Tax Tips to Simplify Your Filing Experience
Take advantage of free tax filing resources so that you can get your refund faster and claim all the tax credits you’re due
For Release: Immediate,
For media inquiries only, contact: Ryan Cleveland, 518-457-7377
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today encouraged taxpayers to follow some important filing tips before they submit their income tax returns.
“The Presidents’ Day holiday is a popular weekend for New Yorkers to file their income tax returns,” said Acting Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Amanda Hiller. “If you plan to prepare your tax return this weekend, follow these tips and visit our website for a range of resources that will help ensure you submit an accurate return.”
File your tax returns for free
Free File software is available at the Tax Department website, www.tax.ny.gov. Taxpayers with income of $73,000 or less in 2021 can electronically complete and submit their federal and New York State income tax returns online at no cost.
Nearly 255,000 taxpayers used this software last year, saving them a combined $51 million in tax preparation fees. To be directed to the free filing options, simply click Free File your income tax return on the Tax Department’s website. It’s easy, fast, and secure.
Free File can help millions of taxpayers claim valuable tax credits without the cost of hiring a tax preparer. The software will help ensure you claim all the credits you deserve, including the earned income tax credit (EITC).
To ensure you're not charged a fee, you must go to the Tax Department’s website to complete your return. You’ll save on preparation fees, prevent costly errors, and ensure that you receive any refund you’re owed in the most efficient way possible.
Need assistance?
If you need filing assistance, free help is available. If your federal adjusted gross income in 2021 was $73,000 or less, Tax Department representatives can guide you through the free tax preparation software to help you electronically prepare and file your 2021 federal and state income tax returns at no cost.
To register, see Register for a virtual FSA session.
Receive your refund faster
You can receive the refunds you’re owed up to two weeks sooner by e-filing your return and choosing direct deposit.
E-filing is safer, faster, and more efficient than sending paper returns through the mail. And you’ll receive your refund faster if it’s directly deposited into your bank account rather than mailed as a paper check.
To use direct deposit, simply check direct deposit on your tax return, then enter your bank’s nine-digit routing number and your account number. For checking accounts, this information is available on your checks; for savings accounts, contact your bank.
Check your refund status
Taxpayers can also quickly view the status of their New York State tax refund anytime by using the Check your Refund application on the Tax Department website: www.tax.ny.gov. It’s the fastest and most convenient way to know when to expect your refund. It’s updated daily and provides the same information available to our phone representatives—only without the wait!
You can also find out when your refund will be issued by signing up for Tax Department email alerts. Visit the Tax Department homepage at www.tax.ny.gov and select Subscribe under the Connect With Us heading at the bottom of the page.
Get your questions answered
Tax Department representatives are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET at 518-457-5181 on weekdays.
Before you call, however, consider that the most efficient way to obtain tax filing guidance and information, including answers to common questions, is to visit the Tax Department’s website, www.tax.ny.gov. Our Income Tax Filing Resource Center is a good place to start.
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