How to Check Your State Tax Refund Status – Every year during tax season, millions of Americans wait for their state tax refunds. While the IRS has a centralized system for checking the status of federal tax refunds, each state has its own system. Because of this, the time it takes to receive a state tax refund may vary.
The speed of receiving a refund depends on many factors, such as your state, your filing method (online or paper), and the state’s current workload. In some states, refunds are received very quickly, even within a few days, while in other states it can take weeks or months.
Also, nine states have no state income tax, so if you live in these states, you will not receive a state tax refund. Let’s know how you can check the status of your refund and what you can do to get it quickly.
How to Check the Status of Your State Tax Refund?
Each state has its own website where you can check the status of your tax refund online. However, you will need to provide some general information, such as:
- Your Social Security number (SSN)
- Your zip code
- The expected refund amount
- Your filing status (single, married, etc.)
For example, California requires you to enter a Social Security number, zip code, refund amount, and part of your address. While Missouri only asks for a Social Security number, filing status, and an estimated refund amount.
Estimated tax refund processing time by state
Below is a list of the average time it takes to receive a tax refund in some major states:
| State | Refund Status Check Website | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | My Alabama Taxes | 8-10 weeks |
| Arizona | Where’s My Refund? | Up to 10 days |
| California | Where’s My Refund? | 3 weeks (e-file), 3 months (paper file) |
| Georgia | Check my Refund Status | Up to 6 weeks |
| Indiana | DOR: Check Refund Status | 3 weeks (e-file), 12 weeks (paper file) |
| Louisiana | LaTAP | 4-8 weeks |
| Maryland | Maryland Taxes | 30 days |
| New Mexico | Where Is My Refund? | 6-8 weeks |
| North Carolina | Refund Inquiry Selection | 3-6 weeks |
| Virginia | Individual Online Account | 4-8 weeks |
If your state is not on this list, you can get the information by visiting your state’s official tax department website.
These 9 states don’t give state tax refunds
If you live in one of the following nine states, you won’t get a state tax refund because these states don’t levy state income tax:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Nevada
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
- New Hampshire (only some dividend and interest income is taxed here)
Ways to get state tax refund quickly
If you want your tax refund to come to your account quickly, take the following steps:
- Do e-filing: Online filing is faster than paper filing.
- Opt for direct deposit: If you choose direct deposit to a bank account, you will get a refund faster than a check.
- Fill the information correctly: If your information is incorrect, your refund may be delayed.
When will you get your federal tax refund?
At the federal level, the IRS processes most tax refunds within 21 days with e-filing and direct deposit.
However, if you mailed a paper return, you may have to wait 6-8 weeks.
Did you know?
According to one report:
- 37% of Americans rely on their tax refund to cover important expenses.
- This number jumps to 50% among millennials (people aged 25-40).
Easy ways to increase your tax refund
If you want a bigger tax refund, try these strategies:
- Choose the right filing status: Choosing the wrong status can reduce your refund.
- Use tax write-offs (deductions): Many deductions can reduce your tax liability.
- Claim tax credits: Credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC) can boost your refund.
- Contribute to an IRA: Investing in an IRA can reduce your tax liability.
Conclusion
Overall, the time it takes to receive a state tax refund depends on your state and filing method. If you want to get your money as soon as possible, consider e-filing, choosing direct deposit and filling out all the information on your forms correctly.
Also, if you depend on your refund, file both federal and state taxes carefully. Also, make sure you’re taking advantage of all possible deductions and credits to maximize your refund.
FAQs On How to Check Your State Tax Refund Status
Q. How long does it take to get a state tax refund?
A. This depends on the state and the filing method. People who e-file usually get a refund within 3-8 weeks, while paper filing can take up to 3 months.
Q. Do all states get a state tax refund?
A. No, nine states don’t have a state income tax, so residents don’t get a state tax refund.
Q. Does e-filing get a tax refund faster?
A. Yes, e-filing gets a tax refund faster because the process is faster and more secure.