Check your refund status on the New York Department of Taxation and Finance website

The New York Department of Taxation and Finance runs a refund tracker at tax.ny.gov. Go to the "Refunds" section and select "Where's My Refund?" You will need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your tax return.

The tracker updates every 24 hours, usually overnight. If your return was filed electronically, the tracker typically shows status within 24 hours of filing. If you mailed a paper return, it takes longer — the state must receive it, scan it, and enter it into the system before tracking becomes available, which can take 4 to 6 weeks.

The tracker will show one of four statuses: "Return received and being processed," "Refund approved," "Refund issued," or "Return under review." Each status tells you where your return sits in the queue and, if approved, when the refund will arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • The New York Department of Taxation and Finance refund tracker at tax.ny.gov is the official source for your refund status and requires your Social Security number and refund amount.
  • Electronic returns show up in the tracker within 24 hours; paper returns take 4 to 6 weeks before tracking information appears.
  • Refunds are typically issued within 2 to 3 weeks after approval, but timing varies based on your bank and whether you chose direct deposit or a check.
  • If your return is under review, the state has found a discrepancy and will contact you by mail with next steps — do not wait for a phone call.
  • The tracker updates once per day, so checking multiple times on the same day will show the same information.

What each refund status means

"Return received and being processed" means the state has your return but has not yet reviewed it for accuracy. This is the normal first step. For electronic returns, this phase usually lasts a few days. For paper returns, it can last several weeks while the state processes the backlog.

"Refund approved" means the state has reviewed your return, found no issues, and authorized the refund. The money has not yet left the state's account, but it will. This status typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks before the refund is issued.

"Refund issued" means the state has sent the money out. If you chose direct deposit, it should arrive in your bank account within 1 to 3 business days. If you chose a check, it will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days, depending on postal service speed and your location.

"Return under review" means the state found something that does not match — a discrepancy between your return and your W-2s, a math error, or a duplicate claim (for example, two people claiming the same dependent). The state will mail you a letter explaining what they found and what you need to do. This phase can last 30 to 60 days or longer if you need to respond with documents.

Typical refund timing after approval

Once your return is approved, the refund does not arrive instantly. The state must process the payment, which takes time even after the decision is made. Direct deposit is faster than a mailed check because no physical mail is involved.

If you chose direct deposit, expect the money in your bank account 1 to 3 business days after the tracker shows "Refund issued." If you chose a check, expect it 7 to 10 business days after "Refund issued," though delays can happen during high-volume periods (April through June) or if your address is hard to find.

The entire process from "Return received" to money in your account typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for electronic returns with no issues. Paper returns take longer — usually 6 to 8 weeks total. Returns under review can take much longer, depending on what the state needs from you.

What to do if your refund is delayed

If the tracker shows "Refund issued" but you have not received the money after the expected timeframe, first check that your bank account information is correct. If you chose direct deposit, a typo in your routing number or account number will cause the deposit to fail, and the state will mail you a check instead — this can add 2 to 3 weeks.

If you chose a check and it has not arrived after 10 business days, contact the New York Department of Taxation and Finance at 518-457-5181 (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. The department can tell you whether the check was mailed and, if it was lost, can issue a replacement.

Do not assume the refund is lost if it is only a few days late. Banks sometimes hold deposits for 1 to 2 business days before posting them to your account, especially if the deposit is large or if your account is new.

If your return is under review

When the tracker shows "Return under review," the state will send you a letter by mail within 2 to 4 weeks. The letter will explain what the issue is and what documents or information you need to send back. Common reasons include a math error, a missing or mismatched W-2, or a dependent claimed by more than one person.

Read the letter carefully and follow the instructions exactly. The letter will include a deadline — usually 30 days from the date of the letter — to respond. If you miss the deadline, the state may deny your refund or reduce it. If you need more time, you can call the number on the letter and ask for an extension.

Send your response by certified mail so you have proof it was received. Keep a copy for your records. The state will review your response and update the tracker once a decision is made, though this can take another 4 to 8 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the tracker say my refund was issued but I haven't received it?

If you chose direct deposit, the money should arrive in 1 to 3 business days. If you chose a check, allow 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery. If more time has passed, check that your bank account or mailing address is correct on your return. Call 518-457-5181 if the check was mailed more than 10 business days ago.

Can I call the state to find out my refund status instead of using the website?

Yes. Call the New York Department of Taxation and Finance at 518-457-5181 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern time. Have your Social Security number and refund amount ready. Wait times are often long during tax season (March through June).

What if I filed a paper return and the tracker still shows nothing after 6 weeks?

Paper returns take 4 to 6 weeks to enter the system. If more than 6 weeks have passed, call 518-457-5181 to confirm the state received your return. Bring your mailing date and the tracking number if you mailed it certified. The state can tell you whether it arrived and when it will appear in the tracker.

If my return is under review, will I still get my refund?

Usually yes, but not always. It depends on what the state found. If it is a math error or a missing document you can provide, you will get the refund once you respond. If the state finds you are not may have access to to part of the refund (for example, a dependent was claimed by someone else), your refund will be reduced or denied for that portion.

How do I know if the state received my paper return?

Mail it certified with return receipt requested. You will get a postcard back showing the state received it. The tracker will not show your return for 4 to 6 weeks after that, but the receipt proves it arrived. If the tracker shows nothing after 6 weeks, call 518-457-5181 with your receipt number.