News Summary
New York is set to distribute inflation refund checks to over 8 million eligible residents starting in September 2025. The initiative aims to assist families struggling with rising living costs and will automatically mail the checks based on 2023 tax filings. Payments vary depending on reported income, with amounts from $200 for single taxpayers earning $75,000 or less to $400 for joint filers at or below $150,000. Certain groups, including seniors and non-filers, are ineligible, but back tax return submissions can still qualify residents for the refunds.
New York is preparing to distribute inflation refund checks to over 8 million eligible residents beginning at the end of September 2025. The checks, which aim to assist families facing rising living costs, will be automatically mailed by the Department of Taxation and Finance, meaning recipients do not need to take any action to receive their funds.
Eligibility for the refund checks is determined based on tax filings from the year 2023. The anticipated distribution will primarily benefit residents in New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley, with more than 3.6 million checks set to be mailed to New York City residents, along with 1.4 million to those on Long Island, and nearly 1 million to Hudson Valley residents.
Each eligible resident’s payment amount will vary based on their reported income. The structures for the checks are as follows:
- Single taxpayers earning $75,000 or less will receive $200.
- Single taxpayers earning between $75,001 and $150,000 will receive $150.
- Joint filers earning $150,000 or less will receive $400.
- Joint filers receiving between $150,001 and $300,000 will receive $300.
The funding for these inflation relief payments stems from an increase in the state’s sales tax revenue, which Governor Kathy Hochul attributes to inflationary pressures. The initiative is part of New York’s FY 2026 state budget, designed to help families cope with the financial challenges that have been exacerbated by rising costs of living.
Checks are scheduled for mailing over a period of several weeks starting in mid-October, and residents are encouraged to check their mailboxes regularly for the arrival of these funds this fall. However, it is essential to note that certain groups, such as seniors and individuals who did not file a tax return in 2023, will not be eligible to receive these checks. Nevertheless, those who did not file can still submit a back tax return to qualify for the refund.
To file a back return, residents should use form IT-201. Even if their reported income is zero, they can submit this form. It is crucial for those wishing to qualify to complete their filing by the approaching deadline of October 15, 2025, as late submissions may delay the processing and receipt of their refund checks.
For individuals needing assistance with tax filing, particularly in Monroe County, there is a program known as “CASH.” This service provides help for those who may require guidance in completing their tax returns, although it necessitates scheduling an appointment in advance.
In summary, New York State’s proactive steps to disburse inflation refund checks aim to alleviate the financial burdens faced by millions of residents as they navigate the challenges posed by inflation. The automatic mailing process is designed to ensure efficiency and accessibility, offering relief to those in need without requiring them to undertake complicated procedures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- CBS News: New York Inflation Refund Check 2025
- Wikipedia: Inflation
- North Country Now: New York Mailing Inflation Refund Checks
- Google Search: Inflation refund checks New York
- Rochester First: New Yorkers Could Get Up to $400 Inflation Refund Checks Soon
- Google Scholar: Inflation relief payments
- News 12 Long Island: $400 Inflation Refund Checks Being Mailed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economic relief
- SILive: New York Inflation Refund Checks – When to Expect Your Payment
- Google News: New York Inflation Refund Check

Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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