NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine and Urban Upbound Celebrate Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day

City Hall event marks 20 years of Urban Upbound's partnership with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection providing free tax preparation services for New Yorkers

Celebration underscores Speaker Menin's and DCWP's commitment to transparency and helping New Yorkers keep more of what they earn

NEW YORK, NY - New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), and Urban Upbound today celebrated Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day at City Hall, highlighting the critical role free tax preparation plays in helping working families access the refunds they deserve. The event also marked 20 years of Urban Upbound's partnership with DCWP to provide free, high-quality tax preparation services to New Yorkers.

Urban Upbound's tax preparation program operates at more than 50 locations across the five boroughs, as well as online, through partnerships with community organizations, major institutions, and elected officials at the city, state, and federal levels.

The program is made possible through Urban Upbound's participation in DCWP's NYC Tax Prep Coalition and the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which together ensure services are accurate, accessible, and free for all eligible New Yorkers.

"For 20 years, Urban Upbound has helped working families keep more of what they earn," said Speaker Julie Menin. "By providing free, high-quality tax preparation, they've put countless dollars back into the pockets of New Yorkers-money that can mean an extra meal, paying the rent, or investing in a child's future. These partnerships are essential to fighting economic inequality and making New York City more affordable." Speaker Menin previously served as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, where she helped launch a citywide Earned Income Tax Credit initiative that returned more than $260 million to low-income New Yorkers.

"Every year, 'NYC Free Tax Prep' saves New Yorkers tens of millions in tax preparation fees, while ensuring they can avoid predatory and expensive paid filing services," said DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine. "With trusted providers like Urban Upbound, with whom we have two decades of partnership, we offer vital tax preparation services to thousands of New Yorkers across the entire 5 boroughs. In 2025, if you earned $68,000 or less as an individual, or a family that earned less than $97,000, I urge you to file for free through NYC Free Tax prep and get your maximum refund."

Urban Upbound's tax prep program files taxes for New York households that earn $97,000 or less in a given year, and small businesses with $250,000 or less in expenses. With over 21,000 returns filed and a 98.2% accuracy rate in 2025, Urban Upbound's tax preparation program is ranked as the top program of its kind in New York State and #3 in the country.

"The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the biggest tax breaks for working people. EITC puts money in the hands of hard-working taxpayers and can be a boost to their families and communities," said George Adjetey, NYC Territory Manager of the IRS.

Senator Chuck Schumer said, "Bishop Mitchell Taylor and Urban Upbound have made themselves indispensable resources for communities across New York City for over 2 decades. Their free tax prep program provides an invaluable financial foundation for countless families. I am proud to support Urban Upbound, its 20th anniversary of these vital services, and I am grateful that their work will continue for another 20 years."

"I am pleased to help qualifying constituents prepare and file their taxes for free by partnering with Urban Upbound," said Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Queens). "Members of its team will be serving my district at my Forest Hills office during tax season, and I hope to announce the dates and times soon. I'm excited to provide this important service, and encourage constituents in need of assistance to take advantage of this no-cost tax preparation program."

"For two decades, Urban Upbound has been a lifeline for working families in Queens and across New York City, ensuring that our neighbors are able to claim the hard-earned tax credits they deserve," said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. "The Earned Income Tax Credit helps lift countless families out of poverty, and by providing free, high-quality preparation, Urban Upbound is putting millions of dollars back into our city's economy. I am proud to celebrate their 20th anniversary and look forward to continuing to work toward a more equitable and affordable New York."

"In a time when affordability is top of mind for New Yorkers, having the resources Urban Upbound provides can be a game-changing tool for so many, offering free tax preparation services across 50 locations throughout the five boroughs to individuals making under $68,000 and families making under $97,000. As Comptroller, any chance to put money back in the pockets of working people and small businesses is something I support wholeheartedly, and I am proud that Speaker Menin, the City Council and DCWP continue to bring awareness to this vital service available to New Yorkers," said New York City Comptroller Mark Levine.

"In the midst of an affordability crisis every single dollar saved counts, and Urban Upbound's free tax service has saved New Yorkers millions of dollars over the last twenty years," said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. "I am proud to support organizations like Urban Upbound to provide these essential services to New Yorkers, because every spare dollar that New Yorkers have earned deserves to be back in their own pockets."

"On Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day, we are reminded that tax policy is not an abstract concept-it is about putting real dollars back into the hands of working families who need it most. For 20 years, Urban Upbound has been a national leader in delivering free, accurate, and accessible tax preparation services that help New Yorkers claim the refunds they've earned. I am proud to partner with them to offer these services to eligible residents in my district. I commend NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, Bishop Mitchell Taylor and Urban Upbound for their partnership and leadership in fighting economic inequality, strengthening financial stability, and ensuring that working families across our city can keep more of what they earn," said New York State Senator Leroy Comrie, District 14, Queens.

