New York inflation refund checks in October: Here’s who’s eligible for how much—and how to make sure you get yours

Taxpayers in the Empire State will soon receive a refund to help offset rising living costs.

Part of the 2025-2026 New York State budget allocates funds for inflation refund checks. The onetime payments offer relief to New Yorkers who have incurred increased sales tax costs due to inflation. According to the state, 8.2 million households will receive payments.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that as of September 26, inflation refund checks have started to be mailed to taxpayers. Checks will continue to be issued throughout October and November.

Here’s what to know about whether you’re eligible, how much you’ll receive, and more.

Am I eligible for an inflation refund check?

Yes, if for tax year 2023 you:

• Filed Form IT-201, New York State Resident Income Tax Return
• Reported income within the qualifying thresholds
• Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return

There’s no need to apply to receive a refund check. Checks will be mailed out automatically to those who meet the above eligibility requirements.

What are the income thresholds, and how much will I receive?

Check amounts are being issued in the range of $150 to $400; amounts vary by tax filing status for the 2023 tax year and your 2023 New York Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), found on Form IT-201, line 33.

For single filers:

• 2023 AGI of $75,000 or less:
  • Refund amount of $200
• 2023 AGI of more than $75,000, but not more than $150,000:
  • Refund amount of $150

For married joint filers:

• 2023 AGI of $150,000 or less:
  • Refund amount of $400
• 2023 AGI of more than $150,000, but not more than $300,000:
  • Refund amount of $300

For married separate filers:

• 2023 AGI of $75,000 or less:
  • Refund amount of $200
• 2023 AGI of more than $75,000, but not more than $150,000:
  • Refund amount of $150

For head of household filers:

• 2023 AGI of $75,000 or less:
  • Refund amount of $200
• 2023 AGI of more than $75,000, but not more than $150,000:
  • Refund amount of $150

For qualifying surviving spouse filers:

• 2023 AGI of $150,000 or less:
  • Refund amount of $400
• 2023 AGI of more than $150,000, but not more than $300,000:
  • Refund amount of $300

How can I make sure I receive my check?

Due to the high volume of checks being processed, it may take time to receive your refund. If you’re eligible, your check will be mailed to the address associated with your most recently filed tax return.

If you’ve moved since filing your 2024 return, or you haven’t yet filed a return for tax year 2024, you can update your address with the New York Department of Taxation and Finance through your Individual Online Services Account. (If you don’t have an Individual Online Services Account, you can create one.)

Watch out for scams

If someone contacts you about your refund check, it’s likely a scam. Hochul cautioned New Yorkers to be alert to scammers who are sending voice messages, text messages, emails, and direct mail to taxpayers in an attempt to defraud them.

“New Yorkers do not have to do anything to receive an inflation refund check outside of meeting the eligibility requirements,” Hochul said in a news release.

“With scams targeting the state’s inflation refund initiative, let me be clear,” she continued. “The Tax Department and the IRS do not call or text individuals for personal information. My administration urges New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report these scams to the Tax Department to protect yourself from being a victim.”

Scams can be reported to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

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