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DCWP and PEU Remind New Yorkers About Free Tax Preparation Services With Less Than One Month Left in Tax Season

March 17, 2026

NEW YORK, NY – The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) and the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU) today reminded eligible New Yorkers to file their taxes using DCWP’s NYC Free Tax Prep program, with tax season quickly coming to a close and annual tax returns due on Wednesday, April 15.

In a new “Get Ready With Me To Do My Taxes” video published today, New Yorkers are encouraged to utilize NYC Free Tax Prep’s in-person, drop-off, or virtual tax preparation options to save time and money. This program is available to anyone who lives or works in New York City and who earns $97,000 or less annually and files with dependents, or those who earn $68,000 or less annually and file as an individual or couple without a dependent – making half of all New Yorkers eligible for the program. Services are available now at over 140 sites around the city.

“Don’t wait, New Yorkers! With less than a month left in tax season, use NYC Free Tax Prep to claim your full refund for FREE,” said DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine. “Our trusted and professional services can help you avoid sketchy tax scams and tax preparation fees, while ensuring you don’t miss out on any valuable credits, like the recently enhanced Empire State Child Tax Credit.” 

“Doing your taxes may feel as overwhelming as running a marathon. But with NYC Free Tax Prep, New Yorkers can get their taxes done quickly, easily, and for free,” said PEU Acting Director Isolina De La Cruz. “This PSA video is a lighthearted way to encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of an essential City resource.”

“BronxWorks is proud to partner with DCWP to offer NYC Free Tax Prep services to our communities. Our IRS-certified tax preparers will ensure that taxes are filed successfully, and returns are maximized,” said Betty Ann Tamaisar, Vice President - Workforce Development, BronxWorks “Whether it be in-person or online, we encourage our Bronx neighbors to connect with a BronxWorks tax preparer today to complete their taxes and find out if they qualify for any valuable tax credits.”

NYC Free Tax Prep Outreach

“Get Ready With Me To Do My Taxes” was filmed in partnership with BronxWorks, a Free Tax Prep provider with six sites open to the public. This PSA video is part of PEU and DCWP’s broader campaign efforts to proactively connect New Yorkers to this key City service, which also include paid canvassing, community events, and other organic content. Since launching this year’s services in January, DCWP has participated in more than 275 community events to spread the word about NYC Free Tax Prep.

Last year, over 110,000 returns were completed through NYC Free Tax Prep, saving New Yorkers an average of $346 in tax preparation fees per return and approximately $38.2 million citywide. 

NYC Free Tax Prep services include:

  • In-Person Tax Preparation: At in-person tax prep sites, knowledgeable Internal Revenue Service (IRS) certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) volunteer preparers help filers complete an accurate tax return. More than 140 sites across all 5 boroughs will be open throughout the season.
  • Drop-Off Service: With drop-off service, filers can drop off their tax documents and pick up the completed return later.
  • Virtual Tax Preparation: Virtual Tax Preparation is an online service where an IRS-certified VITA or TCE volunteer preparer will video conference with filers to help prepare their tax return using a secure digital system. Filers can submit photos or scans of tax documents to the preparer, confirm their identity, and complete their return by video call with a preparer. Filers will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone; a stable internet connection; and the ability to download secure video conference software.
  • Assisted Self-Preparation: 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 2024 adjusted gross income or self-select PIN.

The IRS began accepting tax returns on January 26, 2026, with tax season running through April 15, 2026. Many NYC Free Tax Prep sites remain open year-round to assist late filers, help with prior-year returns, and support small business owners and self-employed filers with quarterly and annual tax filing requirements.

This year, taxpayers face fewer no-cost filing options following the elimination of the IRS Direct File program, making access to trusted and accurate free tax assistance more critical than ever. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has also begun phasing out paper checks for tax refunds and most other federal payments, meaning taxpayers who do not choose direct deposit may face significant delays receiving their refund.

Because of these changes, it is now important than ever for New Yorkers to have a safe and affordable bank account, such as a NYC SafeStart Account, the City’s FREE savings account with an ATM card, no overdraft fees, and no monthly fees with a minimum balance of just $25, or in some cases even less. Visit nyc.gov/SafeStart to learn more about this and other banking options or call 311 and ask about the NYC SafeStart Account. Some banks and credit unions also accept IDNYC as a primary form of identification.

NYC Free Tax Prep for Self-Employed New Yorkers

NYC Free Tax Prep for Self-Employed Filers provides free tax preparation services tailored to the needs of gig workers, freelancers and small business owners who often face barriers to filing taxes and managing financial record keeping. In addition to providing annual and quarterly estimated tax filling preparation assistance, workshops and one-on-one consultations help the growing number of New Yorkers who perform gig and freelance work to learn the basics of tax filing and record keeping best practices as self-employed filers.

To be eligible for tax preparation services for self-employed filers, New Yorkers must have business expenses of $250,000 or below. New Yorkers can find a site with these specially trained tax preparers by selecting “Self-Employed/Schedule C Assistance” on the NYC Free Tax Prep Map Site Finder.

Paid Tax Preparers

Consumers should also be on alert for predatory tax preparers that overcharge, charge hidden fees, or file their return without permission. Beware of preparers promising a “rapid refund” or “fast cash” that hide the fact that a Refund Anticipation Loan is a loan. To that end, DCWP conducted a sweep of 500 paid tax preparers since February, and issued compliance notices to 278 tax preparers across the city warning them to adhere to New York City consumer protection laws that ban overcharging or charging hidden fees.

The City encourages eligible filers to file for free with NYC Free Tax Prep, but consumers who use a paid tax preparer should ask the preparer for the Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers (additional languages available) and read it carefully before having their taxes prepared.

New Yorkers can call 311 or visit nyc.gov/TaxPrep to choose the best filing option for them and find the most convenient location if choosing in-person or drop-off tax prep. A checklist of what documents New Yorkers need to bring with them to file and multilingual information about the services are available at nyc.gov/TaxPrep. In-person services are available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Armenian, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian-Creole, Hebrew, Korean, Russian, Urdu and others to come, plus all sites can accommodate additional language needs with the IRS’ over-the-phone translation services. Frequently Asked Questions about NYC Free Tax Prep are available on DCWP’s website. Visit nyc.gov/TaxPrep to stay up to date and join the #FreeTaxPrep conversation on DCWP’s social media channels.


The NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) is the nation’s leading municipal enforcement agency charged with delivering economic justice. DCWP leverages its authority to bring New Yorkers real economic relief and protect them from predatory, deceptive, and unfair practices that violate their rights as consumers and workers. This includes pioneering cutting-edge protections, such as the City’s Consumer Protection Law, Protected Time Off Law, Fair Workweek Law, and Delivery Worker Laws, including the Minimum Pay Rate for delivery workers. Through licensing more than 45,000 businesses in over 45 industries, DCWP ensures fair competition and a level playing field for responsible small businesses that are integral to New York City’s vibrant communities. DCWP also provides essential services such as free tax preparation and financial counseling to ensure New Yorkers keep more of what they earn and can plan for their futures. DCWP is committed to making sure New York City is a fairer, more affordable place to live. For more information about DCWP and its work, call 311 or visit DCWP at nyc.gov/dcwp, sign up for its newsletter, or follow on its social media sites, X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 


Media Contact: 
Stephany Vasquez Sanchez
Department of Consumer and Worker Protection 
(212) 436-0042 
press@dcwp.nyc.gov