Tax season 2021 is upon us!
Find out if you can get free tax prep with NYC Free Tax Prep at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/file-your-taxes.page
Frequently Asked Questions about NYC Free Tax Prep:
Is “free” really free?
Yes! You will not be charged for any part of completing your return, including e-filing and direct deposit.
Do they offer remote services?
Yes. NYC Free Tax Prep offers both in-person and remote services, including:
- Virtual Free Tax Preparation: Filers submit photos or scans of tax documents to the preparer via a secure platform and then confirm their identity and complete their return using secure video conference or by phone with a preparer.
- Assisted Self-Preparation: Filers complete their own returns using free tax filing platform and receive assistance from an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer over the phone or by email.
- Drop-off Service: Drop off your tax documents and pick up the completed return later.
- In-person Tax Prep: Sit down with a volunteer preparer.
What’s the difference between free tax prep and paid preparers?
Fees. Paid tax preparers can cost you hundreds of dollars in fees that take away from your refund. At times these fees can be confusing with paid tax preparers advertising no out-of-pocket cost but later claiming a portion of your refund. This is money that you’ve earned, but are giving away.
How much can I save with NYC Free Tax Prep?
It depends. On average, tax preparation fees are about $150 to $250 in New York. That’s about the same as two monthly MetroCards, three months of cell phone service, or five boxes of diapers.
Who can use NYC Free Tax Prep?
Anyone who lives or works in New York City can use an NYC Free Tax Prep site. Some sites have income limits and other eligibility requirements. In general, individuals must have earned $48,000 or less and families with dependents must have earned $48,000 or less in 2020 to file in person at an NYC Free Tax Prep site. Learn more at nyc.gov/taxprep. If you live outside of NYC, visit the IRS website at irs.gov to find an IRS VITA/TCE site near you.
See https://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/file-your-taxes-faqs.page for the full FAQ page.
*NYC Free Tax Prep is a program through the City of New York and is not affiliated with DOROT*
Are you looking for resources in the community? Contact DOROT's Resource Specialist at 212-769-2850 Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm or email IR@doroatusa.org.