New York is still mailing out hundreds of thousands of state-issued “inflation” tax refunds, a relief effort designed to return extra money to eligible taxpayers before the end of the year. Although these payments are often called “inflation refunds,” they’re actually state tax refunds released later than usual to help residents manage rising prices and higher living costs.
The process began in late September, but the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance says the distribution is ongoing. Checks are being sent in batches and will continue arriving through the end of November, with the possibility of some stretching into December due to mail delays or processing volume.
Who qualifies for New York’s inflation tax refunds?
These payments aren’t federal stimulus checks. They come directly from the state budget and are meant to return part of what residents have already paid through state taxes.
Eligibility is based on income reported on the IT-201 form for the 2023 tax year.
Examples include:
- Single filers with New York adjusted gross income up to $75,000 may receive $200.
- Married couples filing jointly with income up to $150,000 can receive $400.
Tens of thousands of eligible residents are still waiting for their refund to arrive, based on the department’s latest update.
How to track your New York refund
If your check hasn’t arrived yet, you can easily check its status online.
If you filed electronically, the system may show updates within 72 hours. Paper filers should wait about four weeks before checking. Head to the state’s official refund tracker at tax.ny.gov and open the “Check your refund status” tool. You’ll need:
- The last four digits of your Social Security number
- The exact refund amount shown on your IT-201
- Your ZIP code
No account login is required, and the process takes less than a minute.
You can also use the PRIS portal for a more secure option. And remember: ignore texts or emails claiming to provide refund updates — they’re often scams. When in doubt, contact the department directly at 518-457-5181 for real assistance.
These refunds arrive just in time for the holiday season, offering a welcome boost for millions of New Yorkers navigating higher costs. Staying alert and checking your status can help ensure your refund doesn’t slip through the cracks.
For updates on federal economic policies and leadership, you can visit President Joe Biden on the official White House site.
