Key Takeaways
- E-filed New York returns typically process in 2-3 weeks; you can check status online about a week after e-filing, or three weeks after mailing a paper return.
- The refund status line (1-518-457-5149) is available 24/7 - you don't need to call during business hours to get an automated status update.
- Free filing through the Free File Alliance now covers federal AGI up to $89,000 for the 2026 filing season - a $5,000 jump from the prior year and one of the largest increases in the program's history.
- If you work in New York but live in a neighboring state, filing Form IT-203 (Nonresident and Part-Year Resident return) lets you claim a refund of NY withholding and avoid double taxation.
- Responding promptly to a Request for Information notice (DTF-948) is the single biggest factor in avoiding extended refund delays - unanswered notices are the most common cause of returns stuck in 'processing' for months.
New York’s state refund process runs on its own timeline, separate from your federal refund — and the two systems don’t share status information, so a fast federal refund doesn’t tell you anything about when your state refund will arrive.
How Long Does a NY State Refund Take?
The NY Department of Taxation and Finance (NYDTF) generally processes e-filed returns in 2-3 weeks and paper returns in about 4 weeks, though returns flagged for manual review — often due to a mismatch, a missing form, or a request for additional documentation — take considerably longer. See average IRS and state refund processing times for how New York compares to other states.
You can check your refund status using the state’s Check Your Refund tool, similar in concept to the federal WMR/IRS2Go tracker used for your federal refund:
- E-filed returns: check status about one week after filing.
- Paper returns: wait about three weeks before checking, since paper returns take longer to enter into the system.
Choosing direct deposit rather than a mailed check remains the fastest way to actually receive your refund once it’s approved — a mailed check adds several days to weeks on top of processing time, and New York requires a mailed check in some part-year resident situations regardless of your preference.
Responding to a Request for Information (DTF-948)
If NYDTF needs more information to process your return, they’ll send a Request for Information notice (Form DTF-948 or DTF-948-O). This is the single most common reason a return sits in “processing” far longer than expected — and unfortunately, many filers don’t realize a letter is coming or miss it in the mail.
Respond promptly. Delayed responses are the most direct cause of extended refund waits. You can also view notices through your Individual Online Services account even if you didn’t receive (or can’t find) the mailed letter, which is worth checking proactively if your refund status hasn’t moved in several weeks.
Living in a Neighboring State? File Form IT-203
If you live in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or another neighboring state but work in New York, you’re required to file Form IT-203 (Nonresident and Part-Year Resident Income Tax Return). This lets you claim a refund of New York income tax withheld from your pay and avoid being taxed twice on the same income by both states.
One important wrinkle: New York is one of a handful of states that applies a “convenience of the employer” rule, meaning if your employer is based in New York but you work remotely from another state for your own convenience (rather than your employer’s necessity), New York may still tax that income. This has become a bigger issue as remote work has become more common — if this applies to you, it’s worth understanding before assuming your home state’s tax rules are the only ones that matter.
Free Filing Options for 2026
Through the Free File Alliance, New York filers can prepare and file both federal and state returns for free if they meet the income requirements. For the 2026 filing season, the federal AGI threshold is $89,000 or less — a $5,000 increase from the prior year and one of the largest jumps in the program’s history. Some individual Free File partners layer on their own additional requirements (age or military status among them), so check each partner’s specific criteria on the NY Free File page if your situation is close to the cutoff.
If your income is above the threshold, NY still offers Free File Fillable Forms for taxpayers of any income level, though these require you to do your own calculations rather than providing guided software assistance. You can use the same tax software to file both your federal and New York state returns together.
How to Reach a Live Agent
- Refund status (automated, 24/7): 1-518-457-5149
- General tax information: 1-518-457-5181
For your federal refund, see our guide on reaching a live IRS agent — the process and hold times are notably different from New York’s system.
Looking Ahead: 2027
New York’s processing timelines and phone numbers have stayed fairly consistent year over year, so the biggest thing to watch for the 2027 filing season is whether the Free File AGI threshold rises again — it’s jumped meaningfully in recent years as the IRS expands the program, and NY’s threshold tracks the federal figure. If you’re a remote worker with a New York-based employer, also keep an eye on any legislative movement around the “convenience of the employer” rule, since several states have challenged similar rules in other jurisdictions in recent years.
See also: When Can I File My Taxes in 2027? | Why Is It Taking So Long to Get My Tax Refund? | 2026-2027 Updates: Best Online Tax Filing Software and Free Filing Options
I went on New York state where’s my refund it keeps saying it was received and it is being processed but there is no date it is very frustrating
Mine is doing the same thing. Already got my federal but the state is taking forever. My state was accepted on January 31, I sure would like to know what the hold up is. Good old NYS.
Mine also
Filed mines Feb 1st then on the 3rd it said “needs additional review” then on the 16th went to “processing” and hasn’t updated since.
Same what the hell nys
Have you received yours yet ? I’m just curious I filed the same time and having the same problem
Well yes the state is different from federal the state does not have a particular time frame are date you see they been doing that for years you just have to wait
mine too says received and being pro
Filed Electronically in March, single Mom leaving in NY with a Part Time Job can barely eat everything so expensive. Just give me what I’m owed.
It is so frustrating that some of us are waiting for thousands of dollars, struggling to pay our bills and the state is holding our money. So stressed. Absolutely HORRIBLE.
I’ve been waiting on my refund check since April… I filed as single, partial resident, basic W2 income. Per their rules they have to mail me a physical check because of being a partial year resident and them owing me a refund. I was advised that it could take up to 90 days after the process date. In mid-June they sent me a letter requesting supporting documentation, which in my case was a simple W2 showing how much in NY State Tax that I overpaid. I submitted the documents that same day. And then the clock/wait started over. The refund status says that it could take up to 90 more days for them to review the documents. All in all I’ve been waiting over 4 months, 120 days, for the state of NY to process a basic return and send me a refund check in the amount of $3,200.
If this was an individual owing them this would be unacceptable and they would just TAKE the money from me and charge me interest on the amount. However, when the tables are turned then its shut up and wait, oh…and no, you can’t contact us directly. Just check the website. Thats horrible on so many levels. And it’s giving me “I don’t have it to give energy!”
I filed at the end of January on a non resident and am still waiting for an $1,100 refund. I feel ya. I had to send a W2 back in May or June too.
Did you receive anything yet? I have been waiting since April 29th, about to go on 7 Months. can’t even get a hold of a live person.. now i don’t know what i am going to do when 2022 tax season,comes around in February i have no idea what to put.. very frustrating…
When can I expect our refund? E Filed March 28 by our accountant. Can not reach him to find out the status and your site says no info of return at this time.
I filed in February and am still waiting as of June 22. The state is holding a lot of my money and I am really upset. It’s not right.
Yes iam still waiting for mines as well things are so high and they are holding people money this so sad how things are now smh
I’ve been waiting for my state check since March, is it late to have it direct deposit? I need to pay my bills.
When can I expect my return? It was received by NYS on March 9, 2022