New Yorkers Filing Taxes Online get Safe, Fast Refunds: State Officials

New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Jerry Boone said Wednesday that refunds are being issued quickly and efficiently in New York without the delays occurring elsewhere.

“While many states have announced refund delays in order to initiate new fraud detection programs, refunds for New York taxpayers continue to be issued swiftly and efficiently,” said Boone in a prepared statement. “We continue to update our internationally-recognized fraud detection measures to protect New York taxpayers and stay ahead of ever-evolving criminal activity.”

In Maryland, tax refund fraud was reported on the rise last year. In Michigan this year, tax filers could face ID quiz and refund delays, the Detroit Free Press reported.

New York’s fraud prevention system has been in place for more than a decade, and officials said it is cutting-edge.

To stop questionable refund claims, the Tax Department automatically reviews each of the 10 million income tax returns it receives using sophisticated data analytics technology. In addition, the Tax Department’s Fraud Analysis and Selection Team monitors tax return data for patterns that indicate fraud schemes or identity theft. The findings are used not only to detect fraud, but also to improve the data analytics so such schemes are automatically caught in the future.

As a result, New York has avoided the adverse impacts on refund timing that other states such as Michigan are reporting, officials said.

That means the fastest and also the safest way New Yorkers can receive their income tax refunds is by having them directly deposited into their bank accounts, Boone said.

Refunds for e-filed returns are generally issued within three weeks, while refunds for taxpayers who file paper returns take up to six weeks. Taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit can receive their refund in as few as 14 days, while a paper check can take an extra week or more.

“Direct deposit is a great convenience for taxpayers,” said Boone. “When you combine e-filing with direct deposit, you receive your refund in less time, and avoid the line at the bank.”

There's even a way for online filers to get notified when the refund is issued.

To receive an email from the Tax Department when your refund is issued, create an Online Services account and sign up for email alerts.

For more information

• Direct deposit of your income tax refund
• Check your refund
• Filing tips