Filing a 2015 New York tax return remains essential for individuals who may have missed the original deadline, failed to claim a refund, or need to correct previously submitted information. While the tax year has passed, the state still allows certain taxpayers to submit or amend their income tax return. Knowing how to file your New York tax return for 2015 helps ensure accuracy, minimize penalties, and recover any eligible refunds or tax credits.
This guide explains how to prepare and submit your return using the correct form number, such as IT-201 or IT-203. It also covers situations where a dependent care credit, earned income credit, or Empire State child credit may still apply. Taxpayers who qualify for these credits must follow specific instructions when completing their return, especially when reporting taxable income and adjustments. Whether working from home or using a public computer, use trusted resources and keep your account information secure.
If you did not receive a refund in 2015 or need to request one now, the information here will guide you through every step. You’ll find links to forms, a checklist to prepare your documents, and information on where to search for help when filing your state return.
Filing requirements for the 2015 New York State income tax return depended on several key factors, including your residency status, income level, filing status, and whether you had qualifying children or were eligible for specific credits. Even if you have not lived in New York for a year, you may still need to file using the appropriate form number, such as IT-201 or IT-203. Understanding who must file is the first step in complying with state law and securing unclaimed refunds or tax credits.
Filing the correct form ensures you meet all legal requirements and avoid penalties or interest. Individuals who do not meet these thresholds may still file voluntarily for a refund. Those who lived in New York for only part of the year must file as part-year residents using Form IT-203, while full-year residents must use Form IT-201. In both cases, accurate reporting of income, dependent information, and credits will determine whether a refund is due or a payment is required.
You must gather the appropriate forms before filing your 2015 New York State income tax return. The forms required depend on whether you were a full-year resident, part-year resident, nonresident, or small business owner. Completing the correct form number is essential when reporting taxable income, estimating tax, requesting a refund, or claiming credits like the earned income credit or the Empire State child credit. Taxpayers must carefully follow the instructions on the form nd prepare all documents using the official resources provided by the state.
Full-year New York State residents are required to file using Form IT-201. This is the primary income tax return for individuals who maintained a permanent residence in the state during the entire tax year. If you were a part-year resident or earned New York source income while living in another state, you must use Form IT-203 to file correctly.
To summarize your W-2 income reported by your employer, include Form IT-2. If you received retirement distributions or pension income during 2015, complete Form IT-1099-R to report that taxable income. Taxpayers who claim deductions rather than take the standard deduction should include Form IT-201-D. In addition, if you claim additional tax credits such as the dependent care credit or the Empire State child credit, you must file Form IT-201-ATT. Lastly, if you are making a payment by check or money order, use Form IT-201-V to submit your payment with the return.
If you operated a partnership during 2015, your return must include Form IT-204 to report business income. You must also submit Form IT-204-IP, which details each partner’s share of income and any applicable credits. To pay the annual filing fee associated with a partnership or LLC, include Form IT-204-LL. S corporations must complete Form CT-3-S to report franchise tax obligations for the state of New York.
All taxpayers can view, print, or search for these forms through the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website. Each includes official instructions, information about who qualifies to file, and a list of eligibility criteria. Whether filing from home or preparing to post a paper return, using the correct forms ensures full compliance with state rules that were last reviewed or updated for tax year 2015.
Filing your 2015 New York State income tax return demands accuracy, preparation, and careful attention to form instructions. Whether a full-year, part-year, or nonresident with New York source income, you must complete your income tax return using the correct documents, form number, and credit information. Errors or omissions can delay your refund or generate unnecessary notices, especially when filing after the original due date. The following steps will guide you through properly filing your New York tax return for 2015.
