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

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The 2024 tax deadline of April 15, 2025, 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 2024 California state tax return to be processed:

• Up to three weeks for personal returns filed electronically
• Up to three months for mailed personal returns
• Up to five months for amended returns

How Do I Track My California Tax Refund?

You can easily track your refund status through the FTB’s “Check Your Refund” feature. 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 Taking So Long?

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. The FTB needs to review more complex returns for:

• Accuracy
• Completeness
• Fraud protection
• Identity theft

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 do not 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.

Karen Doyle and Andrea Norris contributed to the reporting for this article.

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