Thank God for elections! It’s the only time New York’s overtaxed, over-regulated and largely ignored constituents get “something for nothing” from their politicians. Especially if they are polling poorly – as Governor Hochul is, witnessed by her lack of favorability and downward decent in the polls. But can she actually buy our votes by giving us back our own money? No one’s going to refuse the check with or without the stench of a bribe.
After a recent press release from the Governor’s office, she detailed plans (below in color) that NY Sate tax payers from last year would be receiving “inflation refund checks”. Didn’t file taxes for 2023? Well, you won’t be getting anything. However, if you didn’t file your taxes because you hat e the government, Governor Hochul, can’t afford it, or something else, you’re still not receiving a check.
But what exactly is the inflation refund check scheme actually trying to do, beyond purchasing your vote? Inflation is not as high as it had been under the previous administration, the price of eggs, fuel and other consumables, have also gone down in price. Although, salaries have not kept pace with everything that is going on and “affordable housing” (aka subsidized housing) is still taking it on the chin.
What’s always discussed and never honestly discussed is that we have a lack of affordable housing throughout our area, although upstate NY (the real upstate) has continually been a depressed area. The residents either work for government, are school teachers and/or farmers and some random small business owners. They make up the majority of occupations up north. The balance sees many as members of the Department of Social Services receiving food stamps, housing vouchers for daily hotel room accommodations.
Why the housing shortages? Taxes. Why the vacant storefronts in every New York state community? Taxes. How so, you may ask? Tax and spend politicians, such as those in New York, consistently tax property owners for more of their hard-earned money to give away on selective pet projects, member item causes (again, buying constituent votes with “goodwill” efforts). The reality is every time taxes are increased, property owners who rent a property to a business or an individual are forced to compensate by raising the rent. It’s a vicious cycle since taxes were made the law of the land.
Want to solve the affordable housing crisis? Lower taxes. More importantly, find ways to cut taxes while improving spending efficiency. It won’t happen with this current crop of politicos – they’ve already tasted the forbidden fruit and can’t be weened off of it. It’s time Greenburgh instituted term limits. Only then will we get A Better Greenburgh.
Inflation refund checks coming to millions in New York: What to know
New York State will begin mailing its first-ever inflation refund checks in just days, with over 8 million residents set to receive up to $400. These one-time payments aim to offset sales tax burdens tied to inflation—and qualified taxpayers don’t need to apply to get them.
When checks are coming
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance plans to begin mailing checks at the end of September 2025. The process will take several weeks and has several conditions:
• Mailings will not follow ZIP codes or regions
• You may receive your check before or after your neighbors
• The Tax Department will not provide specific delivery timelines
• Contact center staff will not have access to individual payment schedules
Watch your mailbox for an envelope from the NYS Tax Department, which will issue the checks directly.
Who qualifies for a refund
New Yorkers qualify if they meet three key criteria based on their 2023 tax return:
• Filed Form IT-201, the New York State Resident Income Tax Return
• Reported income within the eligible range
• Did not get claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return
If you qualify, the state will send your check automatically—no application needed.
How much you’ll get
The refund amount depends on your 2023 income and filing status. Here’s how it breaks down:
Single or Married Filing Separately
• $75,000 or less → $200
• $75,001–$150,000 → $150
Married Filing Joint or Qualifying Surviving Spouse
• $150,000 or less → $400
• $150,001–$300,000 → $300
Head of Household
• $75,000 or less → $200
• $75,001–$150,000 → $150
The refund checks will reflect your adjusted gross income reported on Line 33 of Form IT-201 for tax year 2023.
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