New York City's leadership is focusing on ensuring more money stays with residents during tax season. Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga concluded "Jobs Week" by promoting the "NYC Free Tax Prep" program. They emphasized the financial benefits, particularly from the enhanced NYC Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which helped New Yorkers claim an additional $280 million in 2023, as per a release from the Office of the Mayor.
Adams and Mayuga are urging every eligible New Yorker to use the free tax services offered through "NYC Free Tax Prep." Residents can call 311 or visit the DCWP's website for assistance. Mayuga highlighted the program's convenience, saying, "Every year, 'NYC Free Tax Prep' sites across the city offer vital tax preparation services to thousands of New Yorkers, helping them collectively save millions in filing fees and get the fullest refund possible," in the same release.
These services have shown a significant impact. Last tax season, NYC Free Tax Prep processed over 101,000 returns, saving New Yorkers more than $33 million in preparation fees. Since Adams took office, nearly $57 million has been saved in tax preparation fees, with about 257,000 returns filed for free. This tax season, residents earning $93,000 or less (or $65,000 for singles) can benefit from the program. This initiative aligns with Adams’ goal to make New York City more affordable for families, as mentioned in his 2025 State of the City address.
Mayor Adams also proposed "Axe the Tax for the Working Class" as part of his Albany agenda. This initiative aims to eliminate the New York City Personal Income Tax for filers with dependents living at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty line and reduce tax rates for those slightly above that threshold. If passed, it could benefit more than 582,000 New Yorkers and return over $63 million to their families, according to the Office of the Mayor release.
In addition to tax relief, the Adams administration has launched various programs, totaling over $30 billion in savings for New Yorkers. These include $1.9 billion in Child Care Vouchers, $1 billion in Direct Property Tax Relief, $8 million in Groceries to Go, and $1.8 billion projected for Medical Debt Relief.