First, collect your W-2 forms from each employer to verify wages earned and taxes withheld. You will also need 1099 forms if you earned income from dividends, interest, retirement plans, or freelance work. Taxpayers who made estimated tax payments during 2015 must include documentation of those amounts. Be sure to have your Social Security number, your spouse’s number if filing jointly, and the numbers for any qualifying children or dependents. Additionally, gather receipts and documentation supporting any credits you plan to claim, such as the earned income credit, dependent care credit, or Empire State child credit. Keeping a copy of your 2014 income tax return is helpful for comparison and consistency when completing your current forms.
If you have lived in New York State for all of 2015, you must file a Form IT-201. If you lived outside the state for part of the year or earned income from New York while residing elsewhere, you must file using Form IT-203. Transfer your federal income details onto lines 1 through 19 of the appropriate form. Next, review and enter any applicable New York additions on lines 20 through 23 and subtractions on lines 26 through 31. If additions or subtractions are not explicitly listed on the main form, you must complete and attach Form IT-225 to ensure the state correctly calculates your taxable income.
After calculating your adjusted gross income, determine whether the standard or itemized deductions will result in lower taxable income. Use the standard deduction if it reduces your liability and you do not qualify for significant itemized deductions. If you itemize, complete Form IT-201-D and include deductions such as mortgage interest, charitable donations, or property taxes. For 2015, the standard deduction was $7,900 for single filers, $15,850 for married taxpayers filing jointly, and $11,100 for head of household status.
Use the tax tables provided in the form instructions to calculate your New York State tax liability. After computing your tax, you may be eligible to claim several credits. These include the Empire State child credit, the earned income credit, and the dependent care credit, among others. To claim these, complete Form IT-201-ATT and provide accurate information about your qualifying children, income, and credit eligibility. Failure to list all qualifying details could result in processing delays or a reduced refund.
Once you’ve calculated your payments or refund, report any applicable New York City or Yonkers local taxes. If you made purchases from out-of-state vendors without paying sales tax, report the use tax on your return. If paying by check or money order, include Form IT-201-V with your payment. Ensure both spouses sign the return if filing jointly. Submit your return either by e-filing or mailing it with a proper postmark. You can file from home or consult available online resources for help. The Department of Taxation and Finance allows you to search for forms, view complete filing instructions, and print checklists to verify your return is ready. Always confirm your forms are accurate and complete before submission to avoid unnecessary follow-up or delayed processing.
Even if several years have passed since the 2015 tax year, you may still qualify to claim valuable tax credits when filing or amending your New York State income tax return. These credits can reduce your tax liability or increase the refund you receive. You must meet specific eligibility rules and use the correct form number when filing for benefits. Understanding which credits apply to your situation helps taxpayers avoid leaving money on the table.
Claiming these credits correctly can result in a refund or reduce the tax amount you owe. If you're unsure whether you qualify, visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance website to search for updated resources or find assistance. Always review the instructions carefully to complete your form accurately and avoid delays.
If your 2015 New York State income tax return shows a balance due, you must make a timely payment to avoid penalties and interest. On the other hand, if you're eligible for a refund, you can still request it by submitting an accurate return or amendment. Taxpayers must use the proper payment methods and follow instructions for refund tracking to ensure smooth processing.
Submitting payments on time helps avoid late fees. Taxpayers requesting a refund should ensure all fields are complete and all credits are claimed correctly. If you need help, search the state tax website for resources, or contact the Department directly. Whether paying or expecting to receive a refund, maintaining an accurate record of your account activity will make future filings easier.
Although the 2015 tax year has ended, it is still essential for taxpayers to understand the difference between electronic filing and paper filing, especially when preparing or amending a return. Many individuals who filed from home used e-file platforms that offered speed, accuracy, and direct deposit options. These systems helped taxpayers receive refunds quickly, avoid common math errors, and confirm submissions immediately. Filing electronically also eliminated the need to print forms or post physical documents.
However, not every taxpayer qualified for e-file in 2015. Some returns—particularly amended filings using IT-201-X or IT-203-X—required paper submission. Others had to print and post their returns if their software did not support New York’s e-file system. In cases where a payment was made by check or money order, Form IT-201-V had to be included and mailed to the correct address. Paper filers without internet access often relied on printed instructions to prepare their return accurately.
