The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance reminds taxpayers that information available on its website, www.tax.ny.gov, can help make filing personal income tax returns simple, fast, and free for qualifying New Yorkers. This year, the IRS and New York State have expanded Direct File eligibility to allow more taxpayers to file their 2024 federal and state personal income tax returns for free.

Federal and state income tax returns must be filed by Tuesday, April 15.

“We want to provide the most convenient tax 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.”

For information on how to prepare and file your income tax return, visit the Tax Department’s Income tax filing season resource center.

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

E-filing is safer, faster, and more efficient than sending paper returns through the mail. Those who e-file and use direct deposit will receive any refund owed faster and without the worry of a lost or undelivered check.

Taxpayers may be eligible to e-file their 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 for eligible taxpayers to file their federal and state income tax returns. Direct File can be accessed from a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. Taxpayers with 2024 wages of $200,000 or less – or $250,000 or less if filing jointly – may qualify. To check eligibility, go to New York eligibility for Direct File.
• Taxpayers may be eligible to use Free File software to e-file federal and state income tax returns at no cost through the Tax Department website. Information about Free File is available in multiple languages.
• Taxpayers who don't qualify for Direct File or Free File may be eligible for other free filing options. See other e-file options for personal income tax to learn more.

Track your refund

Taxpayers can quickly view the status of their 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.

Need assistance?

The Tax Department’s Taxpayer Assistance Program can help taxpayers who earn $84,000 or less to electronically prepare and file federal and state income tax returns at no cost.

Tax Department representatives help guide taxpayers through free tax preparation software, step-by-step, as they complete and file their own tax returns.

To register for a free session, go to Taxpayer Assistance Program.