Deadline to file tax returns and claim impact money is quickly approaching

Tax Department reminds New Yorkers of Oct. 15 deadline to file income tax returns on extension and to register for unclaimed economic impact payments

From the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance:

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance on Thursday reminded New Yorkers of two important deadlines:

√ Taxpayers who obtained a filing extension must submit their personal income tax returns on or before Thursday, Oct. 15; and

√ Some 538,000 New Yorkers who haven’t claimed the federal economic impact payment that they’re eligible to receive from the IRS must do so by Nov. 21.

“With less than two weeks before the deadline for filing personal income tax returns on extension, we’re reminding taxpayers to take advantage of online guidance and free tax filing software available on our website,” New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Michael Schmidt said.

File Both NYS & Federal Tax Returns for Free

Each year, millions of New Yorkers qualify to file their personal income tax returns for free through the Tax Department's website. Taxpayers who earned $69,000 or less in 2019 are eligible to electronically prepare and e-file both their federal and New York state income tax returns by using Free File software.

More than 252,000 taxpayers have already filed their returns through the Free File program this year, a nearly 58% increase over last year, saving these taxpayers an estimated $51.7 million in tax preparation fees.

To ensure one is not charged a fee, one must go to the Tax Department's website to complete a return. Select the Free File your income tax return link on the Tax Department's website to review the Free File options. This will save preparation fees, avoid costly errors, and ensure one receives any refund they’re owed in the most efficient way possible.

The Tax Department has produced a series of video tutorials to assist New Yorkers with the tax return filing process. Topics range from gathering the necessary documents to choosing the right software. One can view the videos at the “Get ready to e-file your income tax return” webpage. More resources, including answers to common questions, are also available on the Tax Department website to help taxpayers electronically prepare and file an accurate return.

Receive a Refund Faster

Filing a return electronically is safer and more efficient than sending paper returns through the mail. About 95% of all personal income tax returns in New York are electronically prepared and filed. All returns, regardless of how they’re filed, undergo the same systematic review.

One can receive a refund faster if it’s directly deposited into a bank account rather than mailed as a paper check, given reports of delays with the U.S. Postal Service. To use direct deposit, check direct deposit on a 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.

Check Your Refund Status

Taxpayers can quickly view the status of their New York state tax refund anytime by using the department's Check Refund Status app at its website: www.tax.ny.gov. Updated daily, this online tool is the fastest and most convenient way to know when to expect a refund. It provides the same information available to tax phone representatives.

One can also find out when their 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 at the bottom of the page.

Register to Receive Federal Economic Impact Payment

About 538,000 New Yorkers haven’t received their federal Economic Impact Payment, according to the IRS. The department said, “If you or someone you know is eligible for the payment, but hasn’t claimed it yet, there’s still time. The registration deadline to get an Economic Impact Payment this year is Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020.”

Eligible individuals must use the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool by Nov. 21 to submit the necessary information to the IRS.