{"id":3062,"date":"2026-01-23T15:02:10","date_gmt":"2026-01-23T20:02:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/?p=3062"},"modified":"2026-01-23T15:02:10","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T20:02:10","slug":"nyc-council-speaker-julie-menin-dcwp-commissioner-sam-levine-and-urban-upbound-celebrate-earned-income-tax-credit-awareness-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/council.nyc.gov\/press\/2026\/01\/23\/3062\/","title":{"rendered":"NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine and Urban Upbound Celebrate Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

City Hall event marks 20 years of Urban Upbound\u2019s partnership with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection providing free tax preparation services for New Yorkers<\/em><\/p>\n

Celebration underscores Speaker Menin\u2019s and DCWP\u2019s commitment to transparency and helping New Yorkers keep more of what they earn<\/em><\/p>\n

NEW YORK, NY <\/strong>\u2014 New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), and Urban Upbound today celebrated Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day at City Hall, highlighting the critical role free tax preparation plays in helping working families access the refunds they deserve. The event also marked 20 years of Urban Upbound\u2019s partnership with DCWP to provide free, high-quality tax preparation services to New Yorkers.<\/p>\n

Urban Upbound\u2019s tax preparation program operates at more than 50 locations across the five boroughs, as well as online, through partnerships with community organizations, major institutions, and elected officials at the city, state, and federal levels.<\/p>\n

The program is made possible through Urban Upbound\u2019s participation in DCWP\u2019s NYC Tax Prep Coalition and the Internal Revenue Service\u2019s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which together ensure services are accurate, accessible, and free for all eligible New Yorkers.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor 20 years, Urban Upbound has helped working families keep more of what they earn,\u201d said Speaker Julie Menin<\/strong>. \u201cBy providing free, high-quality tax preparation, they\u2019ve put countless dollars back into the pockets of New Yorkers\u2014money that can mean an extra meal, paying the rent, or investing in a child\u2019s future. These partnerships are essential to fighting economic inequality and making New York City more affordable.\u201d Speaker Menin previously served as Commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, where she helped launch a citywide Earned Income Tax Credit initiative that returned more than $260 million to low-income New Yorkers.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery year, \u2018NYC Free Tax Prep\u2019 saves New Yorkers tens of millions in tax preparation fees, while ensuring they can avoid predatory and expensive paid filing services,\u201d said DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine<\/strong>. \u201cWith trusted providers like Urban Upbound, with whom we have two decades of partnership, we offer vital tax preparation services to thousands of New Yorkers across the entire 5 boroughs. In 2025, if you earned $68,000 or less as an individual, or a family that earned less than $97,000, I urge you to file for free through NYC Free Tax prep and get your maximum refund.\u201d<\/p>\n

