New York State has issued a scam alert regarding “inflation refund” checks. According to New York State, scammers are requesting personal information via phone calls, text messages, emails, and postal mail in connection with the recently mailed inflation refund checks.
Some scammers are impersonating IRS agents and demanding accurate personal and financial information to receive their state inflation refund checks.
Governor Kathy Hokul stated, “As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you will receive your check without any further action. The IRS is not involved in these checks issued by the New York State government. The IRS has no reason to contact you. If you receive such a call, please report it immediately.”
New York State has been issuing “Inflation Rebate Checks” via mail since last weekend to provide refunds to low- and middle-income taxpayers who have significantly increased their sales tax due to inflation. For married couples filing jointly, households with an annual gross income (AGI) of $300 to $150,000 will receive a $300 check, while those with an AGI of $150,000 or less will receive a $400 check.
Individuals filing individually will receive a $150 check for those with an AGI of $150 to $75,000, and $200 checks for those with an AGI of $75,000 or less. Rebate checks will be mailed sequentially through November.
Tips on avoiding refund scams can be found on the website (dos.ny.gov/taxpayer-scam-0).