The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance reminds taxpayers to take advantage of free filing resources available on the Tax Department’s website before the April 15 tax filing deadline.

“As the tax filing deadline approaches, we want to provide the most convenient and efficient filing experience possible,” said New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller. “The resources available at www.tax.ny.gov can help taxpayers quickly and easily meet their filing obligations and receive any refunds they’re owed.”

Get ready to file

To get started, gather the information and documents needed to prepare and file your income tax return, including:

• an active email account (enables you to file electronically and keep track of the status of your return)
• a driver license or state-issued nondriver ID (for you and your spouse, if filing jointly)
• birth dates and Social Security numbers (for you, your spouse, and your dependents)
• your banking information for direct deposit of your income tax refund
• a copy of last year’s federal income tax return or your prior-year federal adjusted gross income (FAGI)
• proof of income and tax withheld (wages, interest, and dividend statements):
• Forms W-2 and certain 1099s
• if you received unemployment payments, your Department of Labor 1099-G Tax Form
• any other documents showing additional income
• your tax account balance (the total amount you paid through the year towards your income tax)
• Forms 1095-A, B, or C, Affordable Healthcare Statement
• information related to any Income tax credits you are claiming
• NY 529 College Saving Account information (if requesting refund to be deposited)

File for free

You may be eligible to e-file your personal income tax returns for free with Direct File, Free File, or other free e-filing options. Check your eligibility to see which free filing option is right for you.

• New York State Direct File is a free, easy-to-use e-file option to file your federal and state income tax returns. Direct File can be accessed from a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or desktop computer – in English or Spanish. If your 2024 wages were less than $200,000 – or $250,000 if you’re filing a joint return – you may qualify to use Direct File. To check eligibility, go to New York eligibility for Direct File. For a video about getting started, go to New York State Direct File.
• You may be eligible to use Free File software to e-file your federal and state income tax returns at no cost through the Tax Department website. Information about Free File is available in multiple languages.
• If you don't qualify for Direct File or Free File, you may be eligible for other free filing options. See other e-file options for personal income tax to learn more.

Get your questions answered

The most efficient way to obtain filing guidance and information, including answers to common questions, is to visit the Tax Department’s website, www.tax.ny.gov, and our Filing season resource center.

The Tax Department’s Personal Income Tax Call Center will have extended hours to assist last-minute filers.

Estimated tax payments

If you made estimated tax payments in the previous year, review your tax account balance in your Individual Online Services account before you file to ensure you are reporting the correct amount on your return.

Use direct deposit

Have your refund directly deposited into your bank account and receive your refund up to a week sooner!

Be sure to double check the routing and account numbers for your account. See Direct deposit of your income tax refund to learn more.

Track your refund

Quickly view the status of your New York State tax refund anytime by using the Check your Refund application on the Tax Department website: www.tax.ny.gov. It is the fastest and most convenient way to know when to expect your refund.

Request an extension of time to file

You can apply for an automatic extension of time to file if you’re unable to file a completed income tax return by the April 15 deadline. An extension will provide more time to prepare and file your return, but not more time to pay any tax owed. You must make full payment of the properly estimated tax balance owed when requesting an extension of time to file.

File on time even if you can’t pay what you owe

If you can’t pay what you owe by the due date, the Tax Department encourages you to submit a completed tax return by the April 15 deadline to avoid penalties and pay what you can afford to help reduce penalty and interest. Payment options are available on the Tax Department website if you want to make an income tax return payment when you file your tax return.