NEWYORK: Mayor 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 New Yorkers as part of DCWP’s NYC Free Tax Prep initiative.
Last year 110,000 returns were completed through NYC Free Tax Prep, saving New Yorkers an average of $346 in tax preparation fees per return and approximately $38.2 million citywide.
This year, the administration is focused on pairing the free tax preparation program with compliance in the paid tax preparer industry to protect all New Yorkers from unfair fees, sketchy loan products, and other deceptive corporate activity.
This will include a citywide sweep of paid tax preparer locations to ensure they are following the law, as well as compliance notices warning paid tax preparers of the City’s ban on illegal overcharging and hidden fees.
“New Yorkers shouldn’t have to jump through hoops or pay outrageous fees just to file their taxes,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani.
“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.”
The NYC Free Tax Prep program is available to anyone who lives or works in New York City and who earns $97,000 or less annually and files as a family, or those who earn $68,000 or less annually and file as an individual or couple without a dependent – making half of all New Yorkers eligible for the program.
Services are available now at over 140 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites around the city. Volunteer providers are equipped to connect filers with assistance for their questions about managing student loan debt.
“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,” said DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine.
“This tax season, DCWP is ramping up efforts to protect New Yorkers from sketchy tax scams. And, as student loan borrowers face unprecedented confusion due to harmful policies at the federal level, NYC Free Tax Prep has never been more important.”
“Financial stability is a fundamental contributor to overall health and well-being,” said NYC Health + Hospitals Vice President and Chief Population Health Officer Nichola Davis, MD, MS.
“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.”
“New Yorkers should not have to choose between spending money on tax preparation services or rent, food, or childcare,” said Council Member Harvey Epstein.
“As Chair of the Consumer and Worker Protection Committee, I applaud the Mayor and the DCWP’s initiatives to help thousands of low income New Yorkers.”
“New Yorkers can once again access free, in‑person tax preparation at select MetroPlusHealth community offices, along with virtual support from trained volunteers,” said Dr. Talya Schwartz, President and Chief Executive Officer of MetroPlusHealth.
“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. Whether someone requires comprehensive guidance or just a bit of support, our team stands ready to help them successfully file their taxes.”
“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,” said Michelle Lewis, CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health.
“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.”
