By Staff Reporter
Manhattan Voice
February 3, 2026
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani on Monday joined the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), NYC Health + Hospitals, and MetroPlusHealth to announce the return of NYC Free Tax Prep, a citywide initiative offering free, IRS-certified tax preparation both in person and online.
The program, which helped more than 110,000 New Yorkers file their taxes last year, saved residents an average of $346 in tax preparation fees — adding up to more than $38 million in citywide savings.
Free Tax Preparation Available Across All Five Boroughs
NYC Free Tax Prep is available to anyone who lives or works in New York City and meets income eligibility requirements. Families earning $97,000 or less and individuals or couples without dependents earning $68,000 or less less-qualify making roughly half of all New Yorkers eligible.
Services are offered at more than 140 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites across all five boroughs, including locations at NYC Health + Hospitals facilities and MetroPlusHealth community offices.
Residents can find a nearby location by calling 311 or using the city’s NYC Free Tax Prep site finder map.
“New Yorkers shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or pay outrageous fees just to file their taxes,” Mayor Mamdani said. “This program helps people file for free, claim the refunds they’re owed, and avoid hidden fees and tax scams.”
Virtual and In-Person Tax Help, Including Multilingual Support
To meet New Yorkers where they are, the city is offering multiple ways to file:
- In-person tax preparation with IRS-certified volunteers
- Drop-off tax services for those who prefer not to wait onsite
- Virtual tax preparation, including secure video appointments
- Assisted self-preparation, with expert help available by phone or email
Select NYC Health + Hospitals sites provide language support in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Urdu, and virtual services are also available in Spanish. When needed, preparers use IRS-approved over-the-phone interpretation services.
Expanded Support for Self-Employed and Gig Workers
The city is also continuing NYC Free Tax Prep for Self-Employed New Yorkers, a program designed for freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners.
Eligible filers with business expenses under $250,000 can receive free help with Schedule C filings, quarterly estimated taxes, and financial record keeping. Workshops and one-on-one consultations are available throughout the year.
City Targets Predatory Paid Tax Preparers
Alongside the free tax prep rollout, DCWP is launching a citywide enforcement sweep of paid tax preparers to address illegal overcharging, hidden fees, and deceptive refund loan products.
Commissioner Sam Levine warned consumers to be cautious of preparers advertising “rapid refunds” or “fast cash,” which often mask high-interest refund anticipation loans.
“This tax season, we’re ramping up enforcement to protect New Yorkers from sketchy tax scams,” Levine said, noting increased confusion for taxpayers following the elimination of the IRS Direct File program.
DCWP is issuing compliance notices to paid preparers reminding them of New York City laws that prohibit hidden fees and misleading practices. Consumers who choose to use a paid preparer are encouraged to request and review the Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers before filing.
Tax Filing Deadlines and Year-Round Help
The IRS began accepting tax returns on January 26, with the filing deadline set for April 15, 2026. Many NYC Free Tax Prep sites remain open year-round to assist late filers, help with prior-year returns, and support small business owners.
Health leaders emphasized that financial stability plays a critical role in overall well-being.
“By helping patients access free filing and tax credits, we’re reducing financial stress that often stands in the way of good health,” said Dr. Nichola Davis of NYC Health + Hospitals.
How to Get Free Tax Help in NYC
New Yorkers can:
- Call 311 and ask for NYC Free Tax Prep
- Visit the city’s official tax prep site finder
- Search for free tax preparation in NYC, VITA tax help near me, or free tax filing for self-employed New Yorkers
With fewer no-cost filing options available nationally, city officials say trusted, local, and free tax assistance has never been more important.
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