IX Legal's Estate and Tax Division is committed to sending you valuable information, tips, and alerts about what is happening in the world of estate planning and taxation. Today we have good news: you may be getting a one-time inflation refund check from New York State! In the 2025–2026 state budget, New York created a one-time inflation refund payment to help offset the burden of higher consumer costs. No application is required – these checks will be automatically mailed starting at the end of September 2025 and distribution will continue over several weeks. So, if you receive a letter from the State with a check, it may not be a scam – do not throw it away! Why this matters to you: 1. Immediate Financial Relief Inflation raises the cost of basics like groceries, gas, and utilities. For many New Yorkers, even a few hundred dollars from a refund check can cover: - A month’s utility bill - Several weeks of groceries - Rent support or commuting costs 2. Economic Stimulus When people have extra money in their pocket, they tend to spend it locally – whether at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, or small businesses. That creates a ripple effect: - It boosts demand for local goods and services - It supports small businesses still recovering from economic slowdowns - It keeps money circulating within the community rather than sitting idle - It provides progressive relief by targeting groups most burdened by inflation such as renters and homeowners alike For full eligibility details, please refer to the chart below and the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance’s official inflation refund tax webpage: |