New York participates in Federal/State e-file, which allows taxpayers to file their Federal and NY State returns electronically at the same time. It is available to you through tax professionals or by filing from your home computer.
Eligible New Yorkers may also qualify for Free File which offers no-fee tax preparation and e-filing if your adjusted gross income is $58,000 or less in 2010. You must use one of the approved Free File companies listed on the NY State Tax site. Each software company has different rules that you should carefully review before starting your return.
If you do not qualify for Traditional Free File, you may still use Free File Fillable Forms - There are no income limitations, but you must fill in the tax forms and file them online without tax software. These look like blank IRS forms that you select, self-prepare, and e-file to complete your 1040, 1040 A and 1040 EZ return.
For help, check the NY State E-file resource page which offers a list of approved software developers who will format and submit your information to NY State with varying fees.
For more information, and links to forms and publications check the IRS website and NY State Dept of Taxation website.