There’s nothing like knowing you have a tax refund heading your way. For many people it’s the only reason to look forward to tax time. Since most taxpayers are required to file federal and state tax returns, you may be anticipating a refund from both. If that’s the case, you can check your federal refund status on the IRS website. However, things work differently on the state side of things. Here’s what you need to know about state taxes and how to check your refund status.
The information in this article is up to date for tax year 2023 (returns filed in 2024).
Wondering where your state tax refund is? With the rise of tax refund fraud and identity theft, many states are implementing strict security steps to protect your money—but this means it may take longer to receive your refund and you can’t always predict when that will be.
The IRS makes it easy to track your federal returns. But what about your state tax returns?
Every state is different. Use the table below to see the estimated timelines for returns by state.
When will I get my state tax refund?
Unlike the IRS which issues most refunds within 21 days, there’s no one size fits all rule when it comes to state refunds. Each state has its own way of doing things. In some places, you’ll only have to wait a few days to get your money, while others can take months to issue a refund. The best advice we can give you is to e-file and choose direct deposit to get your cash as quickly as possible.
How do I check my refund status?
Once you have e-filed and your return has been accepted, you can begin tracking your refund online. Typically, you’ll just need your SSN and refund amount to check your refund status. However, some states may request additional information such as your filing status, date of birth or zip code.
To make your life easier, we’ve listed links to the “Where’s My Refund?” tool for each state.
Do I have to file a state tax return?
It depends on where you live but for most people the answer is yes. The only places that do not require you to file a state tax return are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. If you moved during the year or worked in multiple states, you may need to file returns for each state.
How do I file?
You have a few options for filing your state tax return. You can hire a tax professional, use online tax preparation software like ezTaxReturn.com or prepare your return by hand and mail it in. ezTaxReturn.com supports full-year tax returns for many states and is the easiest way to get the job done. Click here for a complete list of the states we support.
The articles and content published on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. The information presented is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are advised to seek appropriate professional guidance and conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided.
