Senator Fuschillo Supports Legislation to Expedite Payment of State Income Tax Refunds

        Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that the New York State Senate recently passed legislation he supports to ensure that residents receive their state income tax refunds as quickly as possible.

        “Tax refunds belong to taxpayers, not the government. Someone who files on-time and is entitled to a refund deserves to have their money returned to them in a timely fashion. That’s even more important in this economy, when so many families are trying to do more with less. Under this legislation, that’s exactly what would happen,” said Senator Fuschillo.

        The legislation (S2631) would require the Department of Taxation and Finance to pay state income tax refunds to taxpayers within 30 of receiving their tax return, unless there is a discrepancy in the return. In those cases, the Department would have to send a written notice informing the taxpayer of the discrepancy and providing an estimated date when it will be resolved.

        If the Department fails to take either of those steps, it would be liable to pay the taxpayer interest on his or her refund.

        The legislation has been sent to the Assembly.