Tax Day this year is on Tuesday, April 18. Plan ahead and make sure you've got everything you need to file your taxes on time, and possibly for free, by checking out the resources available from New York City, New York State, the federal government, and local organizations. You can also apply for an extension by filling out this form.
File online with the IRS Free File service
If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) was $73,000 or less, you can file your federal taxes online for free with the IRS Free File program. Find a tax preparer with their online free file listings – and look around, because many of them also offer free state filing. New York State has an online Free File program for people whose AGI was $73,000 or less last year.
Get in-person help from certified volunteers throughout New York City
If you’re looking to get in-person help with your tax return, you can visit a local Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and/or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) provider. VITA/TCE sites are run by volunteers certified by the IRS to provide free tax preparation.
You can find a VITA/TCE site near you on the IRS website. If you live in New York City, you can file with a VITA/TCE provider if your AGI was $80,000 or less. Learn more about the program and see a full list of sites in New York City. Once you register for a visit, consult this IRS fact sheet to make sure that you bring the right documents to your appointment.
Other resources
Organizations around New York City work to provide free tax preparation assistance for a wide variety of groups and income levels.
- Food Bank for NYC has in-person and virtual assistance available for people who made less than $60,000 last year.
- You can qualify for free prep and filing by The New York Public Library (NYPL) if you earned $56,000 or less, or if your family earned $80,000 or less. NYPL works with Ariva, AARP, Single Stop, and Food Bank for NYC to provide tax preparation at branches throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island. See the list of locations.
- If you’re a tax prep expert, you can volunteer at VITA/TCE sites. Visit New York Cares for a full rundown on how to start helping others this tax season.
If you know of other organizations providing free tax preparation assistance to Upper Manhattan, please let us know.
