Starting January 2026, the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will begin offering Free Tax Prep services. This program provides free, high-quality tax preparation to help eligible residents file accurate returns, access tax benefits, and avoid predatory tax preparers. Visit nyc.gov/taxprep to explore NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s resources to prepare your 2025 taxes for free. What documents do I need to file?
New Yorkers can use the Free Tax Prep Assistance Map to find organizations offering services across the city. Available options include:
- In-person tax prep: IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparers work directly with filers to complete an accurate tax return. Appointments typically take at least 30 minutes.
- Drop-off service: Filers leave their tax documents and return later to pick up a completed return.
- Select sites for the self-employed: Some locations offer year-round assistance and additional resources for freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners.
The program is open to more than just W-2 wage earners. Independent contractors, freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners are also eligible.
Income eligibility:
- Earned $97,000 or less and file as an individual or married couple with qualifying children and/or dependents, or
- Earned $68,000 or less and file as an individual or married couple without qualifying children and/or dependents
- If you work for yourself and earned $97,000 or less in 2025, you can file for free with an IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer.
Before your appointment, review site-specific eligibility requirements and gather all required tax documents.
For more information about services and eligibility, visit nyc.gov/taxprep or call 311 and ask for “tax preparation.”
Below are some free tax preparation services available in Brooklyn and beyond:
- COJO Flatbush
- Personal income tax preparation for eligible taxpayers with incomes up to $68,000 (individuals) – $97,000 (families) in 2025 by IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparers. Also offers FSA self-help remote options. To schedule an appointment, contact the Tax Preparation Department at 718-377-2900 extension 331 or email taxprep@jewishcouncil.org.
- Brooklyn Public Library
- Free tax assistance is available to those who qualify, in collaboration with several providers and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.
- Specific services vary by provider, as well as hours and availability at specific branches. For the most up-to-date information please visit bklynlibrary.org/tax-help
- Grow Brooklyn Free Tax Prep
- Available to families with dependents who earned $85,000 or less, individuals who earned $59,000 or less, and self-employed filers with expenses of $35,000 or less in 2025.
- Locations throughout Brooklyn.
- Make an appointment online or call 347-682-5606 Tuesday-Friday 12PM– 8PM/Saturday 12PM-4PM. For more information email freetaxes@growbrooklyn.org.
- IRS – Free Tax Return Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers
- IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. Sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers. A majority of the TCE sites are operated by the AARP Foundation’s Tax Aide program.
- Find a site using the VITA Locator Tool at irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep or call 800-906-9887. To locate the nearest AARP TCE Tax-Aide site between January and April use the AARP Site Locator Tool or call 888-227-7669. You may also find contact information of providers here.
- GetYourRefund – Online Service
- Virtual program that connects filers to NYC Free Tax Prep providers to have their return completed for them. Free to qualifying households. Create an account on getyourrefund.org/nyc to get started.
