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Department of Taxation and Finance

Almost One Month Until Tax Day: File Your Tax Return Simply and Quickly

The NYS Tax Department website has free resources available to help ensure timely and accurate returns before the April 18 deadline

For Release: Immediate,

For media inquiries only, contact: Ryan Cleveland, 518-457-7377

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded 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. 

Federal and state tax returns must be filed by Tuesday, April 18, this year. That’s because the usual April 15 deadline falls on a Saturday and the following Monday is Emancipation Day, a holiday in Washington, D.C.

Taxpayers can take advantage of an array of helpful and money-saving resources on the Tax Department’s website, including free tax preparation and filing software, answers to common questions, and checklists to ensure a smooth process.

“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.”

Visit the Tax Department’s Income Tax Filing Resource Center webpage for helpful information about how to prepare and file your federal and state income tax returns.

Make it simple

To get started, gather the information and documents needed to file a return:

  • an active email account (enables you to file electronically and keep track of the status of your return)
  • a copy of last year’s tax return or your prior-year federal adjusted gross income (FAGI)
  • 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
  • proof of income and tax withheld (wages, interest, and dividend statements):
  • the total of any estimated payments you made throughout the year, as well as any overpayment from last year’s return you asked to have applied to your taxes this year (more information is available at tax account balance)
  • Forms 1095-A, B, or C, Affordable Healthcare Statement
  • information related to any credits you’re claiming
  • your banking information (the account number and the routing number for your bank, which you can find on a blank check)
  • NY 529 College Saving Account information (if requesting refund to be distributed)

Make it fast

E-filing is safer, faster, and more efficient than sending paper returns through the mail. And 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 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’s the fastest and most convenient way to know when to expect your refund.

Make it free

Many New Yorkers qualify to electronically prepare and file their taxes online for free. The Tax Department partners with the Free File Alliance to save eligible taxpayers the cost of buying tax software or hiring a tax preparer.

To ensure you're not charged a fee, you must access Free File through the Tax Department’s website to complete your return.

If you do not qualify to use one of New York’s Free File software providers, you still have choices. See Other e-file options on the Tax Department website to learn more. 

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