You can go to an NYC Free Tax Prep site to get free help preparing your taxes. Sites offer different options, including:
- In-person assistance: An IRS certified VITA/TCE volunteer preparer will prepare your taxes for you.
- Drop-off service: You can drop off your tax documents and pick up the completed return later.
Because of the pandemic, in-person locations and capacity are limited. Filers with internet access are encouraged to use NYC Free Tax Prep online services to save time.
At NYC Free Tax Prep sites, you must follow site health guidelines, including wearing a mask and social distancing during the visit. In addition, organizations may conduct screenings or have additional health and safety requirements. You should ask the organization for more details.
Required Documents
You will need the following documents to do taxes:
- Government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, IDNYC card, or passport
- Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number determination letters (original, copy, or electronic document) for you, your spouse, and your dependents
- Birth dates for you, your spouse, and your dependents
- Your 2019 tax return, if available. To request a transcript, call the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-908-9946 or visit irs.gov and search “Get Transcript.”
- Income statements or forms, including:
- Form W-2 (wages from each job)
- Form 1099-INT (interest)
- Form 1099-DIV (dividends)
- Form 1099-R (retirement plans)
- Form W-2G (gambling winnings)
- Form SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
- Form 1099-MISC (miscellaneous income)
- Form 1099-B (sale of stock)
- Form 1098-T (scholarships and grants)
- Form 1099-C (cancellation of debt)
- Form 1099-G if you received unemployment insurance at any point during 2020. To obtain a form, visit dol.ny.gov and search “1099-G.”
- Proof of health insurance (Forms 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C) or Health Insurance Exemption Certificate (if applicable) for you, your spouse, and your dependents
- Form 1098-T (tuition payments to attend a university or technical college)
- Form 1098-E (interest paid on student loans)
- Payment records for child care, including the provider's name, address, and Employer Identification Number, Taxpayer Identification Number, or Social Security number.
- Records of cash and non-cash charitable contributions
To request direct deposit for your refund or advance child tax credit payments, you will need checking or savings account and routing numbers, which you can find at the bottom of a check.
If you are married and filing jointly, both you and your spouse must sign required forms.
