State: Get ready for tax season
File photo
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance reported that Monday is the start of the 2025 income tax filing season. This is when the Tax Department and the IRS will begin accepting and processing income tax returns.
The deadline to file returns and pay any tax owed — or request an extension of time to file — is midnight on April 15.
The U.S. Postal Service announced earlier this month that it will change transportation operations which may delay postmark dates on mail. Postal customers can ask for manual postmarks at USPS retail locations at no additional fee, or mail their returns earlier.
However, many New Yorkers can avoid paper filings as they are eligible to file their federal and New York State returns at no cost through the Tax Department website using Free File at https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile/freefile.htm. Hundreds of thousands of New York State taxpayers take advantage of this truly free service each year, saving them on average $269 in tax preparation fees.
“I encourage all eligible taxpayers to take advantage of Free File – a secure, efficient, and free way to file,” New York State Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller. “To save on tax preparation costs, visit the New York State Tax Department website for a truly free filing experience for those who qualify.”
Free File information is available in multiple languages on the Tax Department’s website, www.tax.ny.gov.
For information on gathering key documents to prepare and file income tax returns, visit https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile/filing-checklist.htm.
THE UNITED WAY of Cattaraugus & Allegany Counties is again offering free, online tax filing assistance through MyFreeTaxes.com.
MyFreeTaxes is a secure, easy-to-use platform that helps individuals file their own taxes for free. The software walks users through each step of the filing process, and, if someone does need a hand along the way, they can call the MyFreeTaxes Helpline to speak with a real person trained by the IRS.
For more information, contact the United Way at (716) 372-3620 or visit https://www.uwcac.org.
