New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayug announced the launch of NYC Free Tax Prep.
NYC Free Tax Prep will offer free, professional tax preparation. The program will be available for the self-employed, freelance workers, and small businesses. Single New Yorkers earning $56,000 or less and families earning $80,000 or less, may file their taxes using NYC Free Tax Prep. The program will make it possible for New Yorkers to keep their full refund and valuable tax credits.
“We know that many New Yorkers are struggling right now, and we want them to know the city is here for them,” said Mayor Adams. “Last year, we went to Albany to secure the first increase in the city’s Earned Income Tax Credit in 20 years. Now, thanks to our administration’s efforts, freelance workers, gig workers, and small businesses can take advantage of free tax prep, along with eligible individuals making less than $56,000 a year or families making less than $80,000. New Yorkers deserve their fair share, and we are putting more money in their pockets this tax season.”
New York City Earned Income Tax Credit specially caters to working families and persons with low to moderate incomes. This enhancement of New York City’s EITC will be the first in 20 years and fulfills Mayor Adams’ campaign pledge. The EITC will increase from 5% to the 10%-30% range. A single parent with a child earning $14,750 will see an increase in benefits from $181 to $905. A married couple with two children and an income of $25,000 will see a 200% increase in benefits, from $299 to $897.
NYC Free Tax Prep will offer different types of services. There will be In-Person Tax Prep volunteers at over 140 sites across the city. They will provide in-person tax assistance. Virtual Tax Prep will offer assistance similar to that of the aforementioned volunteers but online. The Drop-off Service allows tax filers to drop off their documents for collection later on. Assisted Self-Preparation will allow an individual to complete his tax returns online and call or email a tax assistant for help.
“Each year, NYC Free Tax Prep helps thousands of New Yorkers get their full refund at no cost to them, but we know that so many eligible New Yorkers aren’t taking advantage of this free, one-on-one service,” said DCWP Commissioner Mayuga. “This year, we’re excited to offer NYC Free Tax Prep to self-employed New Yorkers and help more New Yorkers keep even more of their hard-earned money. If you are a family that earned $80,000 or less or an individual who earned $56,000 or less in 2022, we encourage you to visit a site to file for free and claim your refund.”
