State and local officials are encouraging eligible families in Rochester and Monroe County to take advantage of an expanded child tax credit and free tax preparation services ahead of the April 15 filing deadline.
The New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), along with Empire Justice Center and local leaders, announced that families may now receive up to $1,000 per child under age 4 and up to $330 per child ages 4 to 16 through the expanded Empire State Child Credit.
Officials say there is no minimum income requirement to qualify for the credit, but households must file a New York State income tax return to receive the benefit.
The expansion is expected to provide additional financial support to families, particularly those with young children or limited income. State officials also emphasized that receiving the credit will not impact eligibility for benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, or housing assistance.
To help families access the credit, Empire Justice Center’s CASH program is offering free tax preparation and filing assistance to eligible households. The service is available to those earning less than $69,000 annually, or $39,000 for households without dependents.
Local leaders say the expanded credit is an important tool in addressing child poverty and helping families cover essential expenses such as housing, food, and childcare.
In addition to the state credit, families may also qualify for other federal and state tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit and the federal Child Tax Credit. To receive those benefits, taxpayers must also file a federal return by April 15.
Officials are urging families to file before the deadline to ensure they receive all available benefits.
