New York State will implement an inflation refund program in fall 2025. Funded by sales tax surplus, this initiative was approved in the FY 2026 budget. Checks will be delivered to eligible residents as compensation for inflation impacts.
This program is set to benefit over 8.2 million households all over the “Empire State”, with checks that could be as big as $400 for eligible applicants. Let’s find out together if you quality to claim the money and how to claim it in easy steps.
The inflation refunds for eligible New Yorkers: Who’s eligible for the money?
To qualify for the inflation refund, residents must meet specific requirements. First, they must have filed a state tax return Form IT‑201 for tax year 2023 as New York residents. This form is mandatory for initial consideration in the automated selection process.
Second, adjusted gross income (AGI) must fall within established limits based on filing status. These income thresholds vary for single filers, heads of household, married joint filers, married separate filers, and qualifying surviving spouses. Failure to meet thresholds results in automatic exclusion.
Third, applicants must not have been claimed as dependents on another person’s tax return. Additionally, full-time New York residency throughout 2023 is required. Cross-referenced data verification will determine compliance.
The stimulus program payment chart
Refund amounts vary by filing status and income level:
- Single filers or heads of household with AGI ≤ $75,000 receive $200.
- Those with AGI between $75,001-$150,000 get $150.
Married taxpayers filing jointly have different payment thresholds:
- Married joint filers with AGI ≤ $150,000 obtain $400.
- For incomes between $150,001-$300,000, the payment is $300.
Married separate filers follow the single filer scale:
- $200 if AGI ≤ $75,000
- $150 for AGI $75,001-$150,000.
Qualifying surviving spouses:
- With AGI ≤ $150,000 receive $400
- Those with AGI $150,001-$300,000 get $300.
The maximum household payment under this program is $400 regardless of category.
Do I have to do anything to claim the stimulus check?
The payment process operates automatically; no additional forms are needed. The Tax Department will use 2023 IT‑201 return data to determine eligibility and calculate amounts. Taxpayers need not take any additional steps.
Physical checks will arrive via postal mail between October-November 2025. Distribution occurs in regional batches without specific published schedule. Even if you used direct deposit for previous returns, this refund will issue only as paper checks.
Keeping your mailing address updated with the Tax Department is critical. Checks ship to the address on your latest filed return. Recent movers must update information through their online account at tax.ny.gov to prevent delays.
