Free Tax Clinics

Food Bank New York runs free tax preparation all over the city.

New Yorkers who earn $54,000 or less (with dependents) or $30,000 or less (without dependents) are eligible for Food Bank's Free Income Tax Services.

The New York Public Library also runs free tax clinics at certain sites in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Please call your local branch to check availability.

You can prepare and file your tax return electronically at The New York Public Library with help from a tax assistant—all for free. To participate in this program, you must:

  • Earn less than $64,000 (per tax return)

  • Have a valid e-mail address and basic computer skills

  • Bring all necessary documents and information (review the relevant PDF below see what information you will need to bring with you to file your taxes)

Tax forms by mail: 518-457-5431

Tax information: 518-457-5181

Filing at an NYC Free Tax Prep Site is completely free

  • Filing your taxes at an NYC Free Tax Prep site includes e-filing and direct deposit of your refund.

  • Some sites have income limits. For most sites, you must have earned $54,000 or less in 2016 to use In Person service.

  • Please see the site details for more information.

NYC Free Tax Prep Service Options

    • In Person: At these sites, you sit down with an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer to complete your return.

      • Some NYC Free Tax Prep sites have special services if:

      • You are self-employed.

      • You are applying for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

      • You are a senior over age 60 with pension or retirement-related questions.

      • You need to file or change your return from a previous tax year.

  • Drop-off: At these sites, you will drop off your documents and pick up the completed return later.

    • Assisted Self-Preparation: Complete your tax return online at certain NYC Free Tax Prep sites with help from an IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer.

      • You must have earned $64,000 or less in 2016 and have a valid email address to use the Assisted Self-Preparation service.

Find out which required tax documents you need to bring to the NYC Free Tax Prep site.

Note: For those who claim an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or an Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS will be giving out refunds on February 15, 2017. The refunds will take 21 days to be issued, which is longer than usual because of the new federal PATH Act. The IRS advises people to BEWARE of services that advertise "early refunds."