New York State has begun sending out the first-ever inflation refund checks as part of its initiative to offer financial relief to New Yorkers who have paid increased sales taxes due to inflation.
According to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, more than 8 million eligible taxpayers will receive refunds from the state for tax year 2023. All taxpayers who are eligible for a refund do not need to file separately and will receive their refunds automatically.
Who is eligible for a refund and who is not? Here’s a look at all the top questions
New York State Inflation Checkback: Are You Eligible?
Any taxpayer who meets the following criteria is eligible for a 2023 refund check:
- filed Form IT-201, New York State Resident Income Tax Return Filed by Year-round Residents of New York,
- reported income within the qualifying range,
- it was not claimed as dependent on the returns of another taxpayer
How do I request a refund check?
There is no need to request a refund check. Every taxpayer who is eligible for a refund will receive a check from the Department of Taxation and Finance.
Here’s what the inflation return check looks like:
What amount will be refunded?
The refund amount depends on the respective taxpayer’s income and filing status as follows:
When and where will the check be sent?
All inflation refund checks will be mailed to each taxpayer’s most current address, which is usually the address on the person’s most recently filed federal tax returns.
The New York State Department began sending out checks toward the end of September 2025. Although the department did not mention any specific schedule, it said taxpayers will likely receive checks sooner or later than their neighbors because mailings are not based on zip code or region.
Are they subject to tax refund audits?
Yes, the checks will be taxed by the IRS — and all taxpayers who receive an inflation refund check will have to declare the refund amount on their 2025 federal tax returns, according to reports.
