The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today reminded New Yorkers who obtained a filing extension that they must file their NYS income tax return on or before October 17.

The Tax Department expects about 350,000 returns to be filed ahead of the extension deadline.

Once these extension returns are systematically reviewed and finalized, the Tax Department will have processed a total of more than 10 million personal income tax returns this year.

“I encourage these extension filers and all filers to choose the ease and convenience of our electronic filing options,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “And if you’re due a refund, our website will provide updates for you every step of the way from processing through the time the check is mailed or the money is deposited into your bank account.”  

E-file — Join the more than 90% of New Yorkers who e-file. E-filed returns are 20 times less likely to have an error, enabling taxpayers to receive their refunds up to twice as fast compared with those who file on paper.

File free — Individuals and families who earned less than $62,000 can prepare and file their state and federal income tax returns for free at our website—www.tax.ny.gov.

Claim the credits you deserve — The IRS estimates that about 430,000 eligible New Yorkers fail to claim their Earned Income Tax Credits. For tax year 2015, the federal, state, and New York City credit can add up to as much as $8,427 (for a family with three children earning $53,267 or less). Learn about this valuable credit and others, including the child and dependent care credit and college tuition credit, at our Income tax credits page.

Use direct deposit for your refund — More than 80% of New Yorkers choose direct deposit. If you hire a tax preparer, make sure your refund is deposited into your account—not the preparer's.

Check your refund online — Go directly to our website to check the status of your refund anytime. Our “Where’s Your Refund?” app provides information updated daily and a timeframe for each step in the processing of your return—from receipt of the return to the issue date and amount of the refund.