With April comes spring, rain, and yes, tax season.
If you don’t know where to begin, we’ve compiled the answers to some preliminary tax questions New Yorkers may have about filing their taxes in 2024.
Disclaimer: This is not financial advice. We encourage readers to consult government websites like IRS.gov, tax.ny.gov, etc. while preparing their taxes.
When is the last day to file taxes in New York?
The deadline to file your taxes in New York is Monday, April 15, 2024!
What if I don’t complete them by the 15th?
If you are unable to finish your taxes by the 15th, you can submit a request for an extension directly to the IRS. If approved, you will have until October 15 to complete them.
You may automatically be eligible for an extension if you meet certain criteria like:
- being in a federally declared disaster area
- in the military stationed abroad or serving in a combat zone, or
- are a citizen or resident alien living outside the U.S., according to the IRS.
Still, please note that even if you are granted a time extension to file, you must still pay any owed taxes by the April deadline. IE: you should still estimate and pay taxes to avoid penalties, even if you are unable to fully file in time. Penalties can include a “failure-to-file penalty” that is typically “five percent of the tax owed for each month, or part of a month that your return is late, up to a maximum of 25%,” according to the IRS. See more on bills, penalties, and interest charges on the IRS website here.
How do I file my taxes in New York?
There are a few options for filing your taxes in New York:
- You can do so directly on the IRS website with “Direct File” as New York is one of the states involved in the new pilot program (see more info. below, mainly for federal taxes but can also include state if you qualify)
- You can use third party programs like TurboTax, H&R Block and more (for both federal and state)
- You can do so through the New York State website (just for state)
How do I file my taxes for free?
The IRS has a new pilot program called Direct File that allows certain individuals across 12 pilot states (New York included) to file taxes online for free directly with the IRS. If you have a Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $79,000 or less you can qualify for a free federal tax return, plus free state tax preparation and filing with some of their select partners.
If you have an AGI higher than $79,000, you can still file for free with the IRS, it will just have to be using Fillable Forms. Fillable Forms still allow for free federal tax filing, but doesn’t come with tax guidance or state tax preparation.
Also, NYC residents who make $85,000 or less and file as a family, or those who earned $59,000 or less and file as an individual or couple without dependents, can file through NYC Free Tax Prep. This city program gives New Yorkers free access to volunteer tax preparers and other services that can help New Yorkers make the most of tax credits and get their refund at its full potential.
When will I get my refund?
The IRS states it issues most refunds in less than 21 calendar days. If you mailed your return instead of filing online, it could take over a month.
You can check the “Where’s My Refund?” page to track the up-to-date status of your refunds.