If you’re a New York taxpayer and your income is under a certain limit, the state has a surprise for you: up to $400 in inflation refund checks are heading out starting this October. No application is required. If you filed your 2023 taxes, you could be one of more than 8 million New Yorkers getting a paper check in the mail. This isn’t a scam or a one-time gimmick—this is part of a massive, approved state budget plan. But how much you get, and whether you’re eligible, depends on what’s on your last tax return.
What Is the $400 Inflation Refund and Why Is It Happening?
In response to inflation and high living costs, New York State is issuing a one-time inflation refund to eligible residents using surplus tax revenue. The program is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s $254 billion state budget, and it’s designed to return money to families who need it most—especially those hit hardest by rising prices on groceries, gas, and rent.
These checks are being issued by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. There’s no online form to fill out, no strings attached, and no hidden qualifications—just your 2023 state tax return and mailing address.
Who’s Eligible for the Check?
Eligibility is based entirely on your 2023 New York State tax return (Form IT-201). If you filed that return and meet the income limits, you’re in. Here’s how the refund amounts are calculated:
If You Filed as Married Jointly or a Surviving Spouse:
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Earned up to $150,000 in 2023: $400 refund
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Earned $150,001–$300,000: $300 refund
If You Filed as Single, Head of Household, or Married Filing Separately:
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Earned up to $75,000: $200 refund
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Earned $75,001–$150,000: $150 refund
Important: You must not have been claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.
When Will Checks Arrive?
Checks will start going out mid-October 2025, and distribution will likely continue through November. The payments are being sent as physical paper checks via USPS—not direct deposit. That means you’ll want to check your mailbox carefully and make sure your mailing address is up to date with the New York Tax Department.
If you moved recently or changed your mailing address since filing your 2023 taxes, go to the and update your contact details immediately to avoid missing your refund.
How to Avoid Missing Out
While no application is needed, here’s what you should do to make sure you receive your check:
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Confirm you filed a 2023 New York State tax return
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Make sure you weren’t claimed as a dependent
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Verify your income falls within the eligible range
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Update your mailing address with the NY Tax Department if you’ve moved
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Check your mailbox starting mid-October, and don’t throw away envelopes from the state!
Why This Refund Is a Big Deal
This refund is part of a broader $3 billion set of financial supports built into the state budget, which includes everything from expanded child tax credits to free school meals. For many working-class and middle-income families, this $400 is a welcome cushion as inflation continues to strain household budgets.
Governor Hochul has framed the refund as a way of giving back surplus revenue from high sales tax collections during inflation—money that came from your wallet in the first place.
Bottom Line
There’s no need to apply. If you meet the income and filing requirements, your check is on the way. This is a rare example of the state giving money back to residents without bureaucratic red tape.
If you filed your 2023 New York tax return and earned under $300,000 (married) or $150,000 (single), you’re likely getting a check this fall—no strings attached.
