Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP)
Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP)
If your 2024 federal adjusted gross income (FAGI) was $85,000 or less and you have investment income of $11,600 or less, you qualify to receive free tax assistance from the department. We can help you prepare and e-file your 2024 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 virtual or in-person session, 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!
For step-by-step instructions to help you prepare to file, see Get ready to e-file your income tax return. Before continuing, please review our e-file disclaimer.
What you Need to file
The following documents are needed in order to have a successful filing:
- basic computer skills
- an active email account that you can access while filing
- a photo ID (driver license, passport, and so on)
- state issued ID: required to submit New York State return
- all your income documents (W-2s, 1099s, and so on) and other documents available
- a copy of your 2023 tax return (if you filed)
- ability to check the status of your return after it’s submitted to confirm if it was accepted or rejected
Note: Remember to have a copy of last year’s return available so you have all the information you need to easily e-file! For more information on how to request your prior year return, visit the IRS at Get your tax records and transcripts.
Register for a Session
Register to attend an in-person or virtual session directly with the department or through one of our partners. To view a current schedule of available appointments:
Access TAP software
If you are a new participant and have not filed this year, select the link below, complete a short registration form, and we will send you a link to the same secure software we use during our TAP sessions.
If you already filed, use the same software link you used to access your Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) TaxSlayer account. Do not access the software from a main commercial software page; the software provider may charge a fee.
How to have a successful TAP filing experience
- Have all of your tax documents and personal information available for the in-person or virtual session.
- Set up an online account to use the free software.
- Plan to spend up to two hours on the webinar session.
- Follow up within 48 hours after submitting your return
Need a partner who can prepare your tax return for free? To find a VITA partner near you, use the IRS VITA/TCE Locator Tool, or visit www.irs.gov and search VITA location.
Not eligible? Access other e-file options
If you are not eligible to use TAP software, you can still e-file your return. You may even qualify for other free options to prepare and e-file your basic federal and state income tax returns. To learn more, see Other e-file options.
Important: Make sure you review the eligibility criteria for each software provider before selecting a product.