Where’s My State Tax Refund?
Written by
Allison Hache
Edited by
Melanie Grafil
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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 the return, but this only applies to your federal tax refund. The IRS 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.
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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 helps protect your personal information from people who should not have access to it. Typically, you need to give your Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number and the exact amount of your expected refund. Some states ask for additional information like your filing status, zip code, tax year and details about your address.
How To Check Your State Income Tax Refund
Since the IRS only handles federal taxes, it cannot help you locate the status of your state income tax refund. Instead, you have to contact the state agency responsible for issuing tax refunds. In most states, this agency is called the Department of Revenue. Other names include Franchise Tax Board in California, Department of Taxation and Finance in New York and Department of Finance in Delaware.
These agencies generally have a link to the system they’ve implemented for checking the status of a refund. You enter the requested details and should be able to see either the refund status on your screen or get additional information like instructions for calling. In Wisconsin, you can check your 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.
How To File a State Income Tax Return
To file a state income tax return, you need the document created by the 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 hire a professional to file your federal returns, that person should have the correct tax form for your state and will likely complete it at the same time as your federal return. This is also true if you use software to complete your federal return.
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The state form asks for information similar to what you see on the federal return form. You’ll provide your adjusted gross income from your federal return, details about dependents, and exemptions and deductions you’re claiming. For example, you may be eligible for a credit for the cost of childcare. However, you cannot claim a deduction for FICA taxes since this is a federal tax that helps pay for Social Security and Medicare. Note that states may have their own tax brackets, which can differ from the federal tax brackets set by the IRS.
Tips for Filing Your State Tax Return
To avoid a delay in the processing of your state tax return and refund, make sure you follow the rules established in your state. Take your time completing the return and verify all of the information before you submit it. Errors and discrepancies can flag the return for additional review. Keep in mind that you may need to submit multiple state tax returns if you moved during the year or if you or your spouse live in a different state than where you work. Filing electronically can speed up the processing time so you receive your return sooner.
FAQ
- How long does a California state refund take?
- California residents typically receive their refunds within three weeks after filing their tax returns electronically. Those who submit a paper return may wait up to three months to receive their refund.
- How long does a New York state refund take?
- New York's Department of Taxation and Finance does not provide a timeframe indicating how long it takes to receive a state tax refund. However, it does have an opt-in notification program that lets taxpayers know when the refund is scheduled for deposit.
- Which states have no income tax?
- Eight states currently do not levy an income tax on residents. They are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. New Hampshire does not tax income earned through wages or capital gains, but it does tax interest and dividends from investments.
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