New York City residents can now access free tax preparation services through a collaboration between NYC Health + Hospitals and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). The initiative, part of the NYC Free Tax Prep program, provides both in-person and virtual assistance to individuals earning $65,000 or less annually and families with incomes up to $93,000. Services are available in multiple languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Urdu, and Burmese.
To utilize in-person services, appointments are recommended, and individuals should bring valid identification along with proof of income. For virtual assistance, documents can be uploaded online, followed by a virtual meeting with a tax preparer to finalize the return. A comprehensive list of required documents is available on the NYC Free Tax Prep website.
Nichola Davis, MD, MS, Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals, emphasized the program’s benefits, stating, “This holistic approach to care that mitigates financial stress can in turn improve physical and mental health.” citeturn0search0
DCWP Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga highlighted the program’s impact, noting that last year, NYC Free Tax Prep assisted in filing over 100,000 tax returns, saving New Yorkers more than $33 million in filing fees. This year, the program aims to help filers retain more of their earnings through the enhanced NYC Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and expanded services for self-employed individuals.
Steven Mitchell, Vice President of Sales at MetroPlusHealth, added, “For many working families, tax season is stressful so free tax help is a game-changer. In addition, our community offices offer other essential services, including helping you sign up for health insurance.”
The NYC Free Tax Prep program offers various services, including in-person tax preparation, drop-off service, virtual tax preparation, and assisted self-preparation. More than 130 sites across the city are available throughout the tax season. The IRS will accept returns through April 15, 2025. New Yorkers can call 311 or visit nyc.gov/TaxPrep to find the most convenient free tax site.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to make tax filing more accessible. The U.S. Treasury recently announced that in 2025, more than 30 million taxpayers across 24 states, including New York, will be eligible to file federal taxes for free through the expanded Direct File system.
By offering these services, NYC Health + Hospitals and DCWP aim to alleviate the financial burden of tax preparation and ensure that eligible New Yorkers can maximize their refunds.
