Where to check your New York State tax status
New York State offers two main ways to check your tax status: the online portal called MyTax.NY.gov and a phone line run by the Department of Taxation and Finance. MyTax.NY.gov is the fastest route — you log in with your Social Security number or federal employer identification number, and you see your filing status, payment history, and refund status in real time. The phone line is 518-457-5181, and you can call during business hours to speak with someone who can look up your account.
To use MyTax.NY.gov, you need your Social Security number or FEIN, your New York State tax identification number (if you have one), and your filing status from your most recent return. If you do not have a MyTax.NY.gov account yet, you can create one on the site using your Social Security number and date of birth. The site works on any device with internet access and does not require you to read anything.
If you filed a paper return and want to check the status, you can still use MyTax.NY.gov or call the phone line. Paper returns take longer to process — typically four to six weeks — so if you filed fewer than six weeks ago, the system may not yet show your return.
Key Takeaways
- MyTax.NY.gov is the fastest way to check your New York State tax status, refund amount, and payment history without waiting on hold.
- You need your Social Security number and filing status to log in, and you can create an account on the site if you do not have one already.
- Paper returns take four to six weeks to process, so checking before that window closes will show no record yet.
- The phone line 518-457-5181 works if you cannot access the website or need to speak with someone about your account.
- If you owe taxes, the site shows your balance and payment options, including installment plans.
What information MyTax.NY.gov shows you
Once you log in, MyTax.NY.gov displays your current tax account balance, any refunds you are owed, and the status of your most recent return. You can see whether your return has been received, is being processed, or has been completed. The site also shows payment history — every payment you have made to New York State, the date it was received, and the amount.
If you are owed a refund, the site tells you the amount and, once the return is fully processed, when the refund will be deposited or mailed. Refunds are usually issued within two to three weeks after your return is accepted, though this varies depending on whether you chose direct deposit or a paper check. If you chose direct deposit, the money goes to the bank account you listed on your return.
The site also shows any notices or correspondence New York State has sent you about your account. If there is a problem with your return — missing information, a math error, or a discrepancy with your federal return — you will see a notice here explaining what is needed and how to respond.
How to check a refund status
To check your refund, log into MyTax.NY.gov and look for the refund section on your account dashboard. It shows the refund amount and the expected date it will arrive. If you chose direct deposit, the refund goes to the bank account on file. If you chose a paper check, it will be mailed to the address on your return.
Refunds usually arrive within two to three weeks after your return is accepted. If more than three weeks have passed and you do not see the refund, log back into MyTax.NY.gov to confirm the return was fully processed. If the return is still showing as "processing," wait a few more days and check again. If the return shows as completed but you have not received the refund, call 518-457-5181 to speak with someone who can investigate.
If you filed a joint return with a spouse and one of you owes money to New York State from a previous year, the state may hold part or all of the refund to cover that debt. The site will note this if it applies to your account. You can also call the phone line to ask whether a refund offset is in place.
What to do if you owe taxes
If your account shows a balance due, MyTax.NY.gov displays the amount owed and the important date to pay. You can pay online through the site using a bank account or credit card, or you can mail a check to the address shown on your notice. Paying online is the fastest way — the payment is usually received the same day if you submit it before 11:59 p.m. Eastern time.
If you cannot pay the full amount by the important date, you can set up an installment plan through MyTax.NY.gov. The site walks you through the process and shows you the monthly payment amount and due dates. Installment plans are available for balances of $25 or more, and you can choose a plan that fits your budget.
If you disagree with the amount owed, you can file a protest or request a conference with the Department of Taxation and Finance. The notice you receive will explain how to do this and the important date to respond. It is important to respond within the important date, because missing it may limit your options later.
Understanding tax notices and correspondence
New York State sends notices for several reasons: to tell you your return was received, to ask for missing information, to notify you of a change to your return, or to inform you of a balance due or refund. These notices appear in MyTax.NY.gov under your account correspondence section. You can read and print them from the site.
If you receive a notice asking for information, the notice includes a important date to respond. Respond by that date, either by mail or through MyTax.NY.gov if the site offers that option. If you miss the important date, the state may assess additional tax or deny your refund, so it is worth responding promptly even if you need to gather documents.
Some notices are informational only — they tell you what the state did with your return but do not require action. Read the notice carefully to see whether a response is needed. If you are unsure, call 518-457-5181 and bring the notice with you.
How to update your account information
If your address, phone number, or bank account has changed since you filed, you can update it through MyTax.NY.gov. Log in, go to your account settings, and change the information. If you are expecting a refund and you update your bank account before the refund is issued, the refund will go to the new account. If the refund has already been issued to the old account, you will need to contact your bank or the state to redirect it.
If you moved and did not update your address with New York State, notices and refund checks may go to your old address. You can update your address on MyTax.NY.gov, or you can call 518-457-5181 and ask them to update it for you. If a check was mailed to your old address, you can contact your former landlord or the post office to see if it can be forwarded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see my return on MyTax.NY.gov after I file?
If you filed electronically, your return usually appears in the system within 24 hours. If you filed a paper return, it takes four to six weeks for the state to receive, scan, and enter it into the system. Once it appears, processing typically takes another two to three weeks.
Can I check my tax status if I do not have internet access?
Yes. Call 518-457-5181 during business hours and provide your Social Security number and filing status. The person who answers can look up your account and tell you your refund status, balance due, or any notices on file.
What if MyTax.NY.gov says my return is still processing but it has been more than six weeks?
Call 518-457-5181 and explain the timeline. The state may be reviewing your return for errors or discrepancies with your federal return, which can take longer. The person on the phone can tell you what is happening and when you can expect a resolution.
Will my refund be direct deposited or mailed as a check?
It depends on what you chose when you filed. If you selected direct deposit and provided your bank account number, the refund goes to that account. If you did not choose direct deposit, the state mails a check to your address on file. You cannot change this choice after you file, so if you chose the wrong option, you will need to wait for the check and deposit it yourself.
What should I do if I think there is an error on my account?
Call 518-457-5181 and explain the error. Have your return and any supporting documents ready. The state can investigate and correct errors, though it may take several weeks. If you disagree with the state's decision, you can request a conference or file a protest within the important date shown on any notice you receive.