Tax Tips to File Your Return Simply and Quickly – For Free

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 19, 2026

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

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance reminds 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.

The deadline to file returns and pay any tax owed (or request an extension of time to file) is midnight on April 15, 2026.

"With just under one month left until the tax filing deadline, taxpayers still have plenty of time to file," 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."

For information on how to prepare and file a personal income tax return, visit the Tax Department's Income tax filing season resource center.

Get ready to file

To get started, gather the information and documents needed to prepare and file your income tax return, including:

• an active email account (enables you to file electronically and keep track of the status of your return)
• 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
• your banking information for direct deposit of your income tax refund
• a copy of last year's federal income tax return or your prior-year federal adjusted gross income (FAGI)
• proof of income and tax withheld (wages, interest, and dividend statements):
  • Forms W-2 and certain 1099s
  • if you received unemployment payments, your Department of Labor 1099-G Tax Form
  • any other documents showing additional income
• your tax account balance (the total amount you paid through the year towards your income tax)
• Forms 1095-A, B, or C, Affordable Healthcare Statement
• information related to any Income tax credits you are claiming
• NY 529 College Saving Account information (if requesting refund to be deposited)

File for free

E-filing is safer, faster, and more efficient than sending paper returns through the mail. 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 may be eligible to e-file their personal income tax returns for free with Free File or other free e-filing options found directly on the Tax Department's website, www.tax.ny.gov. Additional free filing resources for qualifying taxpayers are available through GetYourRefund. Taxpayers should check their eligibility to see which free filing option is right for them.

Taxpayer Assistance Program

Taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less, and investment income of $11,950 or less, may qualify for in-person or virtual assistance through the Taxpayer Assistance Program. Certified NYS Tax Department staff guide eligible taxpayers as they electronically prepare and file their basic federal and state tax returns themselves for free.

To register for an in-person or virtual session, see our Taxpayer Assistance Program.

Tips for hiring a tax preparer

While the vast majority of tax preparers are honest professionals, some take advantage of their position of trust to scam customers out of their hard-earned money.

Before choosing a tax preparer, taxpayers should review the New York State Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers to learn about how to protect themselves when hiring a tax return preparer or facilitator.

For a printable checklist of preparer requirements and to verify a tax preparer's credentials, visit Hiring a Tax Preparer.

Track your refund

After submitting a completed return, 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.