Where’s My Refund? What California Taxpayers Need To Know

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The 2025 tax deadline of April 15, 2026, is fast approaching, and you want to be sure to file your taxes on time. If you’re getting a refund, it’s even more important to file in a timely manner — or even earlier, if you can. After all, the earlier you file, the sooner you’ll get your refund.

Federal income tax refunds take the same amount of time no matter where you live — typically up to 21 days if you e-file, per the IRS. To get your refund as soon as possible, opt for direct deposit instead of a check.

The timeline to get your state refund varies, and California tax refund timelines depend on your tax return filing type, possible delays, and how you receive your refund. This quick guide explains when to expect your California refund, how to track it and why it could be delayed or changed.

Where’s My Refund? California Tax Refund Timelines

Knowing when to expect your refund and how to track its status can help make you more aware of any problems or delays with your refund.

How Long Do California State Tax Refunds Take?

Per the State of California Franchise Tax Board, you can expect your 2025 California state tax return to be processed:

• E-filed returns: Up to three weeks for personal returns
• Mailed returns: Up to three months
• Amended returns: Up to five months

There may be delays in the process if the return needs extra review, credits like CalEITC or YCTC are claimed or there is missing or mismatched information.

How Do I Track My California Tax Refund?

You can easily track your refund status through the FTB’s “Check Your Refund” feature. This is the only place you can track your California refund. Keep in mind this tool is separate from the IRS refund tracker.

You’ll need to submit the following information:

• ZIP code
• The house number in your mailing address, if applicable
• The exact amount of your refund.
• Social Security number

Why Is My California Refund Delayed?

Some California state tax returns require extra reviews, leading to longer processing times. These can included amended returns, or those with unusual income sources or deductions. Here are common reasons for delay:

• Small errors or missing information
• Identity verification requests from FTB
• Filing by mail instead of e-file
• Incorrect bank details for direct deposit

What To Do If the Refund Is Taking Longer Than Expected

If you’re panicking because you haven’t received your refund, don’t worry. Waiting is often normal and calling too early usually doesn’t help.

When It’s Too Early Too Worry

It’s too early to worry under the following circumstances:

• E-filed less than three weeks ago
• Mailed your return less than eight weeks ago
• Claimed an earned income tax credit or child tax credit
• You moved.
• You changed bank accounts.

When It Makes Sense to Check Your Status

If your past the normal processing time you should first check your status online. Don’t call before checking your status online. It’s reasonable to check your status every seven to 10 days.

When Do You Contact the FTB?

It makes sense to contact the FTB, when only if one of these reasons apply:

1. More than 30 days have passed without any update.
2. You mailed your return more than 10 weeks ago.
3. Your online status prompts you to contact FTB.
4. Your received a letter or notice that you find hard to understand.
5. Your refund is issued, but it has been 10 or more days and hasn’t hit your bank account or you’re waiting more than four weeks for your paper check.

You need to following information when you call:

• Social Security number or ITIN
• Filing status
• Tax return copy
• Refund amount
• FTB notices or letters
• Bank routing and account number

Missing Refunds

If the FTB “Check Your Refund” tool shows that your refund was processed and you have yet to receive it, or your paper check was lost or damaged, you can contact the FTB by phone at 800-852-5711 or via the chat feature through your MyFTB account, if you created one.

Phone and chat customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

Can California State Tax Refunds Change?

While most people know the amount of their state tax refund when they file their return, you get a different amount when your refund arrives. Here’s why.

The FTB can change an expected refund in certain situations. In the event of a refund change, you will receive a “Notice of Tax Return Change” detailing the reasons for the change and the new refund amount.

Reasons for state refund changes include:

• Your payments or withholdings don’t match state records.
• You don’t qualify for a tax credit you claimed.
• The FTB used the refund to pay off a previous state debt.

Debts to the state of California include:

• Court-ordered child support
• Vehicle registration collections

Takeaway

When you’re filing your California tax return, there’s no need to wonder, “Where’s my refund?” California taxpayers can easily track their refunds on the FTB’s website.

The best way to ensure you receive your refund as quickly as possible is to verify that all the information you included on your tax return is accurate and complete. Then, e-file your return and opt for direct deposit to get your refund.

Rudri Bhatt Patel, Karen Doyle and Andrea Norris contributed to the reporting for this article.

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