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|  It's Tax Time. Go Get Your Refund! The DCA/OFE launched Year 8 of the Mayor's Tax Credit Campaign to help eligible New Yorkers file their taxes for free and claim credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). At certain free sites filers can prepare their taxes using an online program with the help of a Tax Coach. Select free tax sites will offer filers the opportunity to use a portion of their refund to open a $aveNYC Account and earn 50% in match money from the City of New York.  Learn more about tax credits and free tax assistanceLearn more about the $aveNYC Account | |
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City Launches Safe, Affordable Account That Is the First of Its Kind in the NationAvailable as a special opportunity through the City’s Financial Empowerment Centers, the NYC SafeStart Account has no overdraft fees and no monthly fees if you maintain a minimum balance of $25 or even less depending on the financial institution. Five banks and five credit unions are offering the NYC SafeStart Account with convenient locations across the City. Learn moreFind a Financial Empowerment Center near you | |
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 DCA Warns Haitian New Yorkers to Avoid Immigration Scams Haitians applying for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) should use only reputable attorneys or nonprofit organizations with attorneys on staff. The City, in partnership with City University of New York and community organizations, is providing safe, free application clinics in February. Get resources and tipsLearn more about TPS application clinicsGet information from the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs |
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DCA Releases Report on the Office of Financial Empowerment’s First Three Years Evaluates Progress of First Program Funded by the Center for Economic Opportunity Launched by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg in December 2006, DCA’s OFE has connected approximately 32,000 New Yorkers to financial classes and counseling, helped 226,000 New Yorkers access free or low-cost tax preparation, facilitated more than $450,000 in savings in households with low incomes through its $aveNYC Account program, advocated for stronger consumer protections in the financial services sector, and more. The report describes the multitude of financial empowerment innovations, strategies, and approaches OFE has implemented thus far—and the national implications for its work, which include building the new field of municipal financial empowerment and founding the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Coalition. Read the report (in PDF)Learn more about DCA’s OFELearn more about OFE’s initiatives and advocacy and policyLearn more about the CFE Coalition |
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New York Health & Racquet Club Agrees to Reimburse Members Deceived by False Promotion DCA reached a settlement agreement with NYHRC to pay the City $20,000 in fines and possibly more than $150,000 in restitution to members who joined or renewed memberships from March through May 2008 while NYHRC was advertising “free” yacht and golf club usage perks that were not free. NYHRC will be contacting as many as 5,600 affected members directly to submit a claim. If you do not receive a letter but believe you are eligible to submit a claim, call NYHRC at (212) 220-0758. Read the settlement agreementDownload False Advertising: How to Spot It and Read the Fine Print (in PDF) |
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DCA’s Used Car Dealer “Bait and Switch” Crackdown Leads to 63 Violations Totaling Tens of Thousands in Fines DCA conducted a two-month investigation of used car dealer advertisements that appeared “too good to be true,” leading to violations to 10 dealerships for deceptive advertising. These dealers were caught advertising cars that were either unavailable or more expensive than advertised. This crackdown marks DCA’s latest effort to protect New Yorkers by ensuring that dealerships offer only legitimate deals. Read the 12/22 press release and get car shopping tipsRead the 11/19 press release about Queens Auto MallCheck that a used car dealer is licensedDownload Used Car Sales Consumer Guide (in PDF)Download False Advertising: How to Spot It and Read the Fine Print (in PDF)Learn more about auto loans |
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Submit Your New License Application Online! It's easier than ever to get started with your business. New applicants for select DCA licenses can now submit their applications online at a time and from a computer convenient to them. This service will be expanded to include additional industries in the months ahead. Learn how to apply online |
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Attention: Garage and Parking Lot Licensees City's Bicycle Parking Law Is in Effect If your business accommodates 100 or more vehicles, you must provide bicycle parking and submit Rate Information for bicycles to DCA. Note: You may apply to the Department of Buildings (DOB) for a waiver if compliance with the new requirement violates existing zoning regulations for your business. Read the Rule regarding bicycle parking in garages and parking lots (in PDF)Download DCA's Garage and/or Parking Lot Rate Information form (in PDF)Download DOB’s Bicycle Parking Spaces Waiver Form (in PDF) |
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DCA's Crackdown of the Employment Agency Industry Leads to Closure of Dalia's Service Agency and Agreements Totaling More Than $120,000 DCA secured $83,000 in fines and consumer restitution and shut down Dalia's Service Agency for repeatedly charging illegal fees after entering a settlement agreement to stop illegal practices. Job seekers dating back to 2005 who believe Dalia's Service Agency owes them money must file a complaint with DCA. DCA is also mailing notification to consumers who may be eligible for refunds from approximately 20 other employment agencies that entered into agreements totaling more than $40,000 to settle violations. If DCA contacts you, please complete the complaint form and return it to us so we can help you get back money you might be owed. Read the 7/15 press release about Dalia's Service AgencyRead the 7/2 press release about other settlement agreementsDownload What You Need to Know About Employment Agencies (in PDF)Check to see if an employment agency is licensedCheck the list of employment agencies which owe consumers refundsFile a complaint against an employment agency |
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Online License Renewal Service Offered to business categories as licenses come due for renewal, DCA's Online License Renewal Service is making it faster and more convenient than ever for businesses to renew their licenses online, from anywhere and at any time. DCA's Online License Renewal Service |
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| New York City employees are not allowed to ask for or accept anything of value, such as money, gifts, or tips for doing their job. To report corruption, contact the NYC Department of Investigation by visiting DOI online. |
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