4 Helpful Tips for Understanding Your NYS Refund Status
As a taxpayer, waiting for your New York State (NYS) refund can be an excruciating experience. The anxiety worsens when you have no idea what’s going on behind the scenes and when you should expect to get your hard-earned money back.
If you’re in this predicament, don’t despair. Here are four helpful tips to help you understand your NYS refund status and ease your anxiety.
1. Check the NYS Refund Status Website
The NYS Department of Taxation and Finance maintains an online tool for checking the status of your refund. All you need is your Social Security number, the refund amount, and the tax year. Once you enter the details, the website will display your refund status.
The website provides several status messages, including “received,” “refund approved,” and “refund issued.” Knowing what each status means will give you an idea of where you stand in the refund process.
2. Be Patient
Once you submit your tax returns, it’s natural to want to know the status of your refund as soon as possible. However, it’s important to note that the refund process takes time, and the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance asks taxpayers to allow up to 90 days from the date of their return for refunds to be processed.
Even if you file your returns on time and accurately, your refund could still be delayed due to other factors beyond your control. It’s therefore essential to be patient and avoid making panicked calls to the Department before the due date for your refund has passed.
3. Keep Tabs on Your Mailbox
While most NYS refund notifications are sent by email, some are still delivered via mail. Therefore, it’s essential to keep tabs on your mailbox, especially if you haven’t received any email notifications. Ensure that your mailing address is up to date on your tax returns and cross-check this with the department to avoid any critical notifications going to the wrong address.
4. Reach Out to the Department of Taxation and Finance if Necessary
If your refund status has been in “processing” state for a prolonged period, or you encounter any other issues with your NYS refund process, you can contact the Department of Taxation and Finance customer service line for assistance.
Pleasant, knowledgeable representatives staff the phone lines and will take your call to address any queries you may have about your refund. You can also use the Department’s online contact form to reach out to a customer service representative and get detailed feedback on your refund status.
Conclusion
Waiting for your NYS tax refund can be stressful. However, with these four tips, you will be better equipped to understand the refund process and know what to expect. Remember to check your refund status online, keep tabs on your mailbox, and be patient as the NYS tax department processes your refund. And if you need to reach out for help, don’t hesitate to contact the department’s customer service representatives.
