E-file Media Center

Free File

Depending on your income and other criteria, you may be eligible to use Free File software to e-file your federal and state income tax returns—at no-cost. For more information, see Free File your income tax return. To avoid fees, carefully review eligibility criteria for each software provider and access the Free File software directly from our website.

If you do not qualify to use one of the Free File software providers, you still have choices that may work for you! See Other e-file options to learn more.

Important: The income limits noted for each vendor refer to your federal adjusted gross income. Federal adjusted gross income (AGI) is defined as gross income minus adjustments to income. Gross income includes your wages, dividends, capital gains, business income, retirement distributions, as well as other income. For more information, visit the IRS at Definition of Adjusted Gross Income.

New York State free tax assistance sites

If your 2023 federal adjusted gross income (FAGI) was $79,000 or less, you qualify to receive free tax assistance from the department. We can help you prepare and electronically file (e-file) your 2023 federal and state income tax returns at no cost. (Note: Federal adjusted gross income is defined as gross income minus adjustments to income. Gross income includes your wages, dividends, capital gains, business income, retirement distributions, as well as other income. For more information, visit the IRS at Definition of Adjusted Gross Income.)

During a pre-scheduled or walk-in session, our department representatives will guide you through free tax preparation software, step-by-step, as you complete and file your own tax return. Our online tax software is a safe and secure way to file. It’s quick and easy!

To learn more, see Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP).

IRS and AARP Vita Locations

If your income is $64,000 or less, certified IRS volunteers will prepare both federal and state returns with you at no cost. AARP volunteers are also available to assist you at no charge. To locate volunteers near you, visit the IRS VITA information page at Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers.

The Tax Department offers a variety of videos covering filing tips, guarding against fraud and identity theft, and more. These videos make for great social media and website content. You can access additional video content at NYS Tax Department Free File playlist.

Posters can be a great way to draw attention at your offices, at events, or even in publications to the ease of e-filing through the Tax Department website. Social media graphics can easily be shared across your channels as well.

Form TP-56, Prepare and file your income tax returns for FREE!

Tax filing tips

• Prepare and file your return electronically. E-filed returns are processed more quickly than paper returns and have fewer errors. E-filing is also safer and more efficient than sending paper returns through the mail.

• If you use a paid preparer or use software to prepare your return, you must provide driver license information for you and your spouse. This is just another way we guard against fraud and prevent issuing erroneous refunds.

• Be sure to provide correct and complete social security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents. Even a minor error like this can prevent processing your return quickly and delay your refund.

• Report estimated tax payments accurately. There is valuable information on our website, tax.ny.gov. You can create an online services account to pay electronically, check your balances, and review your payment history. If you’re still unsure it’s done correctly, contact us and we’ll help.

• Attach all required forms and schedules, including Form IT-2 for W2 information. This is only important for paper filers. We encourage you to make the switch to filing electronically as the software handles this all for you. However, if you do decide to continue filing on paper, be sure to include all the necessary paperwork to support your filing.

• Include supporting documentation to support any claims for credits. This is only important for paper filers. We encourage you to make the switch to filing electronically as the software handles this all for you. However, if you do decide to continue filing on paper, be sure to include all the necessary paperwork to support your claims for credits and deductions.

• If you’re doing your own math, double check your calculations. Again, this is mostly for people filing on paper. The e-file software available for free on our website, or commercial filing software does the math for you. We encourage you to do this electronically to avoid errors and to speed up the issuance of any refund you may be owed.

• Choose direct deposit as your refund method. To do this, simply check direct deposit on your tax return, then be sure to enter your correct bank account and routing numbers. When you combine the power of e-file and direct deposit you can receive your New York State tax refund up to two weeks sooner than if you filed paper and requested a check be mailed to you.

• If you forgo the simplicity and convenience of direct deposit, make sure your mailing address is correct when requesting a refund check by mail. Any error can delay you receiving your refund.

• If you’re filing an amended return:
  • file a complete return (include all forms you submitted originally, even if you made no changes),
  • we recommend you e-file your return (electronic returns are more accurate), and
  • pay your balance due (any unpaid balance you have past the original due date will continue to accrue penalties and interest). (Use our Penalty and Interest Calculator to determine your late filing and payment penalties and interest.)

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See Press releases for tax season filing tips and other resources for taxpayers.