Ortt Co-Sponsors Bill to Help Taxpayers Passes in Senate

State Would be Required to Pay Tax Refunds Within 30 Days of a Return Being Filed

Wait times for state income tax refunds could now be cut in half following a bill that was passed in the New York State Senate. Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I-North Tonawanda) co-sponsored the bill (S1782) that would speed up the delivery of state refunds owed to taxpayers. Many taxpayers who file their return typically wait up to two months before receiving a refund from the state Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF). In many instances, taxpayers have waited up three months or more. This bill would require the NYSDTF to pay tax refunds within 30 days of receiving a taxpayer’s return.   

“Technology has delivered so much in terms of expedited services and increased efficiencies, but unfortunately that doesn't apply to state bureaucracy," said Senator Ortt. “New Yorkers already pay among the highest taxes in the nation, so there's no reason that they should have to wait such extended periods to get their tax refunds from the state. When we consider that so many residents file electronically or that the U.S. government is able to quickly deliver federal refunds, it's simply inexcusable.”

The bill, sponsored by Senator Carl L. Marcellino (R-Syosset), would ensure timely payment unless there is a discrepancy in the taxpayer’s return.  In those cases, the state would have to provide written notice to the taxpayer and a date when the discrepancy would be resolved. If the state fails to take these steps, it would be liable to pay interest on the refund owed to the taxpayer.

The deadline for filing tax returns within New York State is April 15.

The bill is being sent to the Assembly.