New York City is cracking down on predatory tax preparers while offering a lifeline to its most vulnerable residents. As Tax Day approaches, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced that the city will continue to provide free tax preparation services to those who need it most.
The program, NYC Free Tax Prep, qualifies individuals and couples without dependents who earned up to $68,000 last year and families with incomes capped at $97,000. Incredibly, nearly half of New York City's residents fall into this category, making them eligible for the free services.
What sets this program apart is that it connects filers with IRS-certified volunteer accountants who prepare their taxes without charging a dime. According to officials, this has resulted in significant savings for participants – last year alone, 110,000 tax returns were completed, saving residents an average of $346 per return and a whopping $38 million total.
The program's impact is significant, especially given the city's struggles with affordability. Mayor Mamdani noted that "a few added dollars can make all the difference" in a city where the cost of living is already straining many households.
In addition to providing free tax preparation services, the administration is also cracking down on unscrupulous tax preparers who prey on consumers with hidden fees and high-interest loans. Commissioner Sam Levine vowed to ramp up enforcement efforts, deploying inspectors to monitor compliance and issuing warning letters to those who break the law.
The city's move comes as Tax Day approaches, when many New Yorkers may be tempted by predatory tax preparers promising quick fixes or fast cash. Officials are urging residents to demand a "consumer Bill of Rights" from their preparer before agreeing to file taxes – including protections against overcharging and hidden fees.
Residents can learn more about the program and how to report complaints at DCWP's website, which promises to be a vital lifeline for those navigating the complex world of tax preparation.
The program, NYC Free Tax Prep, qualifies individuals and couples without dependents who earned up to $68,000 last year and families with incomes capped at $97,000. Incredibly, nearly half of New York City's residents fall into this category, making them eligible for the free services.
What sets this program apart is that it connects filers with IRS-certified volunteer accountants who prepare their taxes without charging a dime. According to officials, this has resulted in significant savings for participants – last year alone, 110,000 tax returns were completed, saving residents an average of $346 per return and a whopping $38 million total.
The program's impact is significant, especially given the city's struggles with affordability. Mayor Mamdani noted that "a few added dollars can make all the difference" in a city where the cost of living is already straining many households.
In addition to providing free tax preparation services, the administration is also cracking down on unscrupulous tax preparers who prey on consumers with hidden fees and high-interest loans. Commissioner Sam Levine vowed to ramp up enforcement efforts, deploying inspectors to monitor compliance and issuing warning letters to those who break the law.
The city's move comes as Tax Day approaches, when many New Yorkers may be tempted by predatory tax preparers promising quick fixes or fast cash. Officials are urging residents to demand a "consumer Bill of Rights" from their preparer before agreeing to file taxes – including protections against overcharging and hidden fees.
Residents can learn more about the program and how to report complaints at DCWP's website, which promises to be a vital lifeline for those navigating the complex world of tax preparation.
. Sounds like theyre just shifting the problem from one group to another lol. What if the IRS-certified volunteer accountants are just employees of the city and making a profit on the side? Idk how much savings 110k is really going to make for someone. Plus, what about those who cant even get a free tax prep service because theyre not eligible? That's still gotta cost them money somehow 
The city is really stepping up and providing a safety net for those who need it most. Free tax prep services? Genius! 
And $38 million saved on taxes last year alone? That's like, a small fortune, right? 
I'm all for it. Let's hope this crackdown continues to root out the bad guys and leaves more people with their hard-earned cash intact. 
! The free tax prep program is a total game-changer - I mean who needs to break the bank when you're just trying to get your finances in order? 
But seriously, having certified volunteer accountants on board is genius - who wouldn't want free (or low-cost) tax prep? 
110k+ taxes done last year with no fees? 
. I mean, who doesn't love free stuff? But seriously, it's crazy that half the city qualifies for free tax prep. What's with the income caps though? Can we get a list of what expenses are covered under those caps? And how do you even find an IRS-certified volunteer accountant? Is there like a phone number or something? 
I'm definitely gonna look into this for my sister...
. I mean, who do you think benefits from predatory tax preparers? Not the city or its residents, that's for sure! 
. The city's getting it right by putting consumers first, and we should all be paying attention to how other cities are doing it too 
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this is amazing! NYC is stepping up to help its most vulnerable residents by offering free tax prep services - it's literally making a difference in people's lives 
with over 38 million saved last year, that's huge! 
The fact that 110k returns were completed last year already is a huge win, saving residents like 346 bucks on each return 
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