ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The 2025-26 New York State budget is allowing for the state to hand out free money in the form of inflation refund checks.

For the first time in New York, these one-time payments aim to provide relief to residents who have incurred increased sales tax burdens due to inflation. But how do you get it?

You're eligible for a refund check if, for the 2023 tax year: • You filed the New York State Resident Income Tax Return, known as Form IT-201 • You reported a qualifying income • You were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return.

But what if you didn't file your 2023 tax return, like if you receive social security?

"We can do a filing for a NYS only and file that return to have it on the records," said David Bruno, the VITA Program Manager with

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