Latest news with #Refund
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Surprise $400 checks rolling out to millions of Americans — no zip code needed to cash in
Millions of New York residents will soon receive surprise inflation relief checks worth up to $400—with no zip code or application needed to qualify. This major financial support initiative, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, is part of New York State's newly approved 2025–2026 budget. In a bid to combat rising living costs and ease financial pressure on households, the state is automatically issuing these one-time inflation refund checks to more than 8.2 million residents. The best part? No sign-up forms, no regional restrictions, and no zip code requirements. If you're eligible, your check is coming—simple as that. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Artificial Intelligence Operations Management Design Thinking Public Policy Data Analytics Technology Cybersecurity Finance Data Science Degree others MCA MBA Data Science Project Management PGDM CXO Digital Marketing healthcare Management Others Product Management Healthcare Leadership Skills you'll gain: Duration: 7 Months S P Jain Institute of Management and Research CERT-SPJIMR Exec Cert Prog in AI for Biz India Starts on undefined Get Details What Are These $400 Inflation Refund Checks? These $400 checks are part of a state-funded relief package, designed to help New Yorkers cope with ongoing inflation, rising rent, grocery bills, and utility costs. The initiative is a cornerstone of Governor Hochul's 2025–26 budget, reflecting the administration's focus on direct aid to working-class and middle-income families. The New York Inflation Refund Program ensures that qualifying residents receive up to $400 per household, depending on their income and filing status. Unlike federal stimulus checks that were previously disbursed by income tiers or COVID relief plans, these payments are automatic and require no action from recipients. Who Is Eligible for the $400 Inflation Relief Payment? To receive a check, you must have filed a 2023 New York State income tax return (Form IT-201) . The state is using 2023 tax data to determine eligibility and refund amounts. Live Events Here are the basic eligibility criteria: Filed 2023 NY State tax return Not claimed as a dependent on another person's return Meet the income threshold for your filing status Income Thresholds and Refund Amounts: Filing Status Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Maximum Refund Amount Single Up to $75,000 $200 Single $75,001 – $150,000 $150 Married Filing Jointly / Widowed Up to $150,000 $400 Married Filing Jointly / Widowed $150,001 – $300,000 $300 If your income exceeds these limits, you won't receive a refund under this specific initiative. When Will the $400 Checks Be Sent? According to state officials, the checks will start going out by mid-October 2025, with deliveries continuing through November 2025. Because of the large number of eligible recipients—over 8 million—the mailings will be staggered. Important Note: There's no specific order by zip code, last name, or region. Unlike some government programs that roll out aid by area or application date, this one is completely automatic and statewide. Residents are encouraged to check their mail regularly during the fall and to ensure their address is up to date with the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. No Zip Code Needed – What Does That Mean? The phrase 'no zip code needed to cash in' simply means that the checks are not being issued based on geographic location. In the past, some relief programs were rolled out in stages depending on where you lived. That's not the case here. All qualified New Yorkers, regardless of where they live—from New York City to Buffalo, Albany, Syracuse, and everywhere in between—will get their check at the same time as the system allows, without prioritizing one zip code over another. So, whether you're in Queens (11413) or Saratoga Springs (12866), you're equally in line. How Will the Checks Be Delivered? The checks will be sent via regular U.S. Postal Service mail. The envelope will likely come from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, so don't toss out any government-looking mail during the October–November delivery window. Some residents may also receive direct deposit if that's how they received their tax refund in 2023. However, the majority will get physical checks. No Application or Paperwork Needed One of the biggest advantages of this program is that you don't need to apply. If you qualified based on your 2023 income tax filing, the system will automatically issue your refund check. There's no paperwork, no re-certification, and no website form to fill out. Just make sure: You filed your 2023 NY income tax return Your mailing address is up to date You were not claimed as a dependent If all three apply, you're set. Why Is New York Issuing These Refund Checks? This refund is part of a broader response to rising costs across the state. From housing to groceries, gas to healthcare, inflation has stretched household budgets thin. The state government has received strong pressure to act. Governor Hochul emphasized that the refund is part of a 'proactive strategy to bring immediate relief' to those most impacted by inflation, especially working families, the elderly, and renters. This initiative also allows the state to reinvest surplus funds from previous fiscal years into direct financial support, as opposed to long-term infrastructure or administrative programs. Watch Out for Scams Whenever relief money is involved, scammers follow. Be cautious of: Emails, texts, or phone calls asking you to 'claim' your refund. Requests for your Social Security number or bank info. Websites asking for a 'processing fee' to access the $400 check. Remember: You do NOT need to do anything to receive your inflation refund. If you're eligible, it will come automatically. Any request for action is a red flag. What to Do If You Don't Receive Your Check If you believe you're eligible but haven't received a check by December 1, 2025, follow these steps: Visit the official NY Tax Department website – Look for 'Inflation Refund' updates or FAQ section. Call the NY State Tax Refund Helpline at 1‑800‑225‑5829 (if available). Double-check your 2023 tax return status to ensure it was processed correctly. A Welcome Relief for Millions This surprise round of $400 checks for New Yorkers is a refreshing example of state-led inflation relief in action. With no zip code restrictions and no application required, it ensures that millions of families get timely financial support without jumping through bureaucratic hoops. If you're one of the 8.2 million New Yorkers who qualify, this fall could bring some much-needed budget relief—automatically. New York inflation refund checks up to $400 begin rolling out in October 2025. No zip code, no paperwork, no application needed. Based on 2023 state income tax filing and household income. Checks will continue mailing through November. Eligible residents will receive them automatically by mail or direct deposit. FAQs: Q1: Who qualifies for the New York $400 inflation refund checks? Anyone who filed a 2023 NY State tax return and meets income limits can get it automatically. Q2: Do I need my zip code to get the $400 inflation check? No zip code is needed—the checks are mailed automatically to all eligible New Yorkers.
