NYC mayor office launches citywide campaign to boost tax credits

In an effort to bolster tax filing rates and connect New Yorkers with crucial financial resources, the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit (PEU) initiated a comprehensive citywide outreach campaign just days before the looming tax deadline.

On Tuesday, April 9, the PEU orchestrated a widespread canvassing operation across zip codes with the lowest income tax filing rates per borough. This initiative, strategically aimed at income-eligible residents, spotlighted essential tax benefits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit (CTC), and the NYC Free Tax Prep program, all in anticipation of the IRS deadline on April 15.

Utilizing innovative “peer-to-peer” texting technology, the campaign facilitated direct communication between New Yorkers and PEU staff, streamlining the process of identifying and accessing available resources.

Mayor Adams, underscoring his administration’s commitment to economic empowerment, emphasized the importance of aiding working-class individuals and families in securing their entitled tax credits before the impending deadline.

A focal point of the outreach was the Earned Income Tax Credit, a critical lifeline for low- to moderate-income earners, recently expanded for the first time in two decades.

This expansion renders more New Yorkers eligible for substantial tax breaks, with average benefits totaling $2,300 and a maximum potential credit of up to $11,000.

Adrienne Lever, Executive Director of PEU, articulated the campaign’s significance, acknowledging the daunting nature of tax season and the imperative to inform and support over 400,000 New Yorkers residing in historically low-filing areas.

Vilda Vera Mayuga, Commissioner of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), echoed the urgency, urging eligible residents to capitalize on the City’s free tax preparation services available at over 115 sites, both in-person and online.

Residents with earnings below $85,000 (filing as a family) or $59,000 (filing as an individual or couple without dependents) are encouraged to utilize NYC Free Tax Prep services, which saved over $13 million in tax preparation fees last year alone.

The PEU’s holistic approach aligns with its mission to revolutionize governmental outreach, ensuring equitable access to vital services and benefits for vulnerable communities.

For more information on tax preparation services and eligibility, visit www.nyc.gov/TaxPrep.

The NYC Public Engagement Unit continues to pioneer community-based service delivery, spearheading initiatives like GetCoveredNYC, which provides healthcare enrollment assistance to all New Yorkers, irrespective of immigration status or income level.