The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today highlighted the safer, easier option of e-filing and encouraged all New York taxpayers to avoid the hassles of filing on paper.

“Easy, fast, free for many, and secure. That’s e-filing in New York State,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “If you’re not among the 92% of taxpayers already e-filing, it’s time to stop filing on paper and start taking advantage of the benefits of filing electronically.”

It’s easy

Tax software helps reduce errors and ensures that valuable credits are claimed. The error rate for e-filed returns is 20 times lower than it is for paper returns, which cuts down processing time.

It’s fast

Taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit can receive their refund twice as fast as those who file on paper and choose to have a check mailed to their home. A paper check can take an extra week or more.

It’s free (for many)

The Tax Department is partnering with the Free File Alliance to offer more options to electronically prepare and file both federal and New York State income tax returns at no cost. New York taxpayers with adjusted gross household incomes of $64,000 or less in 2016 qualify to use Free File software available through www.tax.ny.gov.

The Tax Department is also hosting 54 Facilitated Self-Assistance (FSA) sites throughout New York State during the 2017 filing season. Each site is staffed by Tax Department employee volunteers who are available to guide New York taxpayers with adjusted gross household incomes of $64,000 or less through the tax preparation and e-filing software at no cost. To find a convenient location, visit www.tax.ny.gov/fsa.

It’s secure

The Tax Department provides a highly secure, encrypted system designed to protect a filer’s personal and confidential information. E-filing also helps avoid having your paper return lost or stolen in the mail.