Two-hundred and forty-six dollars. That’s a lot of money for many New York City families struggling to make ends meet. It is money that could go toward rent, groceries, medications or other important expenses. But at tax time, too many working families and individuals see it as a requirement in order to maximize their refund.

That is because $246 is the average fee charged by tax preparers, according to the National Society of Accountants. But what millions of lower-income Americans might be surprised to learn is that tax preparation doesn’t have to cost them a dime. Seventy percent of all taxpayers, those with an Adjusted Gross Income of $57,000 or less, are eligible for the IRS “Free File” program. Free File provides eligible working taxpayers with the free use of the same name-brand tax software products we see in TV commercials.

While Free File can save taxpayers hundreds on the cost of tax prep, it could help save thousands in credits and deductions taxpayers might not otherwise know about. One good example is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). This credit is one of the most important anti-poverty tools we have, lifting more than 5 million workers and families each year out of poverty. Last year, 1.7 million New Yorkers claimed the EITC and received an average of $2,212 back from the IRS. Unfortunately, the IRS estimates that 20-25 percent of taxpayers eligible for the EITC fail to claim it. Free File helps make sure taxpayers identify and claim the EITC and other credits, and keep more of their money.

I urge eligible New Yorkers to use the Free File program not only because it can save them money, but because it is empowering. Once people use the program, they see how they can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars on their own, without paying a tax preparer. One of my constituents, after using it, couldn’t believe how easy tax prep could be. “That’s it? That’s what I’ve been paying someone else to do all these years?” he told the people who introduced him to the program.

While Free File makes it easier for people to prepare and file their own taxes, some people could still use a hand. Maybe they never knew about Free File before, or maybe they don’t have a computer at home. But just as $246 shouldn’t be required to keep more of your money, neither should a computer. Years ago, right here in the 13th District, the Food Bank for New York City became the first community organization to help people use Free File, providing access to computers, as well as tax experts and volunteers to provide free guidance using the software. Students from Frederick Douglass Academy, my alma mater, are even volunteering at Food Bank to help people use Free File.

That assistance continues to this day, but not just in the 13th District. The model started by the Food Bank of NYC has been replicated in hundreds of free tax programs across the country. I am proud to represent the community where such an empowering program has its roots.

A confusing tax system and $246 for tax prep shouldn’t stand in between a working family and money they have earned. Free File is an excellent example of government, private companies and community organizations working together to eliminate that barrier and empower hard-working individuals and families take more control of their financial situations.