Tax season is open and the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance encourages New Yorkers to consider using the Direct File program to e-file their federal and state tax returns. After last year’s successful pilot program, the IRS and New York State expanded Direct File eligibility to allow more taxpayers to file their 2024 federal and state personal income tax returns for free.

“The Tax Department is excited to expand the Direct File program to provide simple and free tax filing to New Yorkers,” said New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller. “The program expansion covers more tax credits and different types of income. Check your eligibility to see if Direct File is right for you.”

Direct File is a great option for taxpayers with basic returns: those with one or two main sources of wages claiming the most common deductions and credits. New Yorkers with 2024 wages of up to $200,000 - or $250,000 if filing a joint return - may qualify. Taxpayers can access Direct File from their smartphone, laptop, tablet, or desktop computer – in English or Spanish.

“Direct File is user-friendly and easy to navigate, which makes the filing process less stressful,” said Makeela Brathwaite, Executive Director of Grow Brooklyn, a community organization that offers free tax preparation services to low-income residents throughout New York City. “It’s a great online option for filing your state and federal income taxes.”

“Expanding the Direct File program provides taxpayers with an additional resource to help them meet their tax obligations and claim the credits they deserve,” said Yversha Roman, Director of Strategic Partnerships and CASH (Creating Assets, Savings and Hope) with Empire Justice Center in Rochester. “Eligible New Yorkers can save hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees with this free, easy-to-use filing option.”

The average New York taxpayer can save around $260 in tax preparation fees by using Direct File.

To get started with Direct File:

1. Check eligibility for New York State Direct File. The Direct File program has expanded this year, so taxpayers may qualify even if they didn’t last year.
   
   
2. Check eligibility for IRS Direct File. New York State and the IRS have different filing conditions, so it’s important to review both.
   
   
3. If eligible for both, go to File your taxes for free to get started. After filing the federal return, tax information will be seamlessly transferred to New York State Direct File to complete the New York State return.

For more information, visit IRS Direct File news and the Tax Department’s Direct File webpage for the latest updates and information about Direct File.