NYC Offers Free Tax Prep Services to Eligible Residents

Mayor, DCWP, NYC Hospitals Promote Free Tax Help for Low-Income New Yorkers

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:23pm

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New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani joined the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), NYC Health + Hospitals, and MetroPlusHealth to kick off the 2026 tax season by announcing free, in-person and virtual tax preparation services for eligible New Yorkers through the NYC Free Tax Prep initiative. Last year, the program helped 110,000 New Yorkers file their taxes for free, saving them an average of $346 per return.

Why it matters

The free tax preparation services aim to help low-income New Yorkers access the tax refunds and credits they are entitled to, while also protecting them from predatory tax preparers who may charge hidden fees or engage in other deceptive practices. This is especially important as the federal government has eliminated the IRS Direct File program, reducing no-cost filing options for taxpayers.

The details

The NYC Free Tax Prep program is available to New Yorkers who earn $97,000 or less annually for families, or $68,000 or less for individuals and couples without dependents. Services are offered at over 140 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites across the city, as well as through virtual tax preparation and assisted self-preparation options. The city is also ramping up efforts to ensure paid tax preparers are following the law and not overcharging or imposing hidden fees.

  • The IRS began accepting tax returns on January 26, 2026.
  • The tax filing deadline is April 15, 2026.

The players

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani

The mayor of New York City who is promoting the free tax preparation services.

Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)

The New York City agency overseeing the NYC Free Tax Prep initiative and conducting compliance checks on paid tax preparers.

NYC Health + Hospitals

A public health care system in New York City that is partnering to offer free tax preparation services at some of its locations.

MetroPlusHealth

A health insurance provider in New York City that is also offering free tax preparation services at its community offices.

Sam Levine

The Commissioner of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

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What they’re saying

“New Yorkers shouldn't have to jump through hoops or pay outrageous fees just to file their taxes. Through NYC Free Tax Prep, our administration is working across agencies to deliver exactly that-helping New Yorkers file for free, receive the tax refunds they're owed, and avoid hidden fees and tax scams.”

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (Mirage News)

“To New Yorkers: protect your budget and skip pricey paid tax preparation if you can. Our knowledgeable preparers will ensure you get your full refund and all credits you may be eligible for, like the recently enhanced Empire State Child Tax Credit. This tax season, DCWP is ramping up efforts to protect New Yorkers from sketchy tax scams.”

— Sam Levine, DCWP Commissioner (Mirage News)

“Financial stability is a fundamental contributor to overall health and well-being. Since 2018, we have scaled our partnership with NYC Tax Prep from a single pilot site to 15 locations in 2026. By helping our patients secure free filing and tax credits, we are reducing some of the financial stress that often stands in the way of good health.”

— Nichola Davis, MD, MS, NYC Health + Hospitals Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer (Mirage News)

“New Yorkers can once again access free, in‑person tax preparation at select MetroPlusHealth community offices, along with virtual support from trained volunteers. For many working families, no‑cost tax assistance can have a meaningful impact. MetroPlusHealth remains deeply committed to helping provide essential services - from helping individuals enroll in quality health insurance to offering free tax preparation.”

— Dr. Talya Schwartz, President and Chief Executive Officer of MetroPlusHealth (Mirage News)

“Gotham Health is proud to participate in the NYC Free Tax Prep initiative and to offer this vital service directly in our health centers across New York City. We believe access to high-quality care must also include access to the financial resources that support healthier lives. We encourage eligible New Yorkers to schedule an appointment and take advantage of free support to file accurately and claim the credits and refunds they have earned.”

— Michelle Lewis, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health (Mirage News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This initiative highlights the city's commitment to helping low-income New Yorkers access the tax credits and refunds they are entitled to, while also protecting them from predatory tax preparers. By offering free, trusted tax preparation services, the city is ensuring more residents can improve their financial stability and overall well-being.