The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance announced today that it has issued $1 billion in refunds and reminded New Yorkers to use free e-filing options for faster refunds.  Already, refunds have been issued to more than 1.1 million taxpayers – a 50% increase over last year’s total by this date of 776,000.

More than 97% of the 3.1 million returns received this year have been e-filed.  The average refund for e-filers is issued in 22 days, while refunds for paper filers can take 8 to 12 weeks.

“Most New Yorkers are eligible for free e-filing options that result in fewer errors on returns and faster refunds,” said Commissioner Thomas H. Mattox.  “Visit our Web site to learn more about the options available to you.”  

Thus far, $1 billion in refunds have been issued, compared to $669 million last year.  The average refund to date is $906.

Free tax preparation and e-filng options

1. Have your return prepared by certified volunteers – Taxpayers with incomes under $52,000 are eligible to have an IRS-certified volunteer prepare their return – at no cost.  There are over 400 free tax preparation sites across New York State.  More information, including a site lookup by zip code, is available on the IRS Web site.
   
   
2. Visit an AARP Tax-Aide free location – The AARP’s 300-plus free tax preparation sites in New York do not have income or age limits.  Find a site near you
   
   
3. Visit the NYS Tax Department Web site to access free tax preparation software – If your income is under $58,000, you’re eligible to prepare your federal and state return using free software.  Eligible taxpayers should be sure to access the software from the Tax Department’s Web site to ensure they’re not unexpectedly charged to prepare their state return.
   
   
4. File your state return directly with the Tax Department – Taxpayers who have already filed their federal returns – or who only need to file a state return – can prepare and e-file their New York State return directly with the Tax Department using a new “Web File” option.

With the addition of Web File, 85% of New Yorkers can prepare and e-file their income taxes for free.  

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