This article is for information only and is not tax advice.
This article explains the New York State inflation refund check: who received it, how much it was, and how New York sent it. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (the Department) runs the program, not Sprintax.
What is the New York inflation refund check?
The New York inflation refund is a one-time payment from New York State. It is part of the 2025-2026 New York State budget. The Department mailed the checks to eligible taxpayers starting in September 2025.
The payment is based on your 2023 New York tax return. It does not depend on your 2026 tax return, and you do not claim it on any return that you prepare in Sprintax Returns.
Who is eligible for the New York inflation refund check?
You are eligible if all of the following conditions apply:
You filed Form IT-201, the New York State Resident Income Tax Return, for tax year 2023.
You were a full-year New York resident in 2023.
Your adjusted gross income (AGI) on your 2023 return was within the limits in the amount table.
Another taxpayer did not claim you as a dependent on their 2023 return.
The program has no age requirement.
Who is not eligible for the New York inflation refund check?
You are not eligible in the following cases:
You were a part-year resident of New York in 2023.
You did not file a 2023 New York resident income tax return. A nonresident or part-year return, such as Form IT-203, does not make you eligible.
Another taxpayer claimed you as a dependent on their 2023 return.
Your 2023 AGI was over the highest limit for your filing status.
How much is the New York inflation refund check?
The amount depends on your 2023 filing status and your 2023 AGI. The following table shows the amounts.
| 2023 filing status | 2023 AGI | Check amount |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 or less | $200 |
| Single | $75,001 to $150,000 | $150 |
| Married filing separately | $75,000 or less | $200 |
| Married filing separately | $75,001 to $150,000 | $150 |
| Head of household | $75,000 or less | $200 |
| Head of household | $75,001 to $150,000 | $150 |
| Married filing jointly | $150,000 or less | $400 |
| Married filing jointly | $150,001 to $300,000 | $300 |
| Qualifying surviving spouse | $150,000 or less | $400 |
| Qualifying surviving spouse | $150,001 to $300,000 | $300 |
Do I need to apply for the New York inflation refund check?
No. There is no application. New York mails the check automatically to each eligible taxpayer. You do not need to give the Department any information to receive it.
How and when does New York send the check?
New York sends the check by mail as a paper check. It does not send the payment by direct deposit, even if you received your income tax refunds by direct deposit before.
The Department started mailing checks on September 26, 2025. State announcements said the mailing would continue through November 2025. The mailing order does not follow ZIP codes or regions, so neighbors can receive checks on different days.
Which address does New York use for the check?
New York mails the check to the most current address that the Department has on file. This is usually the address on your most recent New York tax return. You can update your address through your Individual Online Services Account with the Department.
Can I check the status of my New York inflation refund check?
No. The Department cannot provide a specific delivery schedule. Its contact center representatives do not have additional information about the status of your check. Sprintax cannot see the status of the check either.
Does New York use the check to pay my debts?
No. The Department does not apply the inflation refund to outstanding debts.
Can an international student or scholar receive the check?
Yes, if every eligibility condition applies. The key condition is the 2023 return. You must have filed Form IT-201 as a full-year New York resident for 2023. If you filed Form IT-203 as a nonresident or part-year resident, you are not eligible.
Is the check taxable?
Sprintax cannot advise on the tax treatment of the check. If the Department sends you a tax form for the payment, keep it with your tax records.
How do I protect myself from scams about the check?
You do not apply for the check, so no one needs your personal or bank details to send it. Do not respond to messages that ask for payment or personal information in return for the check. Contact the Department directly if you are unsure.