Where’s My State Tax Refund?

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Whether you file your taxes electronically or by mail, the waiting game begins the minute you submit the forms. “How long does it take to get a refund?” is a popular question during tax season. 

Your federal tax refund should arrive within 21 days after the IRS receives an e-filed return, and four weeks or more for returns sent by mail.

The IRS, however, has no role in the collection of state income taxes and the distribution of refunds. That takes place at the state level. Read on to find out what you need to do to check the status of your state tax refund.

See Also: Owe Money to the IRS? Most People Don’t Realize You Can Do This

What Information Do You Need To Check the Status of Your State Tax Refund?

To check the status of your state refund, you have to provide identifying information about yourself and your return.

This will likely include:

• Your Social Security number or your Taxpayer Identification Number.
• Your name.
• Your expected refund amount.

Some states may also ask for information about your filing status, tax year, address, and zip code.

How To Check Your State Income Tax Refund

To check your state income tax refund, you will likely go through a process like this:

• Find your state tax collection agency. In most states, this is called the Department of Revenue, but may have other names. California has a Franchise Tax Board, New York has a Department of Taxation and Finance, and Delaware has a Department of Finance. If you’re unsure, a quick Google search will turn up this information. 
• Search the site for tax refund information. Most websites have a search bar you can use to the page where you can find tax refund information.
• Submit requested verification data. Enter the requested information to verify your identity, such as your SSN, address, and refund amount, and submit the form.
• Complete any additional required steps. Some states may provide information or steps, such as instructions for calling the state tax office. 
• View your refund. Most states websites will, at this point, show your refund status on your screen

Each state is different, however. Some states have unique processes. Wisconsin, for example, allows taxpayers to check their refund status through email by sending the taxpayer’s name, Social Security numbers for the taxpayer and spouse, contact information, file date, tax form used, tax year and the expected refund amount.

When to Expect Your State Tax Return 

Knowing when to expect your state tax return and refund can help you plan.

Below, we have a chart detailing when you can expect to receive your approved return for each state. Keep in mind that these estimates only apply for individual income returns are are submitted with no errors, and that don’t involve delays. Some states also typically issue refunds much faster, but request that taxpayers wait for until a certain amount of time has passed before getting in touch.

How To File a State Income Tax Return

Each state has their own unique processes, tax forms, and requirements. Taxpayers in many states, however, can expect to follow this process:

• Download the forms you need to complete your state taxes that were created by your state’s revenue or tax agency. This form will be different from the one you use to file a federal income tax return. If you’re using software or e-filing, you’ll use digital versions of this form. 
• Complete the required forms according to the instructions. In many cases, you’ll be asked for similar information as what you see on the federal return forms, including adjusted gross income, dependent details, and exemptions and deductions you’re claiming. 
• Double check that your calculations are accurate and that you’ve filled out the form correctly. 
• Submit your tax return according to your state’s instructions. Many offer e-filing options, which often result in the fastest returns, but may allow you to send returns by mail, too. 

There are a few things to keep in mind when filing your state income tax return: 

• You will not take a deduction for FICA taxes, since this is a federal tax that helps pay for Social Security and Medicare.
• States like California may have their own tax brackets, which can differ from the federal tax brackets set by the IRS.
• If you moved to a different state during the tax year, you’ll need to file in both states if each requires a state income tax return. 
• Tax professionals can help you complete your state income tax returns.

Common Issues When Checking Your State Refund Status 

When checking your state refund status, you may run into the following issues:

• No updates available. Revenue departments need time to accept a return before they can provide refund updates. Federally, this timeline is about 24-48 hours, and some states list different timelines on their websites. Give it a few days before checking for refund statuses.
• Not able to access refund updates. If you’re getting some form of an error message when you try to check your refund status and it’s been at least a few days, double check that your information is correct. Try using your spouse’s information instead of yours if you filed together, and review what was submitted on your tax return. If that doesn’t work, you can try to contact your state revenue department directly.
• Didn’t receive my direct deposit. You may receive a notification that your refund is approved and on its way to you, but you haven’t received the funds. Some states provide a timeframe for when to expect the refund in your account. Connecticut, for example, notes that it typically takes two days to receive the funds.

Tips for Filing Your State Tax Return

To get your state tax return and refund, you should take steps to avoid delays in processing. Here are a few tips to help you do so:

• Follow all rules and processes established in your state; you can reach out to your state’s tax collection department if you have questions.
• Verify all information on your tax return before submitting it, ensuring everything is accurate and that you’re sending all required forms, as errors and discrepancies can flag the return for additional review.
• Consider working with a tax professional if you want or need additional support; they can ensure that you’re filing correctly and on-time.
• File electronically, which can speed up processing times significantly in many states (and federally!)
• Choose the direct deposit option for your refund, as you’ll typically receive your refund sooner if you do.

Allison Hache contributed to the reporting of this article.

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