Urban Upbound\u2019s tax prep program files taxes for New York households that earn $97,000 or less in a given year, and small businesses with $250,000 or less in expenses. With over 21,000 returns filed and a 98.2% accuracy rate in 2025, Urban Upbound\u2019s tax preparation program is ranked as the top program of its kind in New York State and #3 in the country.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the biggest tax breaks for working people. EITC puts money in the hands of hard-working taxpayers and can be a boost to their families and communities,\u201d said George Adjetey, NYC Territory Manager of the IRS<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Senator Chuck Schumer<\/strong> said, \u201cBishop Mitchell Taylor and Urban Upbound have made themselves indispensable resources for communities across New York City for over 2 decades. Their free tax prep program provides an invaluable financial foundation for countless families. I am proud to support Urban Upbound, its 20th anniversary of these vital services, and I am grateful that their work will continue for another 20 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am pleased to help qualifying constituents prepare and file their taxes for free by partnering with Urban Upbound,\u201d said Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Queens)<\/strong>. \u201cMembers of its team will be serving my district at my Forest Hills office during tax season, and I hope to announce the dates and times soon. I\u2019m excited to provide this important service, and encourage constituents in need of assistance to take advantage of this no-cost tax preparation program.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor two decades, Urban Upbound has been a lifeline for working families in Queens and across New York City, ensuring that our neighbors are able to claim the hard-earned tax credits they deserve,\u201d said Congresswoman Nydia Vel\u00e1zquez<\/strong>. \u201cThe Earned Income Tax Credit helps lift countless families out of poverty, and by providing free, high-quality preparation, Urban Upbound is putting millions of dollars back into our city\u2019s economy. I am proud to celebrate their 20th anniversary and look forward to continuing to work toward a more equitable and affordable New York.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn a time when affordability is top of mind for New Yorkers, having the resources Urban Upbound provides can be a game-changing tool for so many, offering free tax preparation services across 50 locations throughout the five boroughs to individuals making under $68,000 and families making under $97,000. As Comptroller, any chance to put money back in the pockets of working people and small businesses is something I support wholeheartedly, and I am proud that Speaker Menin, the City Council and DCWP continue to bring awareness to this vital service available to New Yorkers,\u201d said New York City Comptroller Mark Levine<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the midst of an affordability crisis every single dollar saved counts, and Urban Upbound’s free tax service has saved New Yorkers millions of dollars over the last twenty years,\u201d said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris<\/strong>. \u201cI am proud to support organizations like Urban Upbound to provide these essential services to New Yorkers, because every spare dollar that New Yorkers have earned deserves to be back in their own pockets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOn Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day, we are reminded that tax policy is not an abstract concept\u2014it is about putting real dollars back into the hands of working families who need it most. For 20 years, Urban Upbound has been a national leader in delivering free, accurate, and accessible tax preparation services that help New Yorkers claim the refunds they\u2019ve earned. I am proud to partner with them to offer these services to eligible residents in my district. I commend NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin, Bishop Mitchell Taylor and Urban Upbound for their partnership and leadership in fighting economic inequality, strengthening financial stability, and ensuring that working families across our city can keep more of what they earn,\u201d said New York State Senator Leroy Comrie, District 14, Queens<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m grateful that Urban Upbound is launching this tax prep program as we prepare for New Yorkers to complete their taxes. Financial literacy, education, and support services are vital to ensuring that our neighbors can participate in our state\u2019s economy and fund our basic services. I invite our neighbors to go to their offices for help,\u201d said New York State Senator Kristen Gonzalez<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe government works best when we partner with trusted community organizations to deliver real relief. Urban Upbound\u2019s free tax preparation services ensure working families can access the credits they\u2019ve earned and keep more of their income in the community, where it makes the greatest impact,\u201d said New York State Assemblymember Larinda C. Hooks, District 35<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI look forward to working with Urban Upbound again this year to provide free tax filing to my constituents. We will be offering this service every Friday, and encourage all interested applicants to first call and make an appointment with my district office,\u201d said New York State Assemblymember Ron Kim<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor the past several years, my office has proudly partnered with Urban Upbound to bring free, high-quality tax preparation directly to our community. Together, we\u2019ve helped hundreds of constituents in Woodside, Elmhurst, Maspeth, and Jackson Heights access the Earned Income Tax Credit and keep more of what they earn. These refunds make a real difference for working families trying to cover rent, childcare, and everyday expenses. This tax season, Urban Upbound will again be offering free tax preparation across the city, including both in-person locations and a virtual option. Make sure to check if you\u2019re eligible for their services today,\u201d said New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am honored to be here today to celebrate 20 years of tax preparation services provided by Urban Upbound, an organization that does so much for New York\u2019s working class. Two decades of offering free, high-quality tax assistance to low-income families and individuals is an achievement we can all be proud of and grateful for. Many constituents in my Queens district rely on services like these, and there are at least two locations in my Assembly district that host Urban Upbound tax preparers. It is difficult to imagine how many families would manage without this vital support. I commend Urban Upbound, particularly for the 21,000 tax returns filed in 2025 alone, and my office remains committed to supporting the organization\u2019s continued success,\u201d said New York State Assemblymember Jessica Gonz\u00e1lez-Rojas<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor 20 years, Urban Upbound has provided a vital service to New Yorkers by helping them prepare their taxes during tax season. We are grateful for their invaluable service to our communities and for their continued commitment to expanding access, opportunity, and financial empowerment for families across our city,\u201d said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal<\/strong> said, \u201cFor working New Yorkers across all five boroughs, tax time shouldn\u2019t come with stress, confusion, or high fees. For the past two years, Urban Upbound has partnered with our office to provide free, IRS-certified tax preparation services out of our Northern Manhattan Office, serving more than 200 constituents while helping residents citywide access the credits they\u2019ve earned. This partnership puts real dollars back into New Yorkers\u2019 pockets and strengthens financial security across our city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor 20 years, Urban Upbound has been the gold standard for financial empowerment in New York City. I am thrilled to see them continue this tradition in providing high-quality, free tax services to the families who need them most. This year, we are strengthening our commitment to taxpayer protection with the implementation of my legislation, Int. 1231-2025, which ensures transparency and accountability across the tax prep industry. While Urban Upbound leads the way with honest, free service, this law protects all New Yorkers from hidden fees and predatory practices. Together, we are ensuring every resident can navigate tax season with confidence and keep more of their hard-earned refund,\u201d said Council Member Chris Banks, Deputy Leader, New York City Council & Chair, Public Housing Committee<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cTax filing season often brings stress, confusion, and increased costs for New York families, who turn to online services that promise free service and then get charged hidden fees. But, Urban Upbound is here to help our families, as they celebrate 20 years of tax preparation. Urban Upbound continues to help low-income New Yorkers file their taxes for free and reduce that tax season stress for our families. I\u2019m proud that their program exists and grateful to partner with them,\u201d said Council Member Shekar Krishnan, District 25<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWorking families often can\u2019t navigate the confusing tax system to get back what they\u2019ve earned. Urban Upbound has spent two decades making tax season a moment of support, putting money back in families\u2019 hands and helping neighborhoods thrive. This is the kind of practical fairness and partnership that makes New York City stronger and more affordable for everyone,\u201d said New York City Council Member Virginia Maloney<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cUrban Upbound free tax services are an invaluable asset to families in my district and across the city,\u201d said Council Member Selvena N. Brooks-Powers<\/strong>. \u201cFor 20 years, their professional, high-quality work has not only reduced the stress of filing taxes for hard-working New Yorkers, but has helped ensure people receive every benefit they are entitled to. At a time when rising costs are stretching household budgets thin, these services provide real, tangible relief and help families build greater financial stability and security.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFor twenty years, Urban Upbound has helped working New Yorkers keep more of what they earn. Free, trusted tax preparation is economic justice in action, and on EITC Awareness Day, I\u2019m proud to support an organization that ensures families can access the benefits they deserve,\u201d said Council Member Yusef Salaam<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cToday we celebrate 20 years of Urban Upbound’s free tax preparation program,\u201d said Council Member Julie Won<\/strong>. \u201cLast year, Urban Upbound filed over 21,000 returns in 2025 with a 98 percent accuracy rate, helping families living in NYCHA\u2014such as Queensbridge, Ravenswood, and Woodside Houses in my district\u2014become financially stable through the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and other financial programs. With the $225,327 in Council funding provided by my office, Urban Upbound can continue to do the necessary tax preparation and other vital programming in my district.”<\/p>\n

