Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP)
Our 2024 TAP filing assistance season is now over. This filing season we assisted more than 3,900 taxpayers through our 43 in-person and virtual sites. During 3,446 pre-scheduled sessions, our Tax Department TAP Associates guided taxpayers through free tax preparation software, step-by-step, as taxpayers completed and filed their federal and state tax returns at no cost. If you participated in one of those sessions, we are glad to have served you.
Though the TAP season ended April 15, you can still access TAP software to:
- file an amended return,
- access your account to view your return,
- resolve filing issues with your federal or state returns, or
- prepare your own return (if you requested an extension or missed the due date)
- 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.
- 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.
After you file: Frequently asked questions
How do I get a copy of my return?
To access a copy of your return, log in to your VITA TaxSlayer account using the same software link you used to file your return. To find the link, refer to the email the Tax Department, or a community partner sent you before you filed. If you can’t find the original email, complete the registration form again to request the link.
What if my return was rejected?
If you received an email indicating the IRS or New York State rejected your return, log in to your VITA TaxSlayer account to resolve the issue and resubmit the rejected return. Use the same software link the department or a community partner emailed to you to access your VITA TaxSlayer account. If you can’t find the original email with the link, complete the registration form again to request the link.
How do I amend (change) my return?
If you receive tax information or documentation that could change your return after you have already filed, you may be required to file an amended return. Use the same software link the department or our partner emailed to you to access your VITA TaxSlayer account to file an amended return. If you can’t find the original email with the link, complete the registration form again to request the link.
To learn when and how to amend your New York State return, see:
- Form IT-201-X-I, Instructions for Form IT-201-X, Amended Resident Income Tax Return, or
- Form IT-203-X-I, Instructions for Form IT-203-X, Amended Nonresident and Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return.
For information about amending your federal return, visit the IRS at Tips for taxpayers who may need to amend their tax return.
How do I check the status of my refunds?
For your New York State refund, see Check your New York State refund status online.
For your federal refund, visit the IRS at Where's my refund?
What to do if I received a bill or notice related to my return?
If you received a bill or notice, you need to respond within the timeframe mentioned. It’s faster to respond online than by mail. See Respond to your notice or bill online.
What should I do if I didn’t file my taxes by the deadline?
If you didn’t file by the tax deadline, you should file as soon as you can; when you file your return late, the department may charge you penalty and interest. E-file is the fastest way to file your late return. If you qualify for TAP, see To access TAP software. If not, see Other e-file options for a list of other free and commercial e-file software.
No matter which method you choose to file, the software will help you calculate any penalties and interest that may be due from late filing.
Still need follow-up assistance?
Submit an email to Taxpayer.Assistance@tax.ny.gov with your full name, daytime phone number, and details regarding the issue you need help with. Please allow two business days for a response.