Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP)

Our current TAP season is now over. We assisted over 2,300 taxpayers from our 39 in person and virtual sites. During over 400 pre-scheduled sessions, our department representatives guided taxpayers through free tax preparation software, step-by-step, as they completed and filed their own tax returns. If you participated in one of those sessions, we are glad to have served you.

Still need assistance? Here are some solutions to common issues that may arise after the season.

Important for TAP filers – when trying to resolve issues with your return, you may need to access the software for the TAP program or charges could apply. Use the same software link the department or our partner emailed to you to access or create your TaxSlayer, VITA account to get into your account. Do not access the software from a main commercial software page.

How do I get a copy of my return?

If you didn’t print a copy when you filed your return, you can use the same software link the department or our partner emailed to you to access or create your TaxSlayer, VITA account to get into your account and print your return. If you can’t find the original email with the link, see How do I request a new link section below.

How do I check on my refunds?

What if my return was rejected?

If you received an email indicating your return was rejected you will need to resolve the issue and resubmit your return. You will need to use the same software link the department or our partner emailed to you to access or create your TaxSlayer, VITA account. If you can’t find the original email with the link, see How do I request a new link section below.

What if I need to amend my return?

Sometimes you receive information that could change your return after you have already filed. If you do, you may need to amend your return. You can use the same software link the department or our partner emailed to you to access or create your TaxSlayer, VITA account to file an amended return. If you can’t find the original email with the link, see How do I request a new link section below.

For tips on when you need to amend your return, see:

How do I request a new link to access my account?

If you can’t find the original email with the link to access your software, you can contact us for assistance.

Please include the following information to help us assist you:

Your email address, and
the partner or site name where you signed up to complete your return.

What do I do if I received a bill or notice related to my return?

If you received a bill or notice you need to respond with the timeframe mentioned. It’s easy to respond online. See Respond to your notice or bill online.

Remember, to qualify to receive free tax assistance from the department to electronically prepare and file your 2022 federal and state income tax returns at no cost, your 2022 federal adjusted gross income (FAGI) needed to be $73,000 or less. (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.)

What do I do if I didn’t file my taxes by the deadline?

If you didn’t file by the tax deadline, you should file as soon as you can. You can still file through the link we sent you if you had signed up for a TAP session or if you didn’t, Free file resources are still available.

Regardless of what method you choose to file, the software will help you calculate any penalties and interest that may be due from late filing. In addition, if you or your business were affected by the winter storms in December of 2022 in Erie, Genesee, Niagara, St. Lawrence or Suffolk Counties and you were unable to file and pay your taxes due to this disaster, you may have reasonable cause to have any penalties removed. You should contact us after you file your return.

Updated: May 19, 2023