If you live in New York, you might soon find an unexpected boost in your mailbox.
The state is rolling out one-time “inflation refund” payments of up to $400 for residents who have been affected by rising costs over the past year.
Millions Eligible for Automatic Payments
More than eight million New Yorkers are expected to benefit from these refunds, which aim to compensate for increased sales taxes driven by inflation.
The payments will begin mailing at the end of September over several weeks, and eligible residents don’t need to apply—they will receive the checks automatically.
How Much You Could Receive
The refund amount depends on your filing status and income:
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Married couples filing jointly making up to $150,000 will get $400. Couples earning up to $300,000 will receive $300.
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Single taxpayers earning $75,000 or less will get $200, while those earning up to $150,000 will receive $150.
Who Qualifies
To be eligible, you must have been a full-year New York resident in 2023, filed a state income tax return that year, and not have been claimed as a dependent by someone else. The checks will be mailed to the address listed on your tax return.
If you moved between 2023 and 2024 and filed a return for the latter year, your refund will go to your updated address. Further address updates can be made online.
Timing and Delivery
The state’s Department of Taxation and Finance cautions that delivery times will vary.
“You may receive your check sooner or later than your neighbors, as mailings are not based on zip code or region,” they said.
There is no specific schedule for when each check will arrive.
Governor Hochul Highlights Cost-of-Living Relief
Governor Kathy Hochul announced the refunds in April as part of the 2026 state budget, emphasizing the impact on everyday expenses.
“The cost of living is still too damn high, so I promised to put more money in your pockets—and we got it done,” Hochul said.
“Putting nearly $5,000 back in the pockets of families means helping New Yorkers afford the rising costs of groceries, raising kids, and just enjoying life.
When I said your family is my fight, I mean it—and I’ll never stop fighting for you.”
Critics Question One-Time Payments
Not everyone is convinced the refunds are enough. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, now running for New York City mayor, criticized the plan, saying, “They shorted the city on voucher funds this year… but they had the money to give back $2 billion in tax rebate checks?”
Representative Ritchie Torres also voiced concerns, arguing that a one-time check won’t make up for years of rising prices.
“For three years, the Governor has ignored the millions of New York families crippled by the crushing cost of groceries and gasoline,” he said.
Torres, a Bronx native once considered a potential gubernatorial contender, added that Hochul’s approach feels like giving with one hand while taking with the other.