税Free tax prep and tax credits
NYC offers free tax preparation for households earning up to $97,000 with dependents or $68,000 without, including sites with Chinese service. Many low-income workers get the Earned Income Tax Credit, and ITIN filers can claim New York's Empire State Child Credit.
Important: this guide is general information, not legal, immigration or other professional advice. Rules may have changed; confirm with the agency before applying. Disclaimer
Who can apply
- Free tax prep (2026 season): up to $97,000 with dependents, $68,000 without
- Federal EITC: requires an SSN; tax year 2026 maximum from $664 (no children) to $8,231 (3+ children)
- Empire State Child Credit: SSN or ITIN; tax year 2026: $1,000 per child under 4, $500 for ages 4–16
How to apply, step by step
- Step 1Check income: up to $97,000 with dependents, $68,000 without.
- Step 2When tax season starts, find a site: go to NYC's free tax prep site (nyc.gov/taxprep), use the Site Finder map, and search for Chinese.
- Step 3Pick a service: (1) in person with a volunteer (at least 30 minutes) (2) drop off papers and come back later (3) by video call (4) do it yourself with software and get help by phone or email.
- Step 4Book early: many sites fill up fast, and some are walk-in only. Check each site's details on the map.
- Step 5Bring ID: photo ID (IDNYC works); Social Security cards or ITINs (and ITIN letters) and birth dates for you, your spouse and children.
- Step 6Bring income papers: W-2s and 1099s (1099-G for unemployment, SSA-1099 for Social Security); if self-employed, your records and bank statements, not rough guesses.
- Step 7Bring other papers: last year's return, child-care receipts (with the provider's name, address and tax ID), and your IP PIN if you have one.
- Step 8For direct deposit: bring your bank routing and account numbers, easiest as a blank check. If married filing jointly, both spouses must sign.
- Step 9With children: the volunteer will fill in NY form IT-213 for the Empire State Child Credit.
After you apply
- Federal refund timing: about 3 weeks (21 days) if filed online; 6 weeks or more if mailed.
- If you claim EITC: by law, refunds are held until mid-February.
- Check your federal refund at irs.gov/refunds with "Where's My Refund", 24 hours after e-filing. Have your SSN or ITIN, filing status and exact refund amount.
- Check your NY refund with Check Refund Status on the NY tax website, or call 518-457-5149. Have your SSN and the refund amount you asked for.
Tips
- Keep a copy of your return; you need the refund amount to check status.
- Claiming a credit you don't qualify for can make NY take months longer; be accurate.
- If self-employed, call the site first to make sure they can handle your return.
- No bank account? Call 311 to book a free Financial Empowerment Center session to help open one.
Common mistakes
- "Low income means no need to file": you can't get EITC refunds without filing
- "Filing exposes my status": filing with an ITIN is legal and NY's child credit accepts ITINs
This guide is general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules change often; confirm with the official website or agency staff before applying.