Hochul warns against scams targeting New York's inflation refund initiative

Says scammers are sending text messages, emails & direct mail falsely claiming New Yorkers must submit payment information to receive inflation refund check

√ Says eligible New Yorkers will receive their inflation refund check with no need to apply, sign up or provide personal information

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul

Gov. Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers of scammers who are sending text messages, voice messages, emails and direct mail to taxpayers in an attempt to spread false information about New York state's inflation refund checks. These messages falsely claim that New Yorkers must submit accurate payment information in order to receive an inflation refund check, supposedly so revenue agencies can deposit money into a taxpayer's bank account. The New York State Tax Department and the IRS will not call or text New Yorkers with requests for any personal information. View an example of this text message, so you know what to look out for.

“New Yorkers do not have to do anything to receive an inflation refund check outside of meeting the eligibility requirements,” Hochul said. “With scams targeting the state’s inflation refund initiative, let me be clear: The Tax Department and the IRS do not call or text individuals for personal information. My administration urges New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report these scams to the Tax Department to protect yourself from being a victim.”

Eligible New Yorkers do not need to apply, sign up, or do anything to receive an inflation refund check. If you filed a tax return, are below the income thresholds, and no one else claimed you as a dependent, you will receive a check.

 Hochul recently announced the state has begun sending inflation refund checks to more than 8.2 million households across New York, with check deliveries to continue throughout October and November. For more information on eligibility and other details, visit the New York State Tax Department's webpage at ny.gov/inflationrefund.

If you receive one of these messages appearing to be from the Tax Department, block the sender, delete the message, and report this scam to the Tax Department or IRS. The Tax Department does not use text messages, email, direct mail or social media to request your personal tax information.

By staying alert and knowing what to watch out for, you can reduce your risk of becoming a target of common tax scams.

How you can protect yourself

Follow these best practices to help keep your personal information safe and prevent yourself from becoming a victim. In addition:

√ If you receive a threatening phone call regarding your taxes, hang up immediately.

√ Never agree to meet anyone who claims to be a tax representative in person to hand over payment for a debt.

√ Don’t provide personal information in an email or click suspicious links in an email asking for personal information.

√ Report scams: If you’ve been scammed or think you’ve received an email, phone call, or text that seems suspicious, report it. We review all complaints promptly and, if appropriate, take corrective action.

For more taxpayer scam information, visit the Division of Consumer Protection's taxpayer scam webpage. For additional identity theft prevention and mitigation resources, call the consumer helpline at 800-697-1220 or visit the division’s identity theft prevention and mitigation program webpage.

Inflation refund checks

On Friday, Hochul announced New York's first-ever inflation refund checks up to $400 are now being sent to 8.2 million households statewide. Checks will be mailed directly to eligible New Yorkers, with deliveries to continue throughout October and November. There is no need to apply, sign up or do anything to receive a check.

Hochul secured and enacted this initiative as part of her ongoing commitment to putting money back in the pockets of New Yorkers. Earlier this year, the governor also secured and enacted initiatives to cut taxes for the middle class to their lowest levels in 70 years, expand New York’s child tax credit to up to $1,000 per child, and ensure universal free school meals to save families around $1,600 per child.

“We’re sending inflation refund checks to over 8 million New Yorkers because it's simple: This is your money and we're putting it back in your pockets,” Hochul said. “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.”

Inflation has driven the costs of everyday necessities higher and, as a result, the state's revenue from the collection of sales tax has also increased. Hochul believes that money belongs to hardworking New York families and should be put back in their pockets as an inflation refund – and that’s why 8.2 million households statewide will receive a check this fall.

The latest reports from the Federal Reserve show that approximately 37% of adults across the nation would have to borrow money or sell personal belongings to pay a $400 emergency expense using cash or its equivalent. The inflation refund checks can offer hardworking New Yorkers a cushion for smaller expenses, providing them with a sense of relief for unexpected repairs or emergencies.

Who’s eligible for an inflation refund check?

You are eligible for an inflation refund check if, for tax year 2023, you:

√ Filed form IT-201, New York state resident income tax return;

√ Reported income within the qualifying thresholds below; and

√ Were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.

Joint tax filers with income up to $150,000 will receive a $400 check.

Joint tax filers with income over $150,000 but no greater than $300,000 will receive a $300 check.

Single tax filers with income up to $75,000 will receive a $200 check.

Single tax filers with incomes over $75,000 but no greater than $150,000 will receive a $150 check.

There are no age restrictions. Filers do not need to do anything to receive an inflation refund check. If you filed a tax return, are below the income thresholds, and no one else claimed you as a dependent, you will receive a check.

When will checks be delivered?

Checks are being mailed across the state, and deliveries will continue throughout October and November. Your check may arrive earlier or later than your neighbors, as mailings will not be based on ZIP code or region.

Additional information from the New York State Tax Department can be seen at ny.gov/inflationrefund.

Inflation refund checks will be sent this fall to 8.2 million households throughout all corners of New York, including 585,000 in Western New York.