How to Get Your New York State Tax Refund

If you lived or worked in New York State last year, you are probably required to file a New York State tax return. If your tax liability is less than the amount you paid to the state during the year, either in estimates or withholdings, you should be entitled to a refund. If you follow the steps below, you can learn how to get your New York state tax refund.http://www.budget.state.ny.us/localities/star/star.html 

New York State also has several refundable credits, like the STAR program where the state rebates part of your property taxes (if you meet certain income criteria), so even if you did not pay any taxes to the state during the year, you may still be entitled to a refund.http://www.budget.state.ny.us/localities/star/star.html

1. Consult a professional tax preparer. If your circumstances are complicated, you will probably want a CPA or tax attorney to prepare your return. If you run your own business, have income from several states, or own rental properties, you might benefit from the advice they provide.http://finance.yahoo.com/taxes/article/104145/Do-Taxes-Yourself-or-Hire-a-Pro;_ylt=AnE6EHkpyrEkhWlFA6SQg6xlw9IF  
2. Use a tax preparation service. These are usually more inexpensive than a licensed professional, and easier to get an appointment with. The preparers are trained by the service, but usually are not licensed CPAs, attorneys, or enrolled agents.http://finance.yahoo.com/taxes/article/104145/Do-Taxes-Yourself-or-Hire-a-Pro;_ylt=AnE6EHkpyrEkhWlFA6SQg6xlw9IF 
3. Prepare them yourself, either via hard copy or with software that you can purchase. Purchase of a federal return software package usually includes one free state.
4. New York State has an arrangement with several software companies that allows you to file for free directly from the Department of Taxation and Finance website if you meet certain age, income, and tax status criteria.http://www.tax.state.ny.us/elf/free_efile_info.htm
   

Regardless of whether you prepare the return yourself or have a professional do it, you need to pay attention to the details. Small data errors can prevent your return from being processed electronically. Even if the error is not significant enough to trigger an audit, it could still delay your refund. Here are a few common errors to check for:

1. Make sure your social security number is accurate; just one wrong digit can cause big problems.
2. Check the spelling of your name; an error like a wrong middle initial can delay your refund.http://www.9wsyr.com/mostpopular/story/Where-s-my-New-York-State-tax-refund/udhT3s1JS0OpGh9dkLCN1A.cspx
3. Make sure you have used the correct form.
4. If you file a paper return, remember to sign it; if it's a joint return, both taxpayers need to sign.
5. Check your math. Simple calculation errors can cause your return to be flagged for examination.http://www.tax.ny.gov/bus/st/sterrors.htm
   

1. You can have your refund deposited into either a savings account or a checking account.
2. You will need your bank's nine-digit routing number as well as your bank account number.
3. The combination of electronic filing and direct deposit can get you your refund in two weeks.http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/file/direct_deposit_of_your_income_tax_refund.htm
   

After you have filed, you can check on the status of your refund in a few different ways:

1. You can access this information on the New York State Department of Revenue's website by providing the form number that you filed and your taxpayer identification number (which is usually your social security number).https://www8.nystax.gov/PRIS/prisStart 
2. You can also check the status of your refund by phone. The state's automated refund hotline can be reached at 1-800-443-3200.http://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/file/refund.htm
   

Disclaimer: The content in this page is not a substitute for professional financial advice. Please contact a finance professional before using the information presented here.