Directs the department of taxation and finance to create and implement an online program which will enable New York state taxpayers to electronically file…

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why James Skoufis says this is needed

This legislation shall direct the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance tc create an online program for all New York State taxpayers to prepare and file their federal and state income tax returns for free. Currently, there are a number of different for-profit companies offering so-called "Free File," but they often include hidden fees, and only taxpayers within certain income ranges are eligible. Many years into the digital age, cur government is entirely capable of offering free online tax preparaticn and electronic filing without forcing the taxpayer to be duped into using possibly dubious private online tax preparation services. It is a solid and fundamental principal that taxes are what we pay for civilized society, and most New Yorkers are proud to help pay for essen- tial government programs like public education and food safety regu- lation. Yet there is no justification for the fees charged by for-profit tax prep and e-filing companies, which serve as obsolete intermediaries in the digital age. Countless government services can be easily accessed on government websites-from registering to vote to applying for public benefits to making complaints about potholes-and there is no reason that filing tax returns should be any different.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.