Free Tax Filing Options in New York for 2026
Updated April 2026 — covers the 2026 filing season (2025 tax year returns)
Several free options are available for New York taxpayers to file their 2025 federal and state tax returns. The deadline to file is April 15, 2026. Below is an overview of the free filing options currently available.
If your tax situation is complex or you need professional guidance, our firm is here to help. Attorney Cook holds an LL.M. in Taxation. Call toll-free: (888) 275-2620. Available 24/7.
IRS Direct File — No Longer Available
The IRS Direct File program, which allowed eligible taxpayers to file federal returns directly with the IRS at no cost, was discontinued for the 2026 filing season. The IRS ended the program due to low usage relative to operating costs. Taxpayers who previously used Direct File should use one of the options listed below instead.
IRS Free File — Federal Returns
Website: irs.gov — Free File
The IRS partners with private tax software companies to offer free guided tax preparation through the IRS Free File program. For the 2026 filing season, eight trusted partners are participating.
Eligibility: Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less in 2025 can use guided Free File software at no cost. Each partner sets additional eligibility requirements, which may include age, state residency, and military status. Some partners also offer free state return filing.
Free File Fillable Forms: Taxpayers with AGI above $89,000 can use Free File Fillable Forms, which are electronic versions of IRS paper forms. These are free regardless of income but require you to prepare the return yourself using IRS instructions. No guided software is provided.
New York State Free File — State Returns
Website: tax.ny.gov — Free File
New York State offers its own free filing options for state returns. If your federal AGI was $89,000 or less in 2025 and your investment income was $11,950 or less, you qualify for free tax assistance from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, including free e-filing of your state return through approved software providers.
NYC Free Tax Prep — New York City Residents
Website: access.nyc.gov — NYC Free Tax Prep
NYC Free Tax Prep connects eligible New Yorkers with IRS-certified volunteer preparers through the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP). Over 140 VITA/TCE sites are available across all five boroughs.
Eligibility for tax year 2025:
Families with qualifying children or dependents: earned $97,000 or less in 2025.
Individuals without dependents: earned $68,000 or less in 2025.
Self-employed freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners are also eligible and can access year-round resources.
How to file: In-person tax prep at a VITA/TCE site, drop-off service, virtual tax prep via video call, or assisted self-prep where you complete the return yourself with volunteer support available by phone or email.
To find a site, visit nyc.gov/taxprep or call 311.
VITA and TCE — Free In-Person Assistance
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation to taxpayers who generally earn $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program provides free tax assistance to taxpayers age 60 and older.
To find a VITA or TCE site near you, use the IRS VITA/TCE locator tool.
MilTax — Military Members and Families
Active-duty and reserve military members, including the U.S. Coast Guard, and certain veterans can prepare and e-file a federal return and up to three state returns for free through MilTax, a Department of Defense program. Visit Military OneSource — MilTax for details and eligibility.
Important Filing Dates for 2026
January 27, 2026: IRS began accepting and processing 2025 federal tax returns.
April 15, 2026: Deadline to file 2025 federal and New York State tax returns (or request an extension).
October 15, 2026: Deadline to file if you requested an extension. An extension gives you more time to file but does not extend the time to pay — taxes owed are still due April 15.
What You Need Before Filing
Regardless of which free option you use, have the following ready before you start: Social Security numbers or ITINs for you, your spouse, and dependents. All W-2s from employers. All 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-G, 1099-R, etc.). Your 2024 AGI (needed to verify your identity for e-filing). Bank account and routing number for direct deposit. Child care provider information and tax ID if claiming the child care credit. Health insurance information (Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace coverage). Any IRS notices or letters received.
When Free Filing Is Not Enough
Free filing options work well for straightforward W-2 returns. But if your tax situation involves business income or self-employment beyond basic Schedule C, rental property income and depreciation, multi-state filing obligations, foreign income or asset reporting (FBAR, FATCA), IRS notices, audits, or collection actions, back taxes or unfiled returns, bankruptcy and tax debt discharge analysis, or estate and trust income, you may need professional assistance. Our firm handles all of these areas.
Attorney Cook holds an LL.M. in Taxation and has been advising New York taxpayers for over 25 years. Learn more about our tax practice.
Contact Us
Call toll-free: (888) 275-2620. Available 24/7.
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Last reviewed by Attorney Ronald S. Cook — April 2026
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tax laws and eligibility criteria change annually. Consult the IRS and New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for the most current information.
