August 24, 2025

Grab your excitement, New York! Governor Kathy Hochul has green-lighted a juicy $400 inflation refund check for 8 million residents. This comes from a big $2 billion rebate plan aimed at easing hard times for taxpayers. The best part? You don’t have to fill any forms or apply! If you filed your 2023 tax return and meet the income rules, the check will come to you automatically starting this October. Here’s the scoop on eligibility: Joint filers with income up to $150,000 get the full $400 slap on the back. For single filers earning up to $75,000, it’s a cool $200 to help with the pinch. But wait, this cool cash has sparked some fiery political debates! Assembly member Clare Valdez wants the money to strengthen Medicaid or SNAP programs instead. Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, who might battle Hochul in the 2026 race, called the check plan a “gimmick.” Not one to back down, Governor Hochul boldly said, "We collected more money than expected because of inflation. That came off the backs of hardworking families. My view is: Give it back to them." The stakes are high — New York faces a whopping $10.5 billion budget gap next year and a scary $34.3 billion deficit over three years, the worst since the Great Recession, says Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli. The rebate was trimmed from an initial $3 billion to $2 billion after tough talks. Still, Hochul promises no income tax hikes to cover this seam. So why return the cash now? Simple! Inflation made families pay more, so the Governor feels the extra tax money collected should return to those who earned it the hard way. Mark your calendars for October and keep an eye on your mailbox. The $400 inflation refund checks are coming your way soon, making those wallets a little happier without any extra hassle from your side!

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Tags: Inflation refund, New york, Governor kathy hochul, Tax rebate, 2023 tax returns, Budget deficit,