NYS Tax Department Offers Free Virtual Tax Filing Help for Eligible Taxpayers Statewide
Sign Up for a Virtual Session at www.tax.ny.gov/tap
For Immediate Release: Friday, March 20, 2026
For media inquiries only, contact: Ryan Cleveland, 518-457-7377
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today encouraged eligible New Yorkers to take advantage of its free Taxpayer Assistance Program, which offers virtual tax help in advance of the filing deadline, April 15. During a scheduled session, Tax Department representatives will guide taxpayers through free tax preparation software step-by-step as they complete and file their own tax return.
Taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less, and investment income of $11,950 or less, qualify for in-person or virtual assistance through the Taxpayer Assistance Program.
Virtual Taxpayer Assistance Program sessions are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., up until the filing deadline.
Taxpayers can register for a virtual session from the comfort of their own home through the Tax Department website or by contacting our Tax Partners directly. Registration information for a virtual tax preparation session is available at the Taxpayer Assistance Program calendar.
To participate in the Taxpayer Assistance Program, you must have:
- an active e-mail account and basic computer skills,
- information to verify identity,
- all income tax documents to support income, credits, and deductions,
- a copy of your 2024 tax return (if you filed).
File for Free
Taxpayers who are not eligible to participate in the Taxpayer Assistance Program may be eligible to file their personal income tax returns for free with Free File or other free e-filing options. Additional free filing resources for qualifying taxpayers are available through GetYourRefund. Taxpayers should review eligibility requirements for each software provider to see what free filing option is right for them.