Newsweek
30-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
New York's Inflation Refund Checks: Everything You Need To Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. New Yorkers could be getting a refund worth hundreds of dollars from the state later this year. Why It Matters Governor Kathy Hochul first proposed paying New Yorkers back on excess sales tax revenue in late 2024. Now, the idea has come to fruition as part of her 2026 State Budget, with the governor confirming the plans for Inflation Refund Checks on May 14. It means checks of up to $400 will be on the way for some 8.6 million people later this year. What To Know You are eligible for an inflation refund check for tax year 2023 if you filed Form IT-201 (the New York State Resident Income Tax Return), reported income within the qualifying thresholds, and were not claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer's return. Stock image/file photo: Four $100 bills. Stock image/file photo: Four $100 bills. GETTY How much you get can get depends on how much your income is. Joint filers with income up to $150,000 will receive the most available - a $400 check. Those with income over $150,000 but no greater than $300,000 will receive a $300 check. Single filers with income up to $75,000 will receive a $200 check, while those with income over $75,000 but no greater than $150,000 will receive a $150 check. There are no age restrictions, and eligible filers do not need to take any action to get their money. If you filed a return, meet the income requirements, and were not claimed as a dependent, you will automatically receive a refund check. According to the governor's official website, some 8.6 million New York State residents could benefit from the refund. In New York City, there are an estimated 3.65 million people who are eligible, 1.3 million in Long Island, and 900,000 in the Hudson Valley. What People Are Saying Hochul said in May: "Starting in October, 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. I'll never stop fighting to help your family address the rising cost of living — and that's why I also delivered on my promise to cut taxes for the middle class, expand the child tax credit and ensure free school meals for every student." Charles Lindsey, associate professor in the School of Management at the University at Buffalo, SUNY, told Newsweek: "Hopefully, consumers will either use it to buy necessary, essential, non-discretionary items and/or to pay down their credit card debt, loans, and other bills or financial obligations. If this is the case, then it can be a win-win such that it can alleviate some financial pressure for consumers while at the same time not putting much additional inflationary pressure on the economy in the form of upward pressure on prices." What Happens Next Checks will be sent in mid-October 2025, with the New York State Department of Tax and Finance saying they will be mailed "over a multiple week period" due to the large volume of refunds, meaning some will arrive in November.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Woolies shoppers rage over new reward cut
Woolies cuts another saving policy for Everyday Rewards members. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer Woolworths has axed a major saving point for Everyday Rewards members, the second within a fortnight. Delivery Unlimited customers will no longer receive double rewards points to their Everyday Rewards accounts from June 1. Delivery Unlimited is a $15 a month subscription which gave customers free delivery on same day or next day orders of $75 or more. Shoppers were notified of the change via email, and took to social media to protest against the changes. 'I signed up for a 1 year subscription for every day rewards just to have then (sic) email me this plus remove the 10 per cent of Big W. What a joke … have emailed them back wanting a refund as they cannot keep up to their side of the deal,' a customer lamented online. Everyday Rewards members are facing a second discount cut within two weeks. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard A Wooloworths spokesperson said Delivery Unlimited is still a great service for shoppers. 'Our Delivery Unlimited service continues to be very popular with customers and with an unlimited number of deliveries for $15 per month or $119 for an annual subscription, it provides great value and convenience to customers,' the spokesperson told NewsWire. 'We are streamlining Delivery Unlimited to focus on the primary benefit for subscribers which is providing timely and convenient delivery. Direct to Boot will also become a complimentary service for members. 'As such we are removing 2x Everyday Rewards points from the program. Instead customers will receive three months complimentary Direct To Boot Now which offers Direct To Boot pick up in less than 60 minutes. Direct To Boot Now normally costs $5 per order. 'We believe Delivery Unlimited still provides compelling benefits to subscribers. However if anyone would like to cancel their subscription they can do so by contacting our customer service team.' Woolworths defended the decision and said great offers are still provided by their rewards programs. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard This comes after Woolworths rewards shoppers threatened to cancel their memberships after the major supermarket axed a Big W discount. From next month, Everyday Extra members will no longer be able to claim 10 per cent off their Big W purchases once per month. 'We're writing to let you know that, unfortunately, from Sunday June 1 2025, the BIG W monthly ten per cent off discount will no longer be part of the Everyday Extra benefits,' an email to customers said. 'Thanks for being an Everyday Extra subscriber and we hope you'll continue enjoying great value from your subscription.' Shoppers flocked to social media criticising the supermarket and threatening to cancel their subscriptions. Yeah, I've just cancelled my subscription. Second reduction in benefits in a year without reduction in cost/replacement of benefit,' a past customer lamented.
