New York CPAs

TaxCure has a directory of CPAs in New York, with reviews from actual clients. You can also look at the CPA's website for client testimonials or check out independent review sites such as Google Business Listings, Facebook, and Yelp.

NY-based CPAs who focus on tax resolution have dedicated experience dealing with both the IRS and the NY Department of Taxation and Finance. They know how these agencies work and the best paths for resolving federal and state tax debt. In contrast, the big nationwide firms generally lack state-specific experience. 

In addition to helping with tax problems, CPAs are also extremely skilled at filing old returns, dealing with audits, reconstructing bookkeeping records, optimizing corporate tax filings, and helping with tax planning.

If you have a tax problem, you need a tax professional who has experience with your problem. CPAs, attorneys, and enrolled agents can all represent you in front of the IRS. If you're dealing with a lot of accounting issues (for example, audits, lost records, forensic accounting, etc), a CPA may provide advantages over the other types of pros, but the bottom line is that you need someone experienced with your tax problem.

If you owe back taxes in New York, you may be able to get relief through the following state programs. A NY CPA can help you apply for these, or you can apply on your own directly through the NY DTF:

• Monthly payment plan - DTF installment agreement
• NY offer in compromise - Settle for less than you owe
• Innocent spouse relief - Help for people who have NY tax debts due to the actions of their spouse or former spouse

The state also offers a Voluntary Disclosure program. It allows qualifying applicants to catch up on their unfiled personal or business returns in New York State. In exchange for coming forward before the state contacts you, the NY DTF may limit penalties and other exposure. 

If your income is 250% of the poverty line or below or if you are an ESL speaker, you can get free help at a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC). The clinics are staffed with volunteers which may include CPAs as well as tax attorneys and enrolled agents. Here are the locations as of 2024:

• Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York (833) 628-0087
• Bronx Legal Services (917) 661-4500
• Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A LITC (718) 487-2300
• Brooklyn Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic (917) 661-4500
• Erie County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyers Project LITC (800) 229-6198
• Queens Legal Services LITC (917) 661-4500
• Fordham Law School (212) 636-7353
• Mobilization for Justice (212) 417-3839
• The Legal Aid Society LITC (212) 426-3013
• Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic at CASH (585) 900-1004
• Syracuse University College of Law LITC (888) 797-5291

If you want in-person help, you can go to an IRS office to check on your tax account and see which returns you've filed and payments you've made. You can also ask basic questions about the tax law and request a payment plan if you're behind on your taxes. Some offices offer additional services. Most IRS offices accept payments, but only a few offices accept cash. Here is a list of locations:

Downtown New York 

290 Broadway

New York, NY 10007

Brooklyn

420 Albee Square W

Brooklyn, NY 11201

New York (Harlem)

2116 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.

New York, NY 10027

Elmhurst

57-07 Junction Blvd.

Elmhurst, NY 11373

Bronx

1200 Waters Place

Bronx, NY 10461

White Plains

210 E. Post Rd.

White Plains, NY 10601

West Nyack

242 West Nyack Rd.

West Nyack, NY 10994

Bethpage

999 Stewart Ave.

Bethpage, NY 11714

Like CPAs, enrolled agents can also represent you in front of the IRS. Enrolled agents must pass a three-part test and complete continuing education to become enrolled with the IRS. Learn more about the differences and similarities between these two types of tax professionals.

Unfortunately, local CPAs with a lot of experience generally don't appear on lists of the best tax relief companies. Learn how to vet tax relief companies, and find out why you are usually better off hiring a local pro than working with a nationwide tax relief company.

Look at the most popular tax resolution options. Get an overview of how to apply on your own and when to work with a CPA or another tax professional. This article also explains the truth behind a lot of the tax relief programs that are pushed in the advertising from the big-name firms.

Unfortunately, this industry is full of big companies with huge marketing budgets, and they are notorious for aggressive sales tactics and poor results. Learn how to look past the hype and find a tax relief professional who can provide you with the personalized help that you need.

If you don't pay your taxes, the NY DTF can issue a tax warrant, garnish your wages through an income execution, or take other actions to involuntarily collect the debt. However, the state also has programs to help taxpayers who've gotten behind. Learn what to expect if you don't pay or file your NY taxes and look at resolution options.