The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced Free File software is now available on its website, tax.ny.gov.
Taxpayers with income of $72,000 or less in 2020 can complete and submit their federal and New York State income tax returns online at no cost in advance of the tax filing season, which officially begins Friday, February 12, 2021.
“Nearly 255,000 New York taxpayers used our Free File software last year, saving themselves an estimated $51 million in the process,” said New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Michael Schmidt. “We encourage you to get engage in the process and take advantage of this service—it is easy, fast and secure.”
To be directed to the free filing options, simply click Free File your income tax return on the Tax Department’s website.
To ensure you are not charged a fee, you must go to the Tax Department’s website to complete your return. You will save on preparation fees, prevent costly errors, and ensure that you directly receive any refund you are owed in the most efficient way possible.
The Tax Department has produced a series of video tutorials to assist New Yorkers with the tax return filing process. Topics range from gathering the necessary documents to choosing the right software. You can view the videos at our Get ready to e-file your income tax return webpage.
Receive your refund up to two weeks sooner
By using Free File software, you can also receive the refunds you are owed up to two weeks sooner by choosing direct deposit.
Filing electronically and choosing direct deposit is safer, faster, and more efficient than sending paper returns and checks through the mail. To use direct deposit, simply check direct deposit on your tax return, then enter your bank’s nine-digit routing number and your account number. For checking accounts, this information is available on your checks; for savings accounts, contact your bank.
