To help with rising living costs, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is issuing a one-time inflation refund check. This is part of the 2025–2026 state budget to return extra money to taxpayers who paid higher sales taxes during inflation. If you filed a full-year resident return in New York for 2023, this may affect you!
Who is eligible and how much you can get?
If you filed Form IT-201 as a full-year New York resident in 2023 and weren't claimed as a dependent, you may qualify for this refund.The refund amount depends on your filing status and income:
• Single: AGI $75,000 or less = $200; more than $75,000 up to $150,000 = $150.
• Married filing joint: AGI $150,000 or less = $400; more than $150,000 up to $300,000 = $300.
• Married filing separate: $75,000 or less = $200; more than $75,000 up to $150,000 = $150.
• Head of household: $75,000 or less = $200; more than $75,000 up to $150,000 = $150.
When and how you’ll receive your check:
There’s no application required - if you qualify, the refund will be mailed automatically. The process began at the end of September 2025 and continues into the autumn.
There are, however, some key points to remember:
• The check is sent as a paper check — even if your income tax refund normally arrived via direct deposit
• The mailings are not based on zip code or region, so don’t worry if someone near your location receives it before you
• The check will go to the most recent address on file with the tax department (often the address on your most recent return). If you moved and didn’t update, it’s worth checking.
How much will you get?
The refund amount depends on your filing status and AGI for 2023:
• Single: AGI $75,000 or less = $200; more than $75,000 up to $150,000 = $150.
• Married filing joint: AGI $150,000 or less = $400; more than $150,000 up to $300,000 = $300.
• Married filing separate: $75,000 or less = $200; more than $75,000 up to $150,000 = $150.
• Head of household: $75,000 or less = $200; more than $75,000 up to $150,000 = $150.
•Qualifying surviving spouse: $150,000 or less = $400; more than $150,000 up to $300,000 = $300.
What do you need to do?
Good news: No application needed. The state will send the check automatically if you qualify. It will be mailed to your latest address on file, usually from your most recent tax return, even if it’s for 2024.Important to know:
• Even if you got your income tax refund via direct deposit, your inflation refund will be sent as a paper check, not direct deposit.
• If you did not file a resident income tax return for 2023, you will not receive a check.
• The check amount will not be used to offset any outstanding debt or tax liabilities.
A few tips for taxpayers:
• Check that your address is up to date with the NY tax department, especially if you moved after your 2023 return.
• If you received communication claiming to be from the Department about the inflation refund check, be aware: the Dept. is not asking for additional information about this check. Some scams are circulating.
• Monitor your mailbox during the mailing period (starting end of September). The timing can vary - mailings aren’t by region or zip code.
Why this is important for international students:
At Sprintax, we assist many international students, scholars, and global talent with U.S. state tax obligations. If you were a full-year New York resident in 2023 and filed the IT-201, you may be eligible for a refund. Even if not, state refunds to combat inflation highlight the importance of staying current with federal and state tax changes.
Unsure if this applies to you?
If you're unsure about qualifying or updating your address/filing status, the Sprintax team is here to help. Don’t miss your refund - ensure you're set to receive it. If you filed a resident New York tax return in 2023 and meet the income thresholds, good news. Watch for your check. If you don’t qualify, no action is needed. Either way, staying informed about state tax changes is important, and Sprintax is here to help.