"As New Yorkers enter tax season with federal free-filing options shrinking, City Hall on Tuesday paired a renewed push for its long-running Free Tax Prep program with a stepped-up crackdown on tax preparers who overcharge or hide fees. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said his administration hopes to significantly expand participation, arguing that last year's 110,000 filers represent only a fraction of those eligible. Nearly half of all New Yorkers qualify for this program, Mamdani said at a press conference at Gouverneur Health in Lower Manhattan. That means there are still far too many people across the five boroughs who haven't heard about it or don't believe it's actually free."
"NYC Free Tax Prep is available to anyone who lives or works in the city and earned up to $97,000 as a family or $68,000 as an individual or couple without dependents in 2025. The program offers in-person and virtual tax preparation, drop-off services, and assisted self-filing, all provided by IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) preparers."
"Last year, according to city officials, the program saved New Yorkers $38.2 million in filing fees an average of $346 per return. In a city where a dignified life is already hard enough to afford, Mamdani said, a few added dollars can make all the difference. The push comes at a time when the federal government has eliminated the IRS Direct File option, increasing reliance on private tax preparation services that often charge hundreds of dollars per return."
Tuesday, Feb. 3, marked the 34th day of Zohran Mamdani's term as mayor. City Hall launched an effort to expand the long-running NYC Free Tax Prep program while stepping up enforcement against tax preparers who overcharge or hide fees. Officials aim to grow participation beyond last year's 110,000 filers and note that nearly half of New Yorkers qualify. Eligibility covers residents and workers earning up to $97,000 as a family or $68,000 as an individual or couple without dependents in 2025. Services include in-person and virtual preparation, drop-off, and assisted self-filing by IRS-certified VITA and TCE preparers. The program saved an estimated $38.2 million last year, averaging $346 per return, and the push responds to the elimination of IRS Direct File and rising private filing costs.
Read at www.amny.com
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