"I'm grateful that Urban Upbound is launching this tax prep program as we prepare for New Yorkers to complete their taxes. Financial literacy, education, and support services are vital to ensuring that our neighbors can participate in our state's economy and fund our basic services. I invite our neighbors to go to their offices for help," said New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez.

"I believe government works best when we partner with trusted community organizations to deliver real relief. Urban Upbound's free tax preparation services ensure working families can access the credits they've earned and keep more of their income in the community, where it makes the greatest impact," said New York State Assemblymember Larinda C. Hooks, District 35.

"I look forward to working with Urban Upbound again this year to provide free tax filing to my constituents. We will be offering this service every Friday, and encourage all interested applicants to first call and make an appointment with my district office," said New York State Assemblymember Ron Kim.

"For the past several years, my office has proudly partnered with Urban Upbound to bring free, high-quality tax preparation directly to our community. Together, we've helped hundreds of constituents in Woodside, Elmhurst, Maspeth, and Jackson Heights access the Earned Income Tax Credit and keep more of what they earn. These refunds make a real difference for working families trying to cover rent, childcare, and everyday expenses. This tax season, Urban Upbound will again be offering free tax preparation across the city, including both in-person locations and a virtual option. Make sure to check if you're eligible for their services today," said New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga.

"I am honored to be here today to celebrate 20 years of tax preparation services provided by Urban Upbound, an organization that does so much for New York's working class. Two decades of offering free, high-quality tax assistance to low-income families and individuals is an achievement we can all be proud of and grateful for. Many constituents in my Queens district rely on services like these, and there are at least two locations in my Assembly district that host Urban Upbound tax preparers. It is difficult to imagine how many families would manage without this vital support. I commend Urban Upbound, particularly for the 21,000 tax returns filed in 2025 alone, and my office remains committed to supporting the organization's continued success," said New York State Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas.

"For 20 years, Urban Upbound has provided a vital service to New Yorkers by helping them prepare their taxes during tax season. We are grateful for their invaluable service to our communities and for their continued commitment to expanding access, opportunity, and financial empowerment for families across our city," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson.

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, "For working New Yorkers across all five boroughs, tax time shouldn't come with stress, confusion, or high fees. For the past two years, Urban Upbound has partnered with our office to provide free, IRS-certified tax preparation services out of our Northern Manhattan Office, serving more than 200 constituents while helping residents citywide access the credits they've earned. This partnership puts real dollars back into New Yorkers' pockets and strengthens financial security across our city."

"For 20 years, Urban Upbound has been the gold standard for financial empowerment in New York City. I am thrilled to see them continue this tradition in providing high-quality, free tax services to the families who need them most. This year, we are strengthening our commitment to taxpayer protection with the implementation of my legislation, Int. 1231-2025, which ensures transparency and accountability across the tax prep industry. While Urban Upbound leads the way with honest, free service, this law protects all New Yorkers from hidden fees and predatory practices. Together, we are ensuring every resident can navigate tax season with confidence and keep more of their hard-earned refund," said Council Member Chris Banks, Deputy Leader, New York City Council & Chair, Public Housing Committee.

"Tax filing season often brings stress, confusion, and increased costs for New York families, who turn to online services that promise free service and then get charged hidden fees. But, Urban Upbound is here to help our families, as they celebrate 20 years of tax preparation. Urban Upbound continues to help low-income New Yorkers file their taxes for free and reduce that tax season stress for our families. I'm proud that their program exists and grateful to partner with them," said Council Member Shekar Krishnan, District 25.

"Working families often can't navigate the confusing tax system to get back what they've earned. Urban Upbound has spent two decades making tax season a moment of support, putting money back in families' hands and helping neighborhoods thrive. This is the kind of practical fairness and partnership that makes New York City stronger and more affordable for everyone," said New York City Council Member Virginia Maloney.

"Urban Upbound free tax services are an invaluable asset to families in my district and across the city," said Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers. "For 20 years, their professional, high-quality work has not only reduced the stress of filing taxes for hard-working New Yorkers, but has helped ensure people receive every benefit they are entitled to. At a time when rising costs are stretching household budgets thin, these services provide real, tangible relief and help families build greater financial stability and security."

"For twenty years, Urban Upbound has helped working New Yorkers keep more of what they earn. Free, trusted tax preparation is economic justice in action, and on EITC Awareness Day, I'm proud to support an organization that ensures families can access the benefits they deserve," said Council Member Yusef Salaam.

