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As the tax filing deadline approaches, New York Attorney General Letitia James is cautioning residents to be vigilant against tax scams. In a consumer alert, she highlighted common scams, such as fraudsters claiming individuals owe past tax debts and demanding payment via prepaid credit cards or gift cards. These methods are not used by legitimate government agencies.
Attorney General James is also promoting the Direct File program, which allows qualifying New Yorkers to file their federal and state taxes online for free. This service can save taxpayers approximately $260 in tax preparation fees. The New York State Tax Department estimates that 3.4 million residents will be eligible for this program in 2025. Those with wages up to $200,000, or $250,000 if filing jointly, may qualify.
James urges residents to be cautious of unsolicited calls, texts, or emails requesting personal information. She encourages anyone who suspects they are a victim of a scam to report it to her office by calling 800-771-7755 or filing a complaint online. According to the Attorney General's office, the Direct File program is a safe and cost-effective way to file taxes, offering peace of mind during the stressful tax season.