Where to check your New York State tax refund
New York State has one official place to check your refund: the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance website. You can look up your refund status without logging in or creating an account — you just need your Social Security number and the exact amount of the refund you expect.
Go to tax.ny.gov and look for the "Where's My Refund?" tool. It is usually on the homepage or in the "Refunds" section. The tool works for both state income tax refunds and property tax refunds, so make sure you are checking the right one.
You can also call the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance at 518-457-5181 during business hours if you prefer to speak with someone. Have your Social Security number and expected refund amount ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- The official "Where's My Refund?" tool on tax.ny.gov is the only place to check your state refund status, and you do not need to log in.
- You will need your Social Security number and the exact refund amount you are expecting to use the tool.
- Refunds typically take three to six weeks from the date the state receives your return, but this varies depending on how you filed and whether the return needs review.
- If you filed by mail, allow extra time for the state to receive and process your return before checking the tool.
- The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in the same day will show the same information.
How long New York refunds usually take
The time it takes to receive your refund depends on how you filed your return. If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit to your bank account, the state typically processes your refund within three to six weeks from the date they receive your return. If you filed by mail, add one to two weeks for the state to receive and scan your return before that clock starts.
Some returns take longer. If the state needs to review your return — for example, because you claimed a large credit or the information does not match their records — processing can take eight weeks or more. The "Where's My Refund?" tool will show a message if your return is under review.
If you chose a paper check instead of direct deposit, add another one to two weeks after the state approves your refund for the check to arrive in the mail.
What information you need to check your refund
Before you use the "Where's My Refund?" tool, gather two pieces of information: your Social Security number and the exact refund amount you are expecting. The amount should match what you calculated on your return or what your tax software showed you before you filed.
If you are not sure of the exact amount, look at your filed return. If you filed electronically, check your email for a confirmation message from the state. If you filed by mail, you may have kept a copy of your return. The tool requires the amount to be exact — it will not accept a rounded number or an estimate.
What the tool tells you and what it does not
The "Where's My Refund?" tool shows you whether the state has received your return, whether it is being processed, and the expected date your refund will be deposited or mailed. Once your refund is approved, the tool will show you the deposit date if you chose direct deposit, or the mailing date if you chose a check.
The tool does not tell you why your return is delayed, whether there is a problem with it, or what the state is reviewing if your return is under review. If the tool shows a message that your return is under review or if you see an error message, you will need to call the department at 518-457-5181 to speak with someone who can explain what is happening.
If your refund is taking longer than expected
If the "Where's My Refund?" tool shows no information about your return, or if the expected refund date has passed and you have not received your money, check the tool again the next day — it updates once per day, usually overnight. If the tool still shows nothing after you have waited the normal processing time, call 518-457-5181.
When you call, have your Social Security number, the tax year you filed for, and the refund amount ready. The person who answers can look up your return in the system and tell you whether the state received it, whether it is being reviewed, and when you should expect your refund.
If you filed by mail and it has been more than two weeks since you mailed your return, the state may not have received it yet. Ask the department to confirm whether they have your return on file.
Direct deposit versus paper check refunds
If you chose direct deposit on your return, your refund goes straight to your bank account on the date the tool shows. Direct deposit is faster — usually three to six weeks total — and you do not have to worry about a check getting lost in the mail.
If you chose a paper check, the state mails it to the address on your return. A check typically arrives one to two weeks after the state approves your refund. If you moved since you filed, the check may go to your old address. If you do not receive a check within two weeks of the expected mailing date shown in the tool, call 518-457-5181 to report it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my federal and state refunds in the same place?
No. Your federal refund is tracked through the IRS website (irs.gov), and your New York State refund is tracked through tax.ny.gov. You will need to check both sites separately if you filed both a federal and state return.
What if the "Where's My Refund?" tool says it cannot find my return?
This usually means the state has not received your return yet, or the Social Security number or refund amount you entered does not match what is on file. Double-check that you entered your Social Security number correctly and that the refund amount is exact. If you filed by mail, wait a few more days and try again. If you filed electronically, call 518-457-5181.
Can I change my refund from a check to direct deposit?
No, you cannot change the refund method after you file. If you chose a check and want direct deposit in the future, you will need to file your next return with direct deposit selected. If your check is lost or never arrives, the state can reissue it or deposit the amount directly — call 518-457-5181 to request this.
How do I know if my return is being audited?
The "Where's My Refund?" tool will show a message if your return is under review. You may also receive a letter from the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance in the mail explaining what they are reviewing. If you receive a letter, follow the instructions in it or call the number on the letter.
What if I never filed a return but expect a refund?
You must file a return to receive a refund — the state does not send refunds without a filed return. If you think you are owed a refund, you will need to file a return for that tax year. Contact the department at 518-457-5181 if you are unsure whether you need to file.