The holidays are approaching, and many are looking to pad their budget wherever they can. In good news for many feeling that belt tightening, New York State has started to roll out their first-ever inflation refund checks. About eight million people will be receiving them any day.
“Starting today, we’re sending inflation refund checks to over eight million New Yorkers because it’s simple — this is your money and we’re putting it back in your pockets,” New York Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement. “I’ll never stop fighting to help your family address the rising cost of living — and that’s why I also delivered on my promise to cut taxes for the middle class, expand the child tax credit and ensure free school meals for every student.”
But many New Yorkers seem not to know if they are receiving these checks, how much they are receiving, or if they are even eligible.
Here’s what New Yorkers need to know
Those who qualify for the checks will receive up to $400, and there’s no application or approval process. If you are going to receive one, it’s already in the works.
According to the Department of Taxation and Finance, eligibility was determined based on those who in 2024 filed a Form IT-201 when filing their New York State taxes, reported an income that qualified, and were not filed as someone else’s dependent.
The qualifying thresholds, per the Governor’s office are:
Those who filed jointly and made up to $150,000 will receive $400
Those who filed jointly and made over $150,000 but less than $300,000 will receive $300
Single tax filers with an income up to $75,000 will receive $200
Single tax filers with an income that exceeded $75,000 but was less than $150,000 will receive $150
Checks are already in the mail and circulating, and will continue to be rolled out over the next month or so, with a promise they’ll all arrive before the holidays. So, New Yorkers, keep an eye on your mailbox!