How to speed up your tax refund by 2 weeks

Syracuse, N.Y. — Eager for your tax refund? Here’s an easy way to get it up to two weeks quicker.

E-filing your return and choosing direct deposit will get your refund into your bank account up to two weeks sooner than if you paper file and choose to have your refund mailed as a paper check, according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

“Combining the power of electronic filing and direct deposit is the most secure and efficient way to submit your tax return and receive any refund due,” said Michael Schmidt, commissioner of taxation and finance. “We strive to issue refunds as quickly as possible, and you can help by filing an accurate return and choosing to have your refund directly deposited into your bank account.”

To use direct deposit, check direct deposit on your tax return, then enter your bank’s nine-digit routing number and your account number. Both numbers are on your checks. For savings accounts, contact your bank.

If for some reason you still want to receive your refund as a paper check, the Department of Taxation and Finance says to make sure your mailing address is correct on your return. You don’t want your refund going to the wrong address.

Free File software is now available at the Tax Department website, www.tax.ny.gov. Taxpayers with income of $72,000 or less in 2020 can electronically complete and submit their federal and New York State income tax returns online for free.

Tax filers can quickly learn the status of their refund by the Check your Refund application on the Tax Department website: www.tax.ny.gov. The site is updated daily.

To receive email alerts on when your refund will be issued, visit the department’s homepage at www.tax.ny.gov and select Subscribe under the Connect With Us heading at the bottom of the page.

Rick Moriarty covers business news and consumer issues. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact him anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148