News.com.au
07-05-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Delivery Unlimited faces major blow after another Everyday Rewards cutback
Woolworths has axed a major saving point for Everyday Rewards members, the second within a fortnight. Delivery Unlimited customers will no longer receive double rewards points to their Everyday Rewards accounts from June 1. Delivery Unlimited is a $15 a month subscription which gave customers free delivery on same day or next day orders of $75 or more. Shoppers were notified of the change via email, and took to social media to protest against the changes. 'I signed up for a 1 year subscription for every day rewards just to have then (sic) email me this plus remove the 10 per cent of Big W. What a joke … have emailed them back wanting a refund as they cannot keep up to their side of the deal,' a customer lamented online. A Wooloworths spokesperson said Delivery Unlimited is still a great service for shoppers. 'Our Delivery Unlimited service continues to be very popular with customers and with an unlimited number of deliveries for $15 per month or $119 for an annual subscription, it provides great value and convenience to customers,' the spokesperson told NewsWire. 'We are streamlining Delivery Unlimited to focus on the primary benefit for subscribers which is providing timely and convenient delivery. Direct to Boot will also become a complimentary service for members. 'As such we are removing 2x Everyday Rewards points from the program. Instead customers will receive three months complimentary Direct To Boot Now which offers Direct To Boot pick up in less than 60 minutes. Direct To Boot Now normally costs $5 per order. 'We believe Delivery Unlimited still provides compelling benefits to subscribers. However if anyone would like to cancel their subscription they can do so by contacting our customer service team.' This comes after Woolworths rewards shoppers threatened to cancel their memberships after the major supermarket axed a Big W discount. From next month, Everyday Extra members will no longer be able to claim 10 per cent off their Big W purchases once per month. 'We're writing to let you know that, unfortunately, from Sunday June 1 2025, the BIG W monthly ten per cent off discount will no longer be part of the Everyday Extra benefits,' an email to customers said. 'Thanks for being an Everyday Extra subscriber and we hope you'll continue enjoying great value from your subscription.' Shoppers flocked to social media criticising the supermarket and threatening to cancel their subscriptions. Yeah, I've just cancelled my subscription. Second reduction in benefits in a year without reduction in cost/replacement of benefit,' a past customer lamented. 'This is ridiculous. It's my second year paying for this service … this current subscription year has been terrible. I don't even get to spend X amount for 4 weeks to get X amount of dollars,' one shopper wrote. 'Woolworths are definitely trying to get their money's worth and not for us now. Will look into Coles rewards,' another commented. The changes will heavily impact families who use the rewards system, especially around holiday seasons to stretch their dollar a little more.
Miami Herald
08-04-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
MoneyBot5000 Finds Fewer Tax Refunds in 2025-But They're Bigger Than Before
Average refund tops $2,600 in 2025, prompting more Americans to seek smarter ways to plan, invest, and grow their financial future. NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / April 8, 2025 / In a new study, the AI-powered personal finance platform, has uncovered a surprising shift in how many Americans are receiving tax refunds. While the total number of refunds is declining, the average amount has increased, climbing to over $2,600 in 2025-a nearly 2% jump year over year. The findings come at a time when many households are seeking to stretch every dollar. study shows the tax refund is no longer just "extra money"-it's a vital financial moment. And for many, it's being used to reduce debt, build emergency funds, or kickstart new investments. Key Findings from the 2025 Tax Refund Study: Fewer refunds, bigger returns: Refunds dropped by nearly 5%, but the average refund increased to $2,600+, according to IRS data and analytics.High-income earners aren't always winning: Despite higher wages, states like California, New York, and Massachusetts didn't crack the top 10 in refund variation:Wyoming led the nation with an average refund of $9,957, followed by Mississippi ($8,006) and Nevada ($7,829).Alabama came in last with an average refund of $2,821. Tax Refund Strategy, Powered by AI To help users make the most of their tax refunds, offers personalized insights so users can chat with and walk through their personal financial needs. Whether savings for education, investing for retirement, or paying down debt is top of mind, can offer ideas that suit your situation in life. About is a cutting-edge personal finance management platform that helps users try to find unclaimed money, manage their finances, and plan for their financial future through AI-powered tools. Designed to simplify money management, offers personalized financial insights. Explore tools at Contact Information Erin Kemp PR & Research Strategisterin@ SOURCE: MoneyBot5000 press release
