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First-Time NY Tax Filer? Here is Your Complete Guide

Tax TeamNovember 10, 20249 min read

Welcome to NY Taxes

If you've recently moved to New York or are filing your first tax return, you're in the right place. NY has a complex tax system, but this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Step 1: Determine Your Filing Status

Your NY filing status typically matches your federal status:

StatusDescription
SingleUnmarried, divorced, or legally separated
Married Filing JointlyMarried and filing one return together
Married Filing SeparatelyMarried but filing separate returns
Head of HouseholdUnmarried with qualifying dependent

Step 2: Understand Residency

NY has specific rules about residency that affect your tax obligations:

Full-Year Resident

You're a full-year NY resident if:

  • Your domicile (permanent home) is in NY all year, OR
  • You maintain a permanent place of abode in NY AND spend more than 183 days in NY

    • Tax impact: You pay NY tax on ALL income, regardless of where it was earned.

    Part-Year Resident

    If you moved to or from NY during the year:

  • File Form IT-203
  • Pay NY tax only on income earned while a resident
  • Plus any NY-source income from non-resident period

    • Non-Resident

    If you live outside NY but earn NY-source income:

  • File Form IT-203
  • Pay NY tax only on NY-source income (work performed in NY, NY rental property, etc.)

    • Step 3: Gather Your Documents

    Before filing, collect:

    Income Documents:

  • W-2s from all employers
  • 1099s (freelance, investment, retirement)
  • K-1s (partnership, S-corp, trust income)

    • Deduction Documents:

  • Property tax statements (if itemizing)
  • Mortgage interest (Form 1098)
  • Charitable donation receipts
  • 529 plan contribution statements

    • ID & Personal Info:

  • Social Security numbers for you, spouse, dependents
  • Bank account info for direct deposit

    • Step 4: Know Which Forms to File

    Form IT-201 (Full-Year Resident)

    Most NY residents file this form. It covers:

  • All income calculations
  • NY standard or itemized deductions
  • Credits and tax computation

    • Form IT-203 (Part-Year/Non-Resident)

    Use this if you weren't a full-year resident:

  • Allocates income between NY and other states
  • More complex than IT-201

    • Form IT-214 (NYC Residents)

    NYC residents file this in addition to IT-201:

  • Calculates NYC resident tax
  • School Tax Credit

    • Step 5: Calculate Your NY Taxable Income

    NY taxable income is calculated separately from federal:

  • Start with Federal AGI (from your federal return)
  • Add NY additions (items not taxed federally but taxed in NY)
  • Subtract NY subtractions (items taxed federally but not in NY)
  • Subtract NY deductions (standard or itemized)
  • Result = NY Taxable Income

    • Common NY Subtractions:

  • Pensions from NY government
  • Social Security (matches federal)
  • 529 plan contributions (up to $5,000/$10,000)

    • Common NY Additions:

  • Interest from other states' bonds
  • Taxes claimed as itemized deduction (SALT workaround)

    • Step 6: Claim Available Credits

    NY offers several tax credits:

    CreditBenefit
    Earned Income Credit
    30% of federal EIC
    Child Credit
    $100+ per child
    Real Property Tax CreditFor low-income homeowners/renters
    College Tuition Credit
    Up to $400/student
    Child Care CreditPercentage of child care expenses

    Step 7: File Your Return

    E-File Options:

  • Free File: NY partners with software providers for free filing if income is under $79,000
  • Commercial Software: TurboTax, H&R Block, etc.
  • Tax Preparer: CPAs, enrolled agents

    • Paper Filing:

    Mail completed forms to:

    NYS Tax Department

    Processing Center

    PO Box 4124

    Binghamton, NY 13902-4124

    Step 8: Pay Any Balance Due

    Payment options:

  • Direct Pay: Through NY Tax Department website
  • Credit/Debit Card: Processing fees apply
  • Check: Mail with Form IT-201-V

    • Payment Plans

    Can't pay in full? NY offers installment plans:

  • Apply online at tax.ny.gov
  • Set up automatic payments
  • Interest and penalties may still apply

    • Key Deadlines

    Event2025 Date
    Tax Return DueApril 15, 2025
    Extension RequestApril 15, 2025
    Extended Return DueOctober 15, 2025
    Refund (usually)4-6 weeks after filing

    NYC Residents: Additional Steps

    If you live in NYC, you also file:

  • NYC resident tax on Form IT-201
  • School Tax Credit (automatic if eligible)
  • May have additional local credits

    • Common First-Timer Mistakes

  • Wrong filing status - Match your federal status
  • Missing income - Report ALL income, even small 1099s
  • Forgetting NYC tax - It's separate from state tax
  • Not claiming credits - Many credits go unclaimed
  • Missing deadline - File by April 15 or request extension

    • Calculate Your First NY Tax Return

    Use our NY tax calculator to estimate what you'll owe before you file. Understanding your approximate tax bill helps avoid surprises.

    Need More Help?

    NY Tax Department: 518-457-5181

    Website: tax.ny.gov

    Free filing assistance: tax.ny.gov/pit/efile/freefile

    Calculate Your NY Taxes

    Use our free calculator to see your exact tax breakdown