Taxes: Receive your money faster, and quickly check on your refund

E-file and choose direct deposit to receive the refund you’re owed up to two weeks sooner

By the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance reminded taxpayers of the fastest and easiest ways to file their tax returns, check their refund status, and receive their money as quickly as possible.

“Meet your tax obligations and check on your refund in the easiest way possible by taking advantage of the convenient and secure resources available 24/7 on the Tax Department website, www.tax.ny.gov,” Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller said. “There’s simply no need to waste time on the phone, or at a bank or post office.”

File Fast and Free

E-filing is safer, faster, and more efficient than sending paper returns through the mail. If your 2022 income is $73,000 or less, you may be able to take advantage of the Free File program.

This program allows you to electronically prepare and file both your federal and New York state returns at no cost through the Tax Department website.

Hundreds of thousands of New York state taxpayers take advantage of this truly free service each year, saving them hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in tax-preparation costs.

Free File is available in multiple languages: Spanish | Chinese | Russian | Bengali | Haitian Creole | Korean | Yiddish | Italian | Arabic | Polish

Not eligible to Free File? Learn about other e-file options.

Quickly Check Your Refund Status

After submitting a completed return, taxpayers can also quickly view the status of their New York state tax refund anytime by using the “Check your Refund” application on the Tax Department website: www.tax.ny.gov.

It’s the fastest and most convenient way to know when to expect your refund. It’s updated daily and provides the same information available to our phone representatives – only without the wait!

You can also find out when your refund will be issued by signing up for Tax Department email alerts. Visit the Tax Department homepage at www.tax.ny.gov and select “Subscribe” under the “Connect With Us” heading at the bottom of the page.

Receive Your Refund Up To Two Weeks Sooner

You’ll receive your refund faster if it’s directly deposited into your bank account rather than mailed as a paper check.

To use direct deposit, simply check direct deposit on your tax return, then enter your bank’s nine-digit routing number and your account number. For checking accounts, this information is available on your checks; for savings accounts, contact your bank.

Get Your Questions Answered

Tax Department representatives are available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET at 518-457-5181 on weekdays.

Before you call, however, consider that the most efficient way to obtain tax filing guidance and information, including answers to common questions, is to visit the Tax Department’s website, www.tax.ny.gov. Our filing season resource center is a good place to start.