Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, Deputy Mayor for Economic Justice Julie Su and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine announced that NYC Free Tax Prep put a combined $226.6 million back in New Yorkers' pockets during the 2026 tax season.
New Yorkers filed 100,216 returns through the free program, securing an estimated $188.8 million in refunds and saving nearly $37.8 million in tax preparation fees. The results come during the first tax filing season since the federal government ended IRS Direct File. NYC Free Tax Prep offers free in-person, drop-off and virtual preparation, as well as specialized services for freelancers and self-employed New Yorkers. Sites remain open year-round.
"New Yorkers work hard for every dollar they earn, and they shouldn't have to hand a chunk of that money over to a tax preparer just to get the money they're owed," said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. "NYC Free Tax Prep put $226.6 million back where it belongs: in the pockets of working New Yorkers. At a time when Washington has made filing taxes more complicated, New York City is making it simpler - for free. I'm grateful to every volunteer who helped make it happen, and we're calling on more New Yorkers to join us next year."
"As filers faced confusion over the end of IRS Direct File and other federal policy changes, NYC Free Tax Prep gave them a place to turn," said DCWP Commissioner Samuel A.A. Levine. "Our preparers make sure New Yorkers get their full refund and every credit they qualify for, with no hidden charges, hoops, or fine print."
Who Is Eligible
NYC Free Tax Prep is available to anyone who lives or works in New York City, regardless of immigration status, who earns:
- $100,000 or less annually and files as a family; or
- $70,000 or less annually and files as an individual or couple without a dependent.
DCWP estimates that about half of all New Yorkers qualify for the program.
How It Works
From January through April, NYC Free Tax Prep services are available at more than 100 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites citywide, including locations at NYC Health + Hospitals and MetroPlusHealth.
Volunteer preparers provide free tax preparation and can answer questions about issues including how student loan debt may affect a refund.
Sites remain open year-round for new or amended returns and for self-employed filers.
The 2027 filing season begins in January 2027. New Yorkers can find the nearest NYC Free Tax Prep site using DCWP's interactive map at nyc.gov/TaxPrep.
Protecting Filers from Predatory Preparers
DCWP also paired NYC Free Tax Prep with enforcement against paid tax preparers.
The agency conducted sweeps of paid tax preparer locations across the city to check compliance with City law and sent notices warning preparers that overcharging and hidden fees are illegal in New York City.
Volunteer for the 2027 Season
NYC Free Tax Prep is now accepting volunteer preparers for 2027.
Volunteers commit a few hours a week from January through April and complete about 40 tax returns. DCWP estimates that each volunteer helps neighbors claim more than $90,000 in refunds and save an average of $15,000 in preparation fees.
New Yorkers interested in volunteering can register online to receive information about free training and upcoming events.
