One Week to File Your Tax Returns – NYS Tax Department Shares Online Resources and Free Filing Options

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 7, 2026

For media inquiries only, contact: Ryan Cleveland, 518-457-7377

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance reminded taxpayers that the deadline to file personal income tax returns and pay any taxes owed (or request an extension of time to file) is midnight, April 15, 2026.

"Ahead of the tax filing deadline, we encourage taxpayers to visit our website at www.tax.ny.gov for last-minute tax filing assistance," said New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller. "From tax filing tips to free e-filing options, we're here to help taxpayers quickly and easily meet their filing obligations."

Get ready to file

To get started, gather the information and documents needed to prepare and file your income tax return, including:

• an active email account (enables you to file electronically and keep track of the status of your return)
• a driver license or state-issued nondriver ID (for you and your spouse, if filing jointly)
• birth dates and Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and your dependents
• your banking information for direct deposit of your income tax refund
• a copy of last year's federal income tax return or your prior-year federal adjusted gross income (FAGI)
• proof of income and tax withheld (wages, interest, and dividend statements):
  • Forms W-2 and certain 1099s
  • if you received unemployment payments, your Department of Labor 1099-G Tax Form
  • any other documents showing additional income
• your tax account balance (the total amount you paid through the year towards your income tax)
• Forms 1095-A, B, or C, Affordable Healthcare Statement
• information related to any Income tax credits you are claiming
• NY 529 College Saving Account information (if requesting refund to be deposited)

File for free

E-filing is safer, faster, and more efficient than sending paper returns through the mail. Those who e-file and use direct deposit will receive any refund owed faster and without the worry of a lost or undelivered check.

Taxpayers may be eligible to e-file their personal income tax returns for free with Free File or other free e-filing options found directly on the Tax Department's website, www.tax.ny.gov. Additional free filing resources for qualifying taxpayers are available through GetYourRefund. Taxpayers should check their eligibility to see which free filing option is right for them.

Taxpayer Assistance Program

Taxpayers with federal adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less, and investment income of $11,950 or less, may qualify for in-person or virtual assistance through the Taxpayer Assistance Program. Certified NYS Tax Department staff guide eligible taxpayers as they electronically prepare and file their basic federal and state tax returns themselves for free.

In-person and virtual appointments are available up until the filing deadline. To register for a session, see our Taxpayer Assistance Program.

Request an extension of time to file

Taxpayers who are unable to file a completed return by the deadline can apply for an extension of time to file. An extension will provide more time to prepare and file a return, but not more time to pay any tax owed. Taxpayers must make full payment of the properly estimated tax balance owed when requesting an extension of time to file.

File on time even if you can't pay what you owe

Taxpayers who can't pay what they owe by the due date are encouraged to submit a completed tax return by the April 15 deadline to avoid penalties and pay what they can afford to help reduce penalty and interest. Payment options are available on the Tax Department website to make an income tax return payment when they file their tax return.

Estimated tax payments

Taxpayers who made estimated tax payments in 2025 should review their tax account balance in their Individual Online Services account before they file to ensure they are reporting the correct amount on a return.

Get your questions answered

The most efficient way to obtain filing guidance and information, including answers to common questions, is to visit the Tax Department's website, www.tax.ny.gov, and our Filing season resource center.

The Tax Department's Personal Income Tax Call Center will have extended hours to assist last-minute filers.

Track your refund

Taxpayers can quickly view the status of their New York State tax refund anytime by using the Check your Refund application on the Tax Department website: www.tax.ny.gov. It is the fastest and most convenient way to know when to expect a refund.