These States Are Sending Tax Rebates and Refunds This Year - Is Yours One?

Depending on the state in which you live, a tax rebate or refund could help put extra cash in your pocket this year. As states finalize their 2027 budgets, some states are giving part of their tax revenue back to taxpayers. These tax rebates or refunds come at a time when prices for everything from food to energy to housing seem to be climbing, so they might offer a bit of welcome financial relief.

Only certain states are offering these rebates or refunds, and eligibility requirements and application processes vary, so be sure to read on to see if your state is on the list.

Why states are cutting checks to taxpayers

Many states are facing significant financial challenges brought on by funding shortfalls and underfunded social programs. Slowed or plateaued revenue growth is affecting budgeting processes for 2027.

Despite those challenges, some states are still planning to cut checks to taxpayers, while others are exploring ways to potentially cut taxes. Such efforts could be highly valuable for low- and middle-income households that have been hard-hit by expenses that have been driven up by inflation.

Rebates and refunds vary by state, so whether you might qualify for some money back depends on where you live and your state's eligibility requirements.

New York

In May, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a budget that included a one-time "Protecting Our Wallets Energy Rebate" to give New Yorkers financial relief from high energy prices.

Rebates are based on taxpayers' 2024 state tax returns, and qualifying taxpayers must have filed their return on time, been a resident throughout the entire year, and can't have been a dependent of another taxpayer.

Joint filers and surviving spouses who make under $150,000 should receive $200, while joint filers who make $150,000 to $300,000 may receive $150. Single filers and heads of households who make $150,000 or less may receive $100.

New York automatically determines eligibility, and checks should be mailed between September and December of 2026.

New Jersey

New Jersey's $60.7 billion 2027 budget includes $4.1 billion for property tax relief programs, including the Stay NJ Initiative. The Stay NJ Initiative, which was implemented in 2025, reduces the effective property tax burden for older adults, helping them stay in their homes.

Previously, the initiative had a $500,000 annual income cap, but that cap was lowered to $200,000 for 2027. Qualifying older adults may still receive up to $6,500 in benefits for 2027, but they must apply by November 2, 2026.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania expanded tax credits and property tax rebate programs in its 2027 budget.

Homeowners and renters who are older adults or people with disabilities may apply for a rebate from $380 to $1,000 through the state's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. Applications may be filed until the end of 2026.

Governor Josh Shapiro's office reports that the program has provided more than $1 billion in rebates during the past four years. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue announced in July that it sent 376,000 rebates totaling $226.4 million; those rebates for property taxes or rent paid in 2025 were issued to seniors, widows and widowers, and people with disabilities.

California

California's Budget Act of 2026 put funds toward a bill providing upfront rebates for first-time zero-emission vehicle drivers. In early August, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that auto manufacturers would issue rebates to consumers with no applications required.

The MyFirstEV program offers up to $3,500 off the cost of a new zero-emission vehicle with an MSRP up to $50,000. It also offers $1,750 off the cost of a used zero-emission vehicle sold for up to $25,000 through a manufacturer pre-owned vehicle program.

Georgia

Georgia is providing taxpayers with surplus tax refunds. Taxpayers who filed their 2024 and 2025 returns on time may receive these refunds of $250 for single filers, $375 for heads of households, and $500 for married, joint filers.

South Dakota

South Dakota is rolling out homeowner property-tax relief through SB 245. Starting July 1, 2027, the state sales tax returns to 4.5% (up from a temporary 4.2% rate set in 2023), and that revenue flows into a new fund that lowers the school-district property-tax levy on owner-occupied homes — with the state replacing the lost school revenue. 

Separately, counties can opt to add a half-percent local sales tax and use the proceeds to credit homeowners' property-tax bills.

Bottom line

States are taking different approaches to provide residents with financial relief, and the processes and timelines to receive rebates and refunds vary by state. If you believe you might qualify for a check, review your state's requirements carefully. Some states require eligible residents to apply for the relief, while others have completely automated the process.

Even if your state isn't providing tax rebates or refunds, it's a good idea to have a tax professional review your tax filing. An expert might identify tax write-offs or rebates you qualify for, and those options might help lower your financial stress.

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