If you are filing now, visit the NY Department of Taxation and Finance website to search for accepted options. You can view guidelines, request assistance, and verify addresses on any last reviewed or updated page to ensure the information remains current and correct for your situation.
Small business owners who earned taxable income in New York during the 2015 tax year were required to file a state income tax return based on their business classification. Filing requirements varied depending on whether the taxpayer operated as a sole proprietor, partnership, or S corporation. Each category used specific form numbers, calculated estimated tax differently, and followed individual instructions to comply with NY regulations.
Sole proprietors were required to report business income directly on their personal income tax return. They filed Form IT-201 or IT-203 based on residency, included modifications with Form IT-225, claimed tax credits on Form IT-201-ATT, and used IT-203-A if income came from within and outside NY. Partnerships and LLCs filed Form IT-204 to report all income, deductions, and credits, Form IT-204-IP to document each partner’s income, and Form IT-204-LL to pay the partnership filing fee. S corporations submitted Form CT-3-S, and each shareholder was responsible for reporting their share of income on their return.
To file correctly, business owners can search the NY tax site, view filing instructions, or print resources that have been last reviewed or updated. Submitting an accurate return ensures eligibility for state tax credits and prevents processing delays.
Before sending your 2015 New York State income tax return, use this final checklist to ensure your forms are accurate and complete. Missing documents, incorrect Social Security numbers, and unclaimed credits are common issues that delay processing or reduce the refund you receive. Whether you’re filing as an individual or a small business owner, taking time to review each step can prevent costly mistakes.
Make sure you keep copies of everything you file. You can view forms and instructions online, search the Department of Taxation and Finance website for updates, or request assistance. Completing these steps will help protect your account, ensure accuracy, and improve your chances of receiving your refund promptly.
Explore essential tax questions answered clearly to help you file with confidence. Each response can help you create accurate returns, understand NY filing rules, and avoid errors with updated guidance.
What if I never filed my 2015 New York State income tax return?
If you lived or earned income in NY during 2015 and never filed, you should do so immediately. Although the refund window may have closed, filing avoids compliance issues. Visit the Department's website, click the “past year forms” section, and follow the instructions. The page's last reviewed date helps confirm current guidance. Always include your postmarked documents.
Refunds from the 2015 tax year had to be claimed by April 18, 2019. If you missed this deadline, you can no longer receive one. However, you should still file to settle your NY account and avoid notices. To check the refund status for a previously filed return, click the “Check Your Refund” link on the official tax site.
You can download and complete archived forms from the NY Department of Taxation website. Make sure the forms you use match the 2015 tax year. Print the documents, follow all instructions, and ensure they are postmarked if mailing. Always check that you're using the version marked with the correct last-reviewed page to avoid outdated content.
Click the “Income Tax Forms 2015” section on the NY tax website. There, you can search by form number or credit type. Each page includes form instructions, publication dates, and filing guidance. Confirm the page's last reviewed date before using a form to ensure it’s still valid. Be sure to post your return to the correct address.
If you filed a 2015 return before April 18, 2019, and qualified, you could claim these credits. Credits cannot be added for returns filed now unless they are filed within that time. To check eligibility, click the credit’s form link (e.g., IT-213 or IT-215), and verify details using the page last reviewed notice to ensure the criteria are current.
Use Form IT-201-X or IT-203-X to file an amended return. Download the correct version for NY residents or part-year filers, fill it out, and post it to the state address. Click on the form’s page to read the most current instructions. Always check the page last reviewed to confirm the guidance hasn’t changed.
The New York Department of Taxation and Finance offers official resources online. You can search for answers, request help, or click the “Contact Us” section to speak with a representative. Help pages are marked with the last reviewed page so you know the current information. You may also visit a local office or post written questions if needed.
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