It's tax season in NY: How to file your taxes for free and avoid being scammed

Emily Barnes, New York State Team
·4 min read

New Yorkers — tax filing season is here.

Though this time of year may bring stress and uncertainty for many, there's some good news — New York was recently added to the IRS' Direct File pilot program, which makes it easier for some residents to file both federal and state taxes for free.

Qualifying New Yorkers have three free e-filing options for their state income tax return this year.

Here's how to file your taxes for free in New York and some best tax filing practices to follow along the way.

How to file your taxes for free in NY

The state is partnering with Free File Alliance to offer free e-filing options for those who qualify, according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

Here's who's eligible:

  • OnLine Taxes: Your federal adjusted gross income (AGI) was $45,000 or less OR your federal AGI was $79,000 or less and you served as Active Duty Military (including Reservists and National Guard)

  • TaxSlayer: Your federal AGI was $44,000 or less, OR you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit OR your federal AGI was $79,000 or less and you served as Active Duty Military (including Reservists and National Guard)

  • FreeTaxUSA: Your federal AGI was $45,000 or less OR your federal AGI was $79,000 or less and you served as Active Duty Military (including Reservists and National Guard)

Taxpayers must access these options by visiting tax.ny.gov or you may be charged a fee.

Filing taxes in NY: You can do it for free through a new pilot program

New Yorkers can also more easily file their taxes for free this year through the Direct File pilot program, which allows taxpayers to file their federal taxes directly with the IRS and then use a state-supported filing tool to file their state tax return, all for no cost.

According to the IRS, NYS Dept. of Taxation and Finance and Code for America, in order to file for free under the Direct File pilot, a taxpayer must:

  • Live in New York all year and have no income from another state.

  • Have only the following sources of income: wages, Social Security benefits, unemployment benefits, up to $1,500 of interest.

  • Want to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, or Credit for Other Dependents.

  • Have no self-employment income, including from gig or contract work.

  • Not claim the Premium Tax Credit, Child or Dependent Care Credit or American Opportunity Tax Credit or other educational credits.

The deadline to file returns and pay any tax owed or request an extension of time to file is midnight on April 15, 2024.

When will you get your NYS tax refund?: Everything to know about filing your taxes this year

Tips to file your taxes safely

Tax filing season can bring a number of scams with it. Here's what the New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection says you can do to keep yourself from falling victim to a tax scheme or identity theft.

File early

Filing your tax returns early can reduce the chances of an identity theft claiming a fraudulent tax refund using your stolen information.

And filing your taxes electronically is safer, faster and more efficient than mailing in paper returns.

Mail your tax returns from a secure location

If you do choose to mail in your tax returns, do so directly from the post office.

Don't leave them in your home mailbox to be picked up by your letter carrier and don't allow your tax preparer to mail your return for you.

Avoid phishing scams, government impersonators when filing

Remember, the IRS and NYS will typically first initiate contact concerning a tax issue via regular mail, not through an email, text message or call.

Government agencies also don't request personal or financial information through email and will not ask for your credit card number over the phone.

Beware of scam artists posing as tax preparers

Only work with tax preparers you've thoroughly researched and avoid ones who claim they can you get larger refunds than other preparers.

Also, stay away from tax preparers who base their fee on a percentage of your refund.

Make sure your tax preparer is willing to sign your refund, provides their IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number and gives you a copy of your return. And be sure to look over your return carefully and never sign a blank return.

If you would like to report fraudulent activity by a tax preparer, contact the NYS Tax Department's Office of Professional Responsibility at 518-530-HELP (option #2) or file a tax preparer complaint online at tax.ny.gov.

Emily Barnes is the New York State Team consumer advocate reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at ebarnes@gannett.com or on Twitter @byemilybarnes.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Tax season in NY: How to file your taxes for free, avoid being scammed