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 15The program is available to all New Yorkers, regardless of their 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 2025 is not more than $97,000, or if you are a single person with income not exceeding $68,000 in 2025, 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.
- 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 previous tax year’s adjusted gross income (AGI) or self-select PIN.
- 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.
To use the NYC Free Tax Prep Map, select in the boxes on the left column to designate if you are filing as an individual or as a business owner. Then, select a location pin that is convenient for you and follow through with the directions about making an appointment or bringing your materials to walk-in hours.
Make sure you have all the necessary documents prepared before your appointment:
- Valid photo identification (IDNYC is accepted)
- Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), 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.
