Most Residents Are Now Qualified
The state Department of Taxation and Finance has kicked off the income tax season with valuable news for New Yorkers: This year, 85 percent of taxpayers can e-file their state returns for free.
The Department is accepting efiled income tax returns for the 2013 tax year through its Web site (www.tax.ny.gov) effective immediately.
“Last year, nearly 90 percent of New Yorkers opted to e-file their personal income tax returns,” said Commissioner Thomas H. Mattox. “Join them-right now-since it is safe, secure, and you’ll receive your refund up to two times faster than if you submit a paper return.”
Two options make it possible for 85 percent of New York State taxpayers to e-file for free:
– Free State and Federal E-Filing: Two out of three New Yorkers can prepare and e-file their federal and state returns at no cost through an approved e-file software provider available from the Tax Department’s website, www.tax.ny.gov. The taxpayer’s adjusted gross income in 2013 must be $58,000 or less.
Taxpayers should be sure to select an e-file option on the Department’s Web site to avoid being unexpectedly charged for their state return.
– New York State Web File: Most New Yorkers of all income levels can prepare and e-file their New York State tax return directly at the Department’s Web site. Eligibility requirements are available online.
“You cannot be charged to e-file your state return-it’s the law,” Mattox added. “But taxpayers are often caught off-guard when software providers require them to pay to prepare their state return. Use the free options directly from our Web site to ensure you’re not charged.”
More than 212,000 New Yorkers, who are not required to file income tax returns, file credit forms for refunds each year. For the first time, these individuals and families will be able to electronically file their forms -and receive their refunds twice as fast as they have in the past.
The accepted credit forms are Form IT-214, Real Property Tax Credit and Form NYC-210, New York City School Tax Credit.
The filing deadline is Apr. 15 this year, but don’t delay; file early to get your refund as soon as possible.
For more information, visit www.tax.ny.gov.
