New York City offers a range of free services to make filing taxes easier for eligible residents. Whether you’re filing for yourself, your family, or as a self-employed individual, NYC Free Tax Prep provides professional assistance to help you maximize your refund and avoid costly mistakes.
The city program will connect you with an IRS-certified volunteer preparer, who will help with your tax filing. The deadline for tax filing this year is April 15, 2025.
The program is available to all New Yorkers, regardless of your immigration status. Free tax preparation services are completely confidential, ensuring your privacy and security. If you are an undocumented immigrant, you are encouraged to file your taxes, even if you are paid in cash. Instead of a Social Security Number (SSN), you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to fulfill your tax obligations and access potential benefits.
If your household income for 2024 is not more than $93,000, or if you are a single person with income not exceeding $65,000 in 2024, you are eligible to use the NYC Free Tax Prep program for free tax filing. Additionally, self-employed individuals with business expenses totaling $250,000 or less can receive specialized assistance at select in-person locations.
NYC Free Tax Prep offers four convenient ways to file your taxes for free through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (VITA/TCE) program.
- Virtual Tax Prep: A tax preparer can help you file your tax return through a 60 to 90 minute call.
To participate, you need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection and the ability to download secure video conferencing software. An IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer will assist you in filing your tax return during a 60 to 90 minute virtual session and answer any tax-related questions.
The Black Chamber of Commerce of New York City is offering free tax preparation services on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Services are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Bengali, and Korean. For assistance, call 718-255-3322.
BronxWorks offers free tax preparation on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Fridays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Services are available in English and Nepali. More information can be found at bronxworkstaxes.as.me.
- Assisted Self-Prep: Complete your tax return on your own. A preparer will be available by phone or email to answer your questions.
Filers need a computer, tablet, or smartphone with a stable internet connection, an email address, and their 2023 adjusted gross income (AGI) or self-select PIN.
Here are the Assisted Self-Preparation Providers:
Ariva offers services starting February 4, 2025, on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in English and Spanish. The income threshold is $84,000 or less. More details can be found at tax.ny.gov/tap/calendars/bookings-ariva.htm.
COJO Flatbush offers free tax preparation assistance Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.. Services are available in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Bengali, Russian, Korean, Arabic, Armenian, Urdu, French, and Hebrew. The income threshold is $65,000 or less for those without dependents and $93,000 or less for those with dependents. Call 718-377-2900 Ext. 331 for assistance.
Fedcap-SingleStop operates Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. The income limit is $84,000 or less. Visit singlestop.org/how-to-make-an-appointment for details.
Grow Brooklyn offers free tax preparation Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.. Services are offered in English, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Haitian Creole, Bengali, Russian, Korean, and Arabic. The income threshold is $65,000 or less without dependents and $93,000 or less with dependents. More information is available at growbrooklyn.org/self-file/.
LaGuardia Community College offers services on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in English and Spanish. The income limit is $84,000 or less. Details can be found at laguardia.edu/cares/.
Medgar Evers College provides assistance on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in English and Spanish. The income threshold is $84,000 or less. Visit tax.ny.gov/tap/calendars/bookings-medgar-evers.htm for more details.
New York State will offer service on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in English and Spanish. The income limit is $84,000 or less. More information is available at tax.ny.gov/tap/calendars/bookings-statewide-virtual-session.htm.
- Drop-off service: Drop off your tax documents at free tax declaration locations and pick up the completed return later. To locate the nearest free tax prep site for drop-off services, visit the NYC Free Tax Prep Map.
- In-person: Visit a nearby tax prep location for face-to-face assistance with your tax filing. To locate the nearest free tax prep site for in-person services, visit the NYC Free Tax Prep Map.
Make sure you have all the necessary documents prepared before your appointment:
- Valid photo identification (IDNYC is accepted)
- Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), for yourself, your spouse, and any dependents (Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)
- Proof of income (including forms W-2, 1098, 1099, or, if you are self-employed, please provide records of income and expenses)
- Childcare expenses (if applicable), including information about the service provider and their tax registration number
- Bank account number and routing number for direct deposit of refunds
- Signatures, if applying for joint filing, both spouses’ signatures are required.
Check here for a detailed list of the documents needed to file in specific situations.
With multiple free filing options and access to certified tax professionals, NYC Free Tax Prep is a valuable resource for eligible residents. Whether you prefer virtual assistance, in-person help, or filing on your own with expert guidance, the program is designed to fit your needs. Don’t miss the opportunity to simplify your tax filing process and secure your maximum refund—all at no cost.
