tax Prep Services: Year-Round Specialized Tax Prep

Self-Employed Tax Prep Ad  

At select in-person NYC Free Tax Prep sites, knowledgeable preparers and enrolled agents sit down with you to complete an accurate personal and business return, including federal and New York State annual and quarterly estimated tax filings. This service is available to families with dependents who earned $85,000 individuals or couples who earned $59,000 or less in 2023 and have business expenses of $250,000 or less. Use our NYC Free Tax Prep map to find sites that offer self-employed/Schedule C assistance.

Reminder: Please review the checklist of documents you will need to file your 2023 tax return at an NYC Free Tax Prep site specifically for the self-employed.

Specialized Tax Prep and Business Services

If you work for yourself, you need to file taxes annually and make estimated tax payments quarterly. Sites specifically for the self-employed will offer free resources to help you grow your business, including:

Learn more about the free resources DCWP offers freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners.

Additional Information

FAQs about NYC Free Tax Prep, ITIN and tax credits

Read FAQs about NYC Free Tax Prep.

Read FAQs about Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Child Tax Credit (CTC). Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Child and Dependent Care Credit. Learn more about valuable tax credits.

The IRS provides tax filers with many helpful resources. Learn more at irs.gov.

Consumer Bill of Rights

By law, tax preparers must give you a copy of the Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers before beginning any discussions about tax preparation services. Learn more.

Be a Volunteer Preparer

Become a volunteer preparer this tax season. You can have a real impact on New Yorkers’ lives. Learn how you can make a difference.

NYC Annual Tax Season Initiative

Since 2002, NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)—formerly the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)— has coordinated the City’s Annual Tax Season Initiative. Learn more about our campaign, our NYC Free Tax Prep Coalition Members, and how you can be a community partner.




This page was updated on 04/2024.