The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today encouraged eligible New Yorkers to take advantage of its free Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP). Certified NYS Tax Department staff will guide taxpayers as they electronically prepare and file their basic federal and state tax returns themselves for free.

Taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income of $73,000 or less qualify for in-person or virtual assistance through the Taxpayer Assistance Program. Sessions are offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Empire State Plaza, and on Thursdays at the main branch of the Albany Public Library, located at 161 Washington Avenue in Albany. Eligible taxpayers can sign up at www.tax.ny.gov/tap.

“Our free Taxpayer Assistance Program provides a simple and safe way for eligible taxpayers to get help electronically preparing and filing their federal and state tax returns,” said New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller. “This is an inspiring program that helps taxpayers realize they can file on their own and save on tax preparation costs.”

Getting help through the Taxpayer Assistance Program is as easy as 1-2-3:

1. Register for a time slot on the Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP) web page at www.tax.ny.gov/tap.
2. Receive a confirmation email with a link to an intake questionnaire from the Tax Department. Complete the questionnaire to ensure eligibility and have the information ready to complete the returns.
3. Attend the session selected to get help completing and filing online.

To participate in the Taxpayer Assistant Program, you must have:

• basic computer skills
• an active e-mail account
• all your tax documents
• a copy of your 2021 tax return (if you filed)

Free File tax preparation software also available on the Tax Department’s website

If a taxpayer can’t find a TAP session that fits their schedule, they may be able to file their taxes online using Free File. Free File provides free tax preparation software options to eligible New Yorkers through the Tax Department’s Free File web page at www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile.

Taxpayers simply click Free File your income tax return to determine if they qualify. If eligible, they can access free software to electronically complete and submit their federal and New York State income tax returns. It’s easy, fast, and secure.

To ensure they're not charged a fee, filers must go to the NYS Tax Department’s website to access Free File software at www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile. They’ll save on preparation fees, prevent costly errors, and receive any refunds owed in the most efficient way possible.