New York’s first-ever inflation refund checks are now being sent to 8.2 million households across the state, Gov. Kathy Hochul said Friday, calling the initiative part of her ongoing efforts to put money back in New Yorkers’ pockets amid rising costs.
Inflation has pushed up the price of everyday necessities, boosting state revenue from sales taxes, Hochul said in May when announcing the program. That money, which belongs to New Yorkers, is now being returned in checks of up to $400, a process expected to last about two months.
Here’s what you need to know:
Am I eligible for an inflation refund check?
Eligibility is based on income and household status. You’re eligible for a refund check if you meet the following criteria for tax year 2023:
- You filed Form IT-201, the New York State resident income tax return
- Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return
- Reported income within the qualifying thresholds below
How much money will I receive?
- $400 for joint filers with income up to $150,000
- $300 for joint filers with income between $150,001 and $300,000
- $200 for single tax filers with income up to $75,000
- $150 single tax filers with incomes between $75,001 and $150,000
When will my refund check arrive?
Checks began going out Friday and deliveries will continue throughout October and November. They will not be mailed based on zip codes, so “if your neighbor gets it and you don’t, don’t start calling us,” Hochul said.
Do I need to apply to receive a check?
No, checks will be mailed automatically to all eligible taxpayers. If you filed a tax return, are below the income thresholds and no one else claimed you as a dependent, you will receive a check.
Why is New York doing this?
The program was created to provide some relief from the rising costs of food, housing and other essentials, according to Hochul.
“You work hard and you know the bills keep piling up, and you just look at them and say, ‘When will it ever stop? Why are the numbers getting higher and higher?” she said, referring to utility, grocery, mortgage and rent bills. “Sometimes it just seems like everything’s stacked against you — but I want to make people feel different in New York.”
How are the checks being distributed across different areas of the state?
- New York City: 3.53 million
- Long Island: 1.25 million
- Mid-Hudson: 924,000
- Western New York: 585,000
- Finger Lakes: 513,000
- Capital Region: 475,000
- Central New York: 321,000
- Southern Tier: 251,000
- Mohawk Valley: 198,000
- North Country: 156,000
Where can I find more information?
An updated FAQ page can be found on the state’s Department of Taxation and Finance’s website.
