Governor Kathy Hochul says New York has now mailed more than 8.2 million inflation refund checks, so most eligible residents should either have their payment already or see it arrive soon. These one‑time checks, up to 400 dollars per eligible filer, are being sent automatically based on 2023 tax returns and are meant to help offset higher living costs driven by inflation.​

What these inflation refund checks are

The Inflation Refund Check program was created in the FY 2026 New York State budget and is funded with roughly 2.2 billion dollars in state money. The payments are framed as a refund of unexpectedly high sales‑tax revenue generated by inflation, not as an advance on future tax refunds or a recurring benefit.​

Each check is capped at 400 dollars and targeted at low‑ and middle‑income taxpayers, with amounts based on filing status and 2023 adjusted gross income (AGI). The goal is to put cash in residents’ hands quickly ahead of the holiday season, especially for households feeling pressure from food, rent, and utility costs.​

How many checks have been mailed so far

According to Hochul’s office, about 8.2 million inflation refund checks have been mailed statewide as of late November 2025. That total covers more than 2 billion dollars in payments, including 828.8 million dollars to 3.54 million recipients in New York City and 83.8 million dollars to about 321,000 residents in Central New York.​

State officials say the main mailing push—covering the vast majority of eligible taxpayers—began at the end of September and was largely completed before Thanksgiving. Smaller batches will continue going out in the coming weeks as the Tax Department processes late 2023 returns and identifies additional eligible filers.​

Snapshot of mailed inflation refund checks

Eligibility is based on your 2023 New York State resident income tax return, and there is no separate application. In general, you must:​

• Have filed a 2023 New York resident income tax return.

• Have AGI at or below about 150,000 dollars if single, or 300,000 dollars if married filing jointly.​

• Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s 2023 return.​

Those who did not file a 2023 state return, exceeded the AGI thresholds, or were listed as dependents are not eligible. Late filers can still qualify once their returns are processed, which is why checks are still being issued in smaller follow‑up batches.​

How much you can receive

Payment amounts vary by filing status and income band, with higher amounts going to lower and middle‑income households. Examples from state guidance and public summaries include:​

• Up to 400 dollars for married couples filing jointly (and some qualifying surviving spouses) with 2023 AGI up to about 150,000 dollars.

• Around 300 dollars for joint filers with AGI roughly between 150,000 and 300,000 dollars.

  

  Motorists Slammed by Fresh £100 Rule Branded ‘Selfish’ as It Impacts Thousands

• Up to 200 dollars for single filers with AGI up to about 75,000 dollars.

• Around 150 dollars for single filers with AGI above 75,000 but not over 150,000 dollars.​

You do not need to calculate the amount yourself; the Department of Taxation and Finance determines it from your 2023 return and prints it on the check and notice.​

How and where the checks are sent

Inflation refund checks are mailed, not direct‑deposited, even if your regular state tax refund went to your bank account. The Tax Department sends them to the most current address on file, usually from your latest New York State income tax return—even if that is your 2024 return filed after you moved.​

Mailings are not sorted by ZIP code or region, so neighbors may receive checks on different days. Because of this, the state urges residents to be patient if they meet the criteria but have not yet seen a check, especially if they filed late or recently updated their address.​

What to do if you have not received a check

If you believe you qualify but have not yet received an inflation refund check:

• Confirm that you filed a 2023 New York resident return and that your income and dependency status meet the program’s thresholds.

• Verify that your current mailing address matches what appears on your most recent state return.

• Use the New York State Tax Department’s online refund tools or contact them directly to ask about your inflation refund status, as they provide the same information available by phone.​

Officials also warn about scams: the state will not call, text, or email asking for fees or bank information to release your inflation refund. Any such messages should be treated as fraudulent, and residents should rely on official NY.gov or Tax Department channels for information.​

 

SOURCE

 

FAQs

Q1: Do I need to apply to get the NY inflation refund check?
No. If you filed a 2023 New York resident tax return and meet the income and dependency rules, the state automatically mails your check.​

Q2: Can the refund be direct‑deposited instead of mailed?
No. All inflation refund payments are issued as paper checks, even if your regular tax refund was direct‑deposited.​

Q3: Are these checks taxable?
New York treats them as non‑taxable for state income tax, but the IRS generally considers them taxable income, so they may need to be reported on your 2025 federal return.