Our Bureau
New York, NY
Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday joined the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), NYC Health + Hospitals, and MetroPlusHealth to kick off the 2026 tax season with an expanded push for free, citywide tax preparation services, paired with stronger enforcement against deceptive practices in the paid tax preparer industry.
Announcing the start of DCWP’s NYC Free Tax Prep initiative, the Mayor said the program is designed to ensure New Yorkers can file their taxes accurately without paying high fees or falling victim to scams. The effort offers both in-person and virtual tax preparation services in multiple languages across the five boroughs, including at NYC Health + Hospitals facilities and MetroPlusHealth community sites.
“New Yorkers shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or pay outrageous fees just to file their taxes,” Mayor Mamdani said. “Through NYC Free Tax Prep, our administration is working across agencies to help people file for free, receive the refunds they’re owed, and avoid hidden fees and tax scams.”
The program has delivered substantial savings in recent years. In 2025, more than 110,000 tax returns were completed through NYC Free Tax Prep, saving filers an average of $346 per return and an estimated $38.2 million in tax preparation fees citywide. Building on that success, the City is this year pairing free filing services with a stepped-up compliance drive targeting paid tax preparers who overcharge or mislead consumers.
DCWP will conduct a citywide sweep of paid tax preparer locations to ensure compliance with local consumer protection laws. The agency is also issuing notices reminding preparers that New York City law bans illegal overcharging, hidden fees, and deceptive practices such as disguising Refund Anticipation Loans as “rapid refunds” or “fast cash.”
The NYC Free Tax Prep program is available to anyone who lives or works in New York City and earns $97,000 or less per year filing as a family, or $68,000 or less filing as an individual or couple without dependents. City officials estimate that roughly half of all New Yorkers qualify. Services are offered at more than 140 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites across the city, with appointments available now.
DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine urged New Yorkers to avoid unnecessary expenses during tax season. “Protect your budget and skip pricey paid tax preparation if you can,” Levine said. “Our knowledgeable preparers will make sure you get your full refund and claim credits you may be eligible for, including the recently enhanced Empire State Child Tax Credit.” He added that DCWP is intensifying efforts to protect residents from tax scams at a time when many student loan borrowers are facing uncertainty due to shifting federal policies.
City health leaders stressed the link between financial stability and overall well-being. NYC Health + Hospitals Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer Dr. Nichola Davis said the partnership with NYC Free Tax Prep has grown significantly since its launch. “Since 2018, we’ve expanded from a single pilot site to 15 locations in 2026,” she said. “By helping patients file for free and access tax credits, we are reducing financial stress that often stands in the way of good health.”
Elected officials echoed that message. Council Member Harvey Epstein, Chair of the Consumer and Worker Protection Committee, said free tax preparation can make a meaningful difference for low-income households. “New Yorkers should not have to choose between paying for tax services and covering essentials like rent, food, or childcare,” he said.
MetroPlusHealth President and CEO Dr. Talya Schwartz said the organisation is once again offering in-person tax preparation at select community offices, along with virtual assistance from trained volunteers. “For many working families, no-cost tax help can have a real impact,” she said, noting that the organisation’s mission extends beyond health insurance to broader support services.
Michelle Lewis, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, said offering tax preparation directly at health centres reflects a holistic approach to care. “Access to high-quality care must also include access to the financial resources that support healthier lives,” she said, encouraging eligible residents to schedule appointments and claim the refunds and credits they have earned.
NYC Free Tax Prep offers multiple service options, including traditional in-person assistance, document drop-off services, fully virtual tax preparation conducted via secure video conferencing, and assisted self-preparation for filers who want to complete their returns online with expert support available by phone or email. IRS-certified VITA and TCE volunteers staff all services.
The Internal Revenue Service began accepting tax returns on January 26 and will continue through April 15, 2026. Many NYC Free Tax Prep sites remain open year-round to help late filers, assist with prior-year returns, and support small business owners and self-employed workers with quarterly and annual filing requirements. City officials noted that access to free assistance is especially important this year following the elimination of the IRS Direct File program, which reduced federal no-cost filing options.
Specialised support is also available for self-employed New Yorkers, including gig workers, freelancers, and small business owners with business expenses of $250,000 or less. These services include help with estimated quarterly taxes, recordkeeping guidance, and one-on-one consultations tailored to the needs of independent workers.
Language access is another key component of the initiative. Select NYC Health + Hospitals sites provide assistance in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Urdu, while virtual tax preparation is available in Spanish. When on-site language support is unavailable, preparers use IRS-approved over-the-phone interpretation services.
