The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced that more than three million personal income tax returns have been filed since the filing season began on January 29. The department also issued $875 million in refunds to taxpayers with an average state refund of more than $800. 

“New Yorkers continue to experience the simplicity and ease of e-filing, which allows us to more efficiently process returns and refund claims,” said Acting Commissioner Nonie Manion. “The free resources available directly from the Tax Department, including user-friendly online software and in-person assistance, are making it even easier to file electronically and receive refunds sooner.”

Take advantage of free e-filing options

For those who need some e-filing guidance, the Tax Department has opened free tax assistance sites for eligible taxpayers. Those who had adjusted gross household incomes of $66,000 or less in 2017 may use free tax preparation software at the sites to electronically prepare and file both their state and federal tax returns.

Tax Department experts will be available at each site to assist low- and middle-income New Yorkers through the filing process at no charge. A schedule of dates, times, and locations is available online at www.tax.ny.gov/fsa.

Tax Department experts are also able, at certain locations, to assist taxpayers in multiple languages, including Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu.
 
Free online option. Eligible taxpayers don’t need to visit a site, though: they can also access and use the same free software anytime from their computer, smartphone, or tablet at www.tax.ny.gov (search: freefile2017).

All returns undergo the same systematic review, but e-filers typically receive any refunds due two weeks sooner than paper filers. Using the tax preparation software also helps filers avoid careless errors that can cause significant delays and prevents valuable credits from being overlooked.

Check refund status online, anytime!

If you’re eager to find out the status of your claim for an income tax refund, use the Check your Refund tool on the Tax Department's website. It’s the fastest and most convenient way to know when to expect your refund.

To use this online application anytime, you’ll need to enter the refund amount you're claiming, your Social Security number, and which form you filed. You’ll then obtain the same information as you would from our Tax Department phone representatives, without the wait.

You can also use the Tax Department’s automated phone line (518-457-5149) to check your refund status, which is also available anytime and likewise provides the same information you’d receive from a phone representative.

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