\u201cThe HANAC Adult Literacy program is very proud and privileged to partner with Urban Upbound because this organization offers free tax preparation to our adult learners who are underprivileged and live at the highest poverty levels. Without the assistance of Urban Upbound, our students wouldn’t be able to afford to hire an accountant to do their taxes for them. HANAC is very grateful,\u201d said Evthoxia Panos, Program Director of HANAC Adult Literacy Program<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMake the Road New York is proud to partner with Urban Upbound because they share our commitment to dignity, trust, and economic justice for our communities,\u201d said Elizabeth Jordan, Co-Legal Director<\/strong>. \u201cTogether, we\u2019re ensuring that New Yorkers, including immigrant communities, can access critical financial resources and build a more secure future for their families.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAccess to trauma-informed, no-cost tax preparation services is an important step toward financial stability and economic independence for survivors of gender-based violence. We are grateful to partner with Urban Upbound, whose support has been immensely helpful and whose services have been deeply valued by the survivors we serve,\u201d said Namrata Sharma, Sr. Economic Empowerment Manager, Sakhi for South Asian Survivors<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThis tax season, thousands of New Yorkers will be coming through the doors to get their taxes done for free through Urban Upbound and other free tax preparation partners. Many of these New Yorkers will have kids who are part of the NYC Kids RISE Save for College Program. That’s nearly every family with a kindergarten through fourth grader in NYC public schools, including participating charter schools. This year, in addition to getting their taxes done for free, and ultimately receiving the tax credits they are entitled to, families will have the chance to learn more about the Save for College Program and receive support in building their children\u2019s college and career savings. This includes support in completing the Program’s foundational steps \u2014 the Building Blocks \u2014 and guidance on ways to leverage any returns to support college and career savings in ways that make sense for the family. Together, we are working to support families to have more cash in their pockets and build long-term assets for their children\u2019s futures,\u201d said Debra-Ellen Glickstein, Founding Executive Director, NYC Kids RISE, and Co-Founder and Founding Executive Director, Urban Upbound<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Program Snapshot<\/strong>:<\/p>\n