IRS: If you make less than $200,000, these free tax programs could help you

New York’s Staten Island. New Yorkers earning less than $200,000 and joint filers earning less than $250,000 may be able to submit their taxes for free thanks to expansions to online tax filing software.

More tax benefits and access to the service for other income kinds will be made possible by the 2025 expansion toDirect File, a collaboration between the state and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The expansion announced earlier this month by Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to make Direct File available to 3.4 million New Yorkers this year, according to the state Tax Department.

According to Hochul, the state has worked hard to reduce the lengthy procedures associated with paying taxes since New Yorkers are all too familiar with them. In order to save hundreds of dollars on tax preparation expenses, my administration and I have worked to enhance our Direct File service to offer a quick and simple way to file your taxes for free.

New Yorkers may be eligible to file their federal and state personal income tax returns for free using Direct File if their 2024 income is up to $200,000, or $250,000 if they are filing a combined return.

According to Hochul’s office, New York households have used Direct File to save $260 on tax preparation services.

To learn more about Direct File, New Yorkers should go to the Tax Department’s website attax.ny.gov. Choose Services from the main menu’s upper-left section, followed by Taxes.

The Tax Department provides additional free e-file options in addition to Direct File.

Later this month marks the official start of tax filing season, which ends on April 15. When the tax filing season begins, the Direct File program will be accessible.

Because submitting your taxes doesn’t have to be difficult, we’re enhancing and growing Direct File. Direct File allows you to respond to basic inquiries rather of completing forms or hiring a preparation. Amanda Hiller, the acting tax commissioner for the state of New York, stated. Taxpayers can use a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone to use this safe and secure system.

More money news

• New Yorkers may see state checks worth up to $250 in the coming weeks

• Social Security new legislation: What would it mean for payments?

• NYC Mayor wants to eliminate local personal income tax for more than half a million city residents

• IRS issues warning to prevent refund delays: These taxpayers should sign up for ID protection program

• IRS tax scams are on the rise; here s how to report fraud