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We assist New Yorkers involved in tax disputes, bankruptcy proceedings, and consumer issues such as credit cards, auto loans, medical, and student loan debt. We can also provide legal assistance with small businesses, not-for-profits, and Housing Development Fund Companies (HDFC).
Those seeking assistance with tax disputes, consumer issues, or bankruptcy should call the Access to Benefits helpline at 888-663-6880 Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tax disputes can also be initially assessed via our online intake form.
For help with new and existing small businesses and not-for-profit organizations or existing HDFCs contact the Community Development Project at 212-298-3340, CommunityDevProject@legal-aid.org, or reserve a spot in our virtual clinic by completing our online questionnaire.
Bankruptcy is a legal process established under federal law that allows people who cannot pay their debts to get a financial fresh start. Filing for bankruptcy stops all creditors from taking any action to collect on the debts.
Beginning on January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act will require most entities formed or registered in the United States to report detailed information about their beneficial owners, i.e. the individuals who own or control the company to the U.S. Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
Judgment proof means your income is a type or amount that is exempt from debt collection and you have no assets that a company has the right to take under New York State law. If you are judgment proof, this means that even if a company sues you and a court enters a judgment against you, the company cannot take any of your income or assets to pay the judgment.
The information below is to assist individuals who have been sued New York City Small Claims Court. If you are being sued and are in need of legal assistance or have questions about your case, please contact The Legal Aid Society’s Consumer Law Project at the Access to Benefits helpline at 888-663 6880 Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Common types of cases brought in Small Claims Court include Broken Lease Cases, Property Damage Claims, and unreturned security deposits.
If you need to bring a claim against another party in Small Claims Court , vist the court’s website for step-by-step instructions on how to proceed.
Businesses must be organized in accordance with accepted legal structures. There are four basic types of legal structures for small businesses in New York State:
If you don’t choose one of these specific types of organization, by law your business will be presumed to be a sole proprietorship if there is one owner, or a general partnership if there is more than one owner.
It is strongly recommended that when choosing the type of structure for your business, you consult with a lawyer, insurance broker and accountant about the advantages, disadvantages, and tax consequences of the structure you are considering.
Information for individuals considering starting a business or non-profit and a summary of the legal issues you may face.
Debt is any money that you owe to someone else. It includes credit cards, medical bills, car loans, student loans, past due rent, utility bills, or anything else you have been unable to pay.
Having debt problems? Understanding your rights can help you deal with your debts and stop debt collectors from harassing you.
Get the information you need to accurately file your annual taxes and respond to requests from the IRS or NYSDTF. If you need additional assistance, call our Access to Benefits helpline at 888-663-6880 Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The justice system can be overwhelming. Get familiar with some legal terms and acronyms you might hear like appeal, adjournment, petition, jurisdiction, deposition, and affidavit.