NEW YORK — New York State will send refund checks to eligible residents starting in October to offset increased sales tax due to inflation. The checks were first announced in May by Governor Kathy Hochul, who said they are a part of her effort to help the middle class. 

“Over 8 million New Yorkers will get an inflation refund because it’s simple—this is your money and we’re putting it back in your pockets,” she said in a press release. 

According to Hochul, inflation has driven the costs of everyday necessities higher and as a result, the state’s revenue from the collection of sales tax has also increased; Hochul believes that money should be put back in the pockets of New York families as an inflation refund.

To be eligible for the refund checks, you must have filed Form IT-201, New York State Resident Tax Return, reported income within the qualifying thresholds, and not be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return for 2023. The refund checks will be in the amount of $150-$400, depending on your filing status and reported income; for a more detailed breakdown of refund amounts, visit www.tax.ny.gov/pit/inflation-refund-checks.htm.

Hochul’s office said 924,000 people in the Mid-Hudson Region will receive income checks; check recipient numbers for Sullivan County were not available by presstime.