Briefs

NY State, IRS team up to expand free Direct File expansion for taxpayers

January 8, 2025 Brooklyn Eagle Staff

Gov. Kathy Hochul. Photo: Frank Franklin/AP

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STATEWIDE — NEW YORKERS WILL BE ABLE TO FILE THEIR TAXES ONLINE FOR FREE THIS YEAR, thanks to Direct File expansion, a simple, self-service tool, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8. An expansion of the Direct File Program, which is set to begin later in January, is expected to help New Yorkers save around $260 in tax preparation fees. Building on Hochul’s initiative to make New York more accessible and affordable, this joint project with the IRS allows taxpayers to file their federal and state taxes online at no cost. New York piloted Direct File with the IRS in 2024. In its first year, the program was open for a limited number of taxpayers with relatively simple returns. Some 14,000 New Yorkers participated and 96% reported a positive experience. The 2025 program expands eligibility, covering more tax credits and different types of income. New Yorkers with 2024 income of up to $200,000 — or $250,000 if filing a joint return — may qualify to use Direct File to file their federal and state personal income tax returns for free. Tax filers who have one or two main sources of income claiming the most common deductions and credits are eligible to file. Readers can learn more online.

This year’s tax filing season officially opens later this month and concludes on April 15th. The Direct File program will be available when the tax filing season opens. The IRS.gov website indicates that it will start accepting returns on Friday, Jan. 10.

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