Tax Day–aka the most universally dreaded date on the calendar–is fast approaching. This year, though, New York City is stepping in to soften the blow with a financial lifeline: free tax preparation services.
On Tuesday, February 3, Mayor Zohran Mamdani teamed up with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), NYC Health + Hospitals, and MetroPlusHealth to launch the 2026 tax season by announcing free in-person and virtual help for New Yorkers. The services are part of DCWP’s NYC Free Tax Prep initiative.
Mamdani stated:
New Yorkers shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or pay outrageous fees just to file their taxes. Through NYC Free Tax Prep, our administration is working across agencies to deliver exactly that—helping New Yorkers file for free, receive the tax refunds they’re owed, and avoid hidden fees and tax scams.
Who Qualifies
The program is open to anyone who lives or works in NYC and meets the following income requirements:
- Families: earn $97,000 or less annually
- Individuals/couples without dependents: earn $68,000 or less annually
Roughly half of all New Yorkers qualify. Last year, NYC Free Tax Prep completed 110,000 returns, saving filers an average of $346 each–totaling $38.2 million citywide.
What the Services Include
- In-Person Tax Prep – filers will be assisted in completing accurate tax returns at 140+ sites across the five boroughs
- Drop-Off Service – drop off documents and pick up completed returns later
- Virtual Tax Prep – video conference with IRS-certified preparers via a secure digital system
- Assisted Self-Prep –file online with expert support by phone or email
City officials will also be inspecting paid tax preparers to ensure fair practices and prevent scams. DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine emphasized:
Our knowledgeable preparers will ensure you get your full refund and all credits you may be eligible for, like the recently enhanced Empire State Child Tax Credit…And, as student loan borrowers face unprecedented confusion due to harmful policies at the federal level, NYC Free Tax Prep has never been more important.
When & Where
Free tax services are available now at over 140 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites, including NYC Health + Hospitals and MetroPlusHealth locations.
Use DCWP’s interactive map or call 311 to find the nearest site.
Tax season runs now through April 15, 2026, though many NYC Free Tax Prep sites remain open year-round for late filings, prior-year returns, and small business or self-employed tax needs. With the IRS Direct File program ending, free, trusted filing help is more crucial than ever.
Don’t forget: the IRS is changing how tax refunds are sent in 2026–here’s what to know.
Watch the press conference below: