The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) formally opened the filing season on Monday, January 27. In New York and New Jersey, you can file for free using a variety of methods and services, both in person and online.
The IRS predicts that by Tuesday, April 15, more than 140 million individual tax returns will have been filed for the 2024 tax year. According to the agency’s statement, they expect that more than half will be filed with the assistance of a qualified expert to prevent such scams and schemes.
The IRS has confirmed that Americans can file their tax return for free until this day
- IRS Free File: The IRS Free File software is offered to taxpayers who earned $84,000 or less in the preceding year. Fillable forms are available at no cost to persons of all income levels. They are electronic forms that users can fill out and submit online on their own.
- Direct File: Direct File is available in 25 states, including New York and New Jersey. It is a free online service available in both Spanish and English, and it works with tablets, laptops, desktop computers, and cell phones. It guides taxpayers through a series of questions as they prepare their federal income tax returns. It is only offered in 25 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, North Carolina, Connecticut, South Dakota, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and North Carolina.
- VITA: is a federal grant-funded initiative that provides low-income individuals with free tax preparation services. Trained volunteers are available in schools and libraries to help. Individuals earning $67,000 or less, people with disabilities, and taxpayers whose first language is not English are all eligible for free tax preparation assistance under the program.
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly: gives free tax guidance to all taxpayers, particularly those over the age of 60, who have questions about pensions and retirement plans.
- MilTax: Members of the military forces and certain veterans are eligible for this Department of Defense program, which has no budgetary constraints. It provides free federal and up to three state tax preparation and e-filing software. Unlike the preceding, this is a tax software program developed in partnership with Military OneSource (MilTax) and made available to US military service personnel, veterans, and their families.
No-cost tax preparation in New York City
In New York City, IRS-certified VITA/TCE expert volunteer preparers assist taxpayers in completing an accurate tax return. Sessions run at least 30 minutes, and the recipient may drop off tax documents and pick up the finished return at a later date.
A virtual map has been created to assist in determining where the sites are located. A virtual program called GetYourRefund.org connects taxpayers with free tax preparation services in the city, allowing them to complete their returns in two distinct methods.
- If you make less than $66,000, file virtually with an IRS-certified VITA/TCE preparer.
- If you make less than $79,000, you can file your return easily and on your own using free tax software.
Virtual Tax Prep refers to an online tax preparation service. A computer, tablet, or smartphone, a consistent Internet connection, and the ability to download video conferencing software are required to use it.
Free tax filing aid in New Jersey
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax assistance with a variety of preparation alternatives until April 15. Access to various types of taxpayer aid varies by region and can be determined using a virtual map.
