Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP)
Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP)
If your 2025 federal adjusted gross income (FAGI) was $89,000 or less and you have investment income of $11,950 or less, you qualify to receive free tax assistance from the department. We can help you prepare and e-file your 2025 federal and state income tax returns at no cost.
(Note: Federal adjusted gross income is defined as gross income minus adjustments to income. Gross income includes your wages, dividends, capital gains, business income, retirement distributions, as well as other income. For more information, visit the IRS at Definition of Adjusted Gross Income.)
During a pre-scheduled virtual, in-person session, or walk-in session, our department representatives will guide you through free tax preparation software, step by step, as you complete and file your own tax return. Our online tax software is a safe and secure way to file. It’s quick and easy!
For step-by-step instructions to help you prepare to file, see Get ready to e-file your income tax return.
What you Need to file
The following documents are needed to have a successful filing experience:
- an active email account and basic computer skills,
- information to verify your identity: current non-expired photo ID (driver license, state-issued non-driver ID, passport, NYC ID, or other government issued ID),
- personal information for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents (if applicable)
(Note: we won’t ask you to give us this information, but you will need to enter it on your return.), - income statements (W-2, 1099’s) and other documents to support income, deductions, and credits you plan to claim,
- a copy of your 2025 tax return or your 2025 Federal Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), if you filed.
- ability to check the status of your return after it’s submitted to confirm if it was accepted or rejected
Note: Remember to have a copy of last year’s return available so you have all the information you need to easily e-file! For more information on how to request your prior year return, visit the IRS at Get your tax records and transcripts.
Register for a Session
Register to attend an in-person or virtual session directly with the department or through one of our partners. To view a current schedule of available appointments:
Access TAP software
You can access TAP software without attending a session. If you are using TAP software for the first time and have not filed this year select Register for software link below, provide your contact information, and we will send you a link to the same secure software we use during our TAP sessions.
If you already filed, use the same software link you used to access your Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) TaxSlayer account. Do not access the software from a main commercial software page; the software provider may charge a fee.
Note: Each year you must request the link from the department or from one of our partners to continue using your account.
How to have a successful TAP filing experience
- Have all your tax documents and personal information available for the in-person or virtual session.
- Set up an online account to use the free software.
- Plan to spend up to two hours on the in-person or virtual session.
- After submitting your returns check your email within 48 hours to confirm your federal and state returns were accepted.
- Follow up for additional assistance, if needed.
Not eligible? Access other e-file options
If you are not eligible to use TAP software, you can still e-file your return.
Here are your options:
- Have your return prepared for free by one of the department’s VITA partners. To find a VITA partner near you, use the IRS VITA/TCE Locator Tool, or visit irs.gov and search VITA location.
- Self-prepare your own return using one of the department’s free file options. To learn more, see E-file options for personal income tax.
Important: Make sure you review the eligibility criteria for each software provider before selecting a product.
Still need Follow-up assistance?
Submit an email to TAP.Taxpayers@tax.ny.gov with your full name, daytime phone number, and details regarding the issue you need help with. Please allow two business days for a response.