Most people in New York have been impacted in some way by the rising living costs.
In fact, according to Realtor.com, In Q1 of 2025, the median asking rent in New York City registered an increase of 5.6%, compared with a year ago.
In response to rising living costs, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is issuing what it calls a one-time inflation refund check.
This initiative is part of New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2025-26 state budget and aims to put extra money back into the hands of taxpayers who paid elevated sales taxes amid inflation.
If you were a nonresident who filed a tax return in New York during tax year 2023, you could be due a tax refund! Find out if you’re eligible below.
Who is eligible and how much you can get?
If you filed Form IT-201 as a full-year resident of New York for the 2023 tax year and were not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return, you might qualify for the New York inflation refund checks.
In short, the amount you’ll receive depends on your filing status and income:
| Filing status | AGI (annual general income) | Refund |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $75,000 or less | $200 |
| more than $75,000 up to $150,000 | $150 | |
| Married filing joint | $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 |
How do I claim my check and when will it arrive?
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 are unsure whether you have updated your address, it’s worth checking with the NY state tax authorities.
A few tips for taxpayers
1. Check your address with NY tax department
Check that your address is up to date with the NY tax department, especially if you moved after your 2023 return.
2. Monitor your mailbox
Monitor your mailbox during the mailing period (starting end of September). The timing can vary, mailings aren’t by region or zip code.
3. Beware of N.Y. inflation refund check scams.
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.
Some may even trick you into providing personal information by requesting payment or bank details in texts, emails, or calls. Remember, you do not need to action anything or provide documentation to receive this check.
Why this is important for international students
At Sprintax, we work with many international students, scholars and global talent who may have U.S. state tax obligations.
Remember, if you were a full‐year resident of New York for 2023 and filed the IT-201, you might qualify for this refund check.
Even if this refund doesn’t apply to you, the fact that states are introducing refunds to counter inflation is a signal: staying up to date with both federal and state tax changes is more important than ever.
Unsure if this applies to you?
If you’re unsure whether you qualify or how to update your address/filing status, the Sprintax team is here to help. Don’t let a refund check slip through your mailbox unnoticed – make sure you’re set up to receive it.
If you filed a New York tax return in 2023 and your income falls within the specified thresholds – good news – Keep an eye out for your check. If you didn’t meet the criteria, no action is required.