"Today we celebrate 20 years of Urban Upbound's free tax preparation program," said Council Member Julie Won. "Last year, Urban Upbound filed over 21,000 returns in 2025 with a 98 percent accuracy rate, helping families living in NYCHA-such as Queensbridge, Ravenswood, and Woodside Houses in my district-become financially stable through the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and other financial programs. With the $225,327 in Council funding provided by my office, Urban Upbound can continue to do the necessary tax preparation and other vital programming in my district."

"The HANAC Adult Literacy program is very proud and privileged to partner with Urban Upbound because this organization offers free tax preparation to our adult learners who are underprivileged and live at the highest poverty levels. Without the assistance of Urban Upbound, our students wouldn't be able to afford to hire an accountant to do their taxes for them. HANAC is very grateful," said Evthoxia Panos, Program Director of HANAC Adult Literacy Program

"Make the Road New York is proud to partner with Urban Upbound because they share our commitment to dignity, trust, and economic justice for our communities," said Elizabeth Jordan, Co-Legal Director. "Together, we're ensuring that New Yorkers, including immigrant communities, can access critical financial resources and build a more secure future for their families."

"Access to trauma-informed, no-cost tax preparation services is an important step toward financial stability and economic independence for survivors of gender-based violence. We are grateful to partner with Urban Upbound, whose support has been immensely helpful and whose services have been deeply valued by the survivors we serve," said Namrata Sharma, Sr. Economic Empowerment Manager, Sakhi for South Asian Survivors

"This tax season, thousands of New Yorkers will be coming through the doors to get their taxes done for free through Urban Upbound and other free tax preparation partners. Many of these New Yorkers will have kids who are part of the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program. That's nearly every family with a kindergarten through fourth grader in NYC public schools, including participating charter schools. This year, in addition to getting their taxes done for free, and ultimately receiving the tax credits they are entitled to, families will have the chance to learn more about the Save for College Program and receive support in building their children's college and career savings. This includes support in completing the Program's foundational steps - the Building Blocks - and guidance on ways to leverage any returns to support college and career savings in ways that make sense for the family. Together, we are working to support families to have more cash in their pockets and build long-term assets for their children's futures," said Debra-Ellen Glickstein, Founding Executive Director, NYC Kids RISE, and Co-Founder and Founding Executive Director, Urban Upbound.

Program Snapshot:

• #1 Tax Preparer in New York State
  Urban Upbound is the leading free tax preparation provider in New York State, serving tens of thousands of residents through the NYC Free Tax Prep and VITA programs.
• #3 Tax Preparer in the United States
  Recognized as the third-largest free tax preparation provider in the country, reflecting both the scale and impact of Urban Upbound's tax services.
• IRS-Certified VITA/TCE Volunteer Tax Preparers
  All tax returns are prepared by volunteers and staff who meet rigorous training and quality standards, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and taxpayer confidence.
• Over 50 Tax Preparation Offices Across New York City
  Services are available at more than 50 convenient locations across all five boroughs, as well as virtually, making free tax preparation accessible to New Yorkers where they live and work.
• 98.2% Accuracy Rate
  Urban Upbound maintains an exceptionally high accuracy rate, exceeding IRS quality benchmarks and ensuring clients receive the maximum refund they are entitled to.
• More Than 21,000 Tax Returns Filed in 2025
  In the most recent tax season, Urban Upbound successfully prepared and filed over 21,000 tax returns, returning millions of dollars back into New York City communities.

Program Details:

For 20 years, Urban Upbound has provided high-quality and free tax preparation and filing services to lower-income and working-class individuals and families. The process is simple and accessible: New Yorkers make an appointment at one of Urban Upbound's 50+ locations across the City or online via its virtual platform. The organization's IRS-certified tax preparers then prepare and file the returns and help New Yorkers maximize their refund through credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit. Additionally, over 22 languages and dialects are spoken by Urban Upbound's tax preparers.

Urban Upbound can prepare and file taxes for New Yorkers earning $97,000 or less in a given year from any and all of the following: employment income; self-employed/gig workers/freelancers; and entitlements. Urban Upbound also files taxes for small businesses of any structure, including worker cooperatives, with $250,000 or less in yearly expenses.

In 2025, Urban Upbound filed over 21,000 tax returns. The organization served New Yorkers residing in every single zip code in Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, and most zip codes in Staten Island. Urban Upbound also achieved a 98.2% accuracy rate. With these stats, Urban Upbound retained the distinction of being the #1 tax preparer in the state of New York and the #3 preparer in the country, participating in the Free Tax Preparation in New York State and VITA program, respectively. In addition to support from DCWP and the IRS, the tax prep program also receives support from elected officials at the city, state, and federal levels, America Works, Brooklyn and Queens Library, HANAC, Make the Road, New York City Health + Hospitals and MetroPlus Health, New York City Workforce1, Robin Hood, Sakhi for South Asian Survivors, the Shorefront Jewish Community Council, and Sunnyside Community Services.

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