Hailey
New York has started mailing its first-ever inflation refund checks—a one-time payment of $150 to $400—to more than 8 million residents.
Mailings began late September 2025 and will continue through October and November.
You don’t need to apply; eligible taxpayers will automatically receive a paper check.
Who qualifies?
You may qualify if for tax year 2023 you:
- Filed Form IT-201 (NY resident return)
- Met the income thresholds (see table below)
- Were not claimed as a dependent on another return
The program is designed to return part of the state’s sales-tax-driven surplus to residents squeezed by inflation.
How much will you get?
Amounts are based on 2023 New York Adjusted Gross Income and filing status:
| Filing status | 2023 NY AGI | Refund amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single | ≤ $75,000 | $200 |
| Single | $75,001–$150,000 | $150 |
| Married filing joint | ≤ $150,000 | $400 |
| Married filing joint | $150,001–$300,000 | $300 |
| Married filing separate | ≤ $75,000 | $200 |
| Married filing separate | $75,001–$150,000 | $150 |
| Head of household | ≤ $75,000 | $200 |
| Head of household | $75,001–$150,000 | $150 |
| Qualifying surviving spouse | ≤ $150,000 | $400 |
| Qualifying surviving spouse | $150,001–$300,000 | $300 |
When And How Are Checks Sent?
- Mailing window: began late September 2025; continues for several weeks
- Delivery: Paper checks only (no direct deposit)
- Address used: the most recent address on file—generally from your 2024 return, even though eligibility is based on 2023
- Offsets: the inflation refund will not be applied to outstanding debts
Expect neighbors to receive checks at different times; mailings aren’t by ZIP code.
Are The Checks Taxable?
- State tax: New York is not taxing this refund
- Federal tax: The payment is subject to federal income tax and should be reported on your 2025 federal return
Form 1099-G or equivalent reporting may arrive when you file.
Watch Out For Scams
The NY Tax Department warns of calls, texts, and letters pretending to be from the state. You do not need to provide any personal information to receive this refund.
If someone asks for bank details or fees, it’s a scam. Only mailed checks are used.
Quick Recap (at a glance)
- Who gets it? Full-year NY residents who filed IT-201 for 2023, within the income limits, and not dependents.
- How much? $150–$400 based on filing status and income.
- When? Sept–Nov 2025 mailings. No application needed. Paper checks only.
- Tax status: Federal taxable (report on 2025 return); not taxable by NYS.
New York’s $400 inflation refund is a one-time, automatic payment intended to quickly put money back into residents’ pockets during a period of high prices.
If you filed IT-201 for 2023, meet the income thresholds, and weren’t claimed as a dependent, just watch your mailbox—no application is needed.
Remember that while New York won’t tax this payment, it is taxable at the federal level and should be reported on your 2025 federal return.
Stay alert to scams, and verify your mailing address so your check arrives without delays.
FAQs
Can I change the address where my check is sent?
Yes. If your latest return doesn’t reflect your current address, update it in your NYS Online Services account. The state mails to your most recently updated address.
I had direct deposit for my refund. Will this be direct-deposited too?
No. All inflation refunds are mailed as paper checks, even if you normally receive direct deposits.
I filed as a part-year resident in 2023. Am I eligible?
No. The program is limited to full-year New York residents who filed IT-201 for 2023.