It's tax time and the City offers eligible New Yorkers a variety of ways to file their taxes for free, claiming credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and New York City Child Care Tax Credit, and also build savings.
Important Tax Credits for Which You Might Be Eligible
The EITC is a federal, state, and New York City tax credit for qualifying families, non-custodial parents, or singles who work full time or part time or are self-employed. For working families earning less than $48,000 the credit could be worth up to $7,600. For working individuals earning less than $13,000 the credit could be worth up to $600.
The New York City Child Care Tax Credit is available to help families pay for child care expenses. Working families earning less than $30,000 who pay for child care costs for children 3 years old and younger could be eligible for up to $1,733.
For more information about these credits, download general Tax Credit Fast Facts and New York City Child Care Tax Credit Fast Facts .
Free Tax Preparation Opportunities
NEW! Free Online Tax Preparation Program
This year, the City partnered with The Beehive to offer eligible New Yorkers the opportunity to file their taxes online either from a home computer or at a site where a certified tax specialist can assist. If you earn less than $58,000, you can prepare and electronically file your tax return using this free online tax preparation program. Click the Web button below to use the online program from a home computer.
Need assistance preparing your return? Find a free site featuring the computer icon where a Tax Coach can help. Download the flyer which lists required information you need to bring.
Free Tax Preparation Sites
At Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites run by the Mayor's NYC EITC Coalition, trained and certified volunteers prepare basic federal and state tax returns for free. To be eligible for free tax preparation at a VITA site, you must:
- have children and annual income less than $50,000 OR
- have no children and annual income less than $18,000
Call 311 or go online to find the site nearest you.
Build Your Savings by Opening a $aveNYC Account
Select VITA sites are offering filers the opportunity to open a $aveNYC Account while funds last. If you qualify for free tax preparation at a participating VITA site, here's how the account works:
Save $200 or more of your tax refund in a $aveNYC Account and earn 50ยข for every dollar you save from the City of New York. You can earn up to $500 in match money if you save $1,000 for a whole year! Learn more
Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/ofe for more information about tax credits and free tax preparation.
It's Tax Time. Go Get Your Refund!