E-file options for personal income tax
E-filing is the easiest, fastest, and safest way to complete your personal income tax return.
Use free options
Free File
If your 2025 federal adjusted gross income was $89,000 or less, you may be eligible to use Free File software to e-file your federal and state income tax returns—at no cost.
When choosing your Free File software, carefully read the eligibility criteria for each of the participating software providers to ensure you qualify and avoid a fee.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly
The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.
MilTax: Tax services for the military
Members of the military and their families may be eligible for free tax filing assistance through Military OneSource MilTax.
To see if you qualify, visit Eligibility for Military OneSource Services.
Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP)
If your 2025 federal adjusted gross income (FAGI) was $89,000 or less and you have investment income of $11,950 or less, you qualify to receive free tax assistance from the Tax Department.
We can help you prepare and e-file your 2025 federal and state income tax returns at no cost at in-person sites across the state or virtually.
Use approved commercial software
Use an approved software provider to prepare and e-file your federal and state return together. The software you choose may include a free filing option; please read the eligibility requirements before you get started.
See E-file-approved commercial software for a list of software providers you can use.
Note: Some software is available in Spanish. Look for Disponible en español after the product name.
Use a paid tax preparer to e-file
Most tax preparers are required to electronically file their clients' New York State tax returns. By law, preparers cannot charge you extra for electronically filing your New York State return.
See Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers for guidance.