Assemblyman Mike Reilly encouraged Staten Island families on Mar. 19 to take advantage of New York’s expanded Empire State Child Credit and free tax preparation services before the April 15 filing deadline.
The expanded child credit offers financial relief by providing up to $1,000 per child under age four and up to $330 per child ages four through sixteen for the current tax season. The credit is refundable, so families can receive the full amount even if they owe little or no state income tax.
To be eligible, households must be full-year New York residents with at least one qualifying child under seventeen and must file a state income tax return by April 15. Applicants are required to provide valid Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for themselves and their children. There is no minimum income requirement for this benefit.
Recent program changes have increased eligibility and benefits across more income levels. Full credits are now available to jointly filing households earning up to $110,000, while those with higher incomes may still qualify for partial credits due to adjusted phase-outs. These reforms have extended benefits to more families who previously did not qualify.
Free income tax preparation assistance is also available for qualifying households—typically those earning up to $69,000 annually—to help ensure accurate filings and that residents receive all benefits owed. Assemblyman Reilly said, “Many families may not realize they are eligible for this expanded credit or that free help is available to file their taxes. This is real financial relief that can help cover everyday costs like groceries, childcare and housing. I encourage anyone who may qualify to take advantage of these resources and make sure they receive every dollar they are entitled to.”
Additional federal and state credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit may further increase refunds, while receiving these credits will not affect eligibility for programs like Medicaid or housing assistance. For more information on requirements or locating a free preparation site, residents can visit the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance website or contact local community providers.
