FEBRUARY 2025

Improvements Made to Streamline Tax Filing Experience

To improve your filing experience, reduce errors, and increase compliance with employer reporting of each employee’s information, the Tax Department is streamlining withholding tax and wage reporting forms and Web File applications.  These improvements will affect the way you file in March 2025.  You can find the latest on these improvements at: https://www.tax.ny.gov/bus/wt/changes-2025/.

Save the Date: The Dr. King Career Fair is Coming in April

Mark your calendars for New York State's largest job fairs!  The 25^th Annual Dr. King Career Fair is set for April 10 at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center.  Whether you're searching for your first job and ready for a career change, this fair offers invaluable opportunities.  Attendees will have the chance to connect with over 100 businesses, submit applications on-site, and take advantage of exclusive New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) services, including:

• Resume review
• Pop-up career center
• Professional headshot photo booth
• Virtual reality career exploration
• NYS DMV – REAL ID

Additionally, these live workshops will be available during the event:

• Learn about careers with New York State
• NYS cannabis career opportunities and market update
• Registered apprenticeship 101

Free event parking will be available at the MVP Arena Parking Garage for attendees.  Last year more than 170 area businesses participated, and we anticipate even more career opportunities this year!  For more details, visit the 2025 Dr. King Career Fair website, or e-mail us at DrKingCareerFair@labor.ny.gov with any questions.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Equal Pay Day: Our Commitment to Closing the Gender Wage Gap

1099-G Tax Forms Now Available

Governor Hochul Proposes Free Community College for Careers in High-Demand Fields

Reminder: Working Parents are Entitled to Paid

Right to Express Milk at Work

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) reminds all business owners that New York State labor law grants parents the right to express milk at work for up to three years following childbirth.  By law, employees are entitled to 30 minutes of paid break time to express milk, in addition to their regular mealtime and any other paid breaks.  Employers must provide a private, designated space for pumping, which:

• Cannot be a restroom or toilet stall
• Must have a functioning lock or sign warning the location is in use and not accessible to others
• Must contain a chair and small table or other flat surface
• Be well lit
• Provide an electrical outlet
• Be close to accessible, clean water
• Must be shielded from view and inaccessible to other employees, customers, or the public while in use

Employees are not required to use the designated space, but employers must still provide an appropriate private area.  For more information on employee rights related to breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and expressing milk in the workplace, visit health.ny.gov/supportbreastfeeding.

E-File Your Taxes for Free with Direct File

It’s Tax Time!  And New York State is making it easy to e-file for free with Direct File.  If your 2024 wages were less than $200,000 – or $250,000 if you’re filing a joint return – you may qualify for Direct File.  Using your computer, tablet, or mobile device, you can file e-file your return whenever and wherever you want – in English or Spanish!  To see if you’re eligible and get started, go to the New York State Tax Department’s website at tax.ny.gov.  Search keyword "direct file".