Where to check your refund status depends on your state
Every state tax authority has its own refund tracking system, and you access it through your state's revenue or taxation department website — not the IRS. The IRS only tracks federal refunds. Your state system will show you where your state refund is in the process: received, processing, approved, or sent.
Most state systems let you check by entering your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount you expect. Some states also let you check by phone or mail, though the website is fastest. If you filed electronically, your state usually has your refund status within one to three weeks of the IRS accepting your return. If you filed on paper, it takes longer — typically four to six weeks before your state even receives it from the IRS.
The timing varies widely by state. Some states process refunds in two to three weeks; others take six to eight weeks or longer, especially during peak season in spring. If your state is backed up, the website will usually say so.
Key Takeaways
- Go to your state's revenue or taxation department website, not the IRS website, to check your state refund status.
- You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount to look up your status online.
- Electronic filers can usually check status within one to three weeks of the IRS accepting their return; paper filers should wait four to six weeks.
- If your refund is delayed beyond the normal timeframe for your state, contact your state tax department directly rather than waiting.
How to find your state's refund tracking tool
Start by searching "[your state] tax refund status" or "[your state] income tax refund check." This will take you directly to your state's official tracking page. Bookmark it if you plan to check again.
If you cannot find the tracking tool through search, go to your state's revenue department website directly. Most states list it under a section called "Check Your Refund Status," "Refund Information," or "Where's My Refund?" The page usually has a straightforward form where you enter your information and click a button to see the status.
Some states also publish a phone number for refund questions. If the website is down or you get an error, calling is a reasonable backup — though wait times can be long during tax season.
What information you need to provide
Have your tax return ready. You will typically need:
- Your Social Security number (or ITIN if you filed with one)
- Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.)
- The exact refund amount shown on your return
Some states ask for additional details like your date of birth or the last four digits of your spouse's Social Security number if you filed jointly. A few states ask for your driver's license number. The website will tell you what it needs before you submit.
If you do not remember the exact refund amount, check your email for a copy of your return, or log into the tax software you used to file. If you filed on paper and do not have a copy, you may need to call your state tax department — they can look it up by your name and Social Security number, though this takes longer.
What the status messages mean
Received means your state has gotten your return from the IRS or received your paper return in the mail. Processing has not started yet, or is just beginning.
Processing means your state is reviewing your return for errors, verifying information, and calculating your refund. This is the longest phase and can take weeks.
Approved means your state has finished reviewing your return and your refund has been calculated. The next step is payment.
Sent or Issued means your refund has been mailed or deposited. If you chose direct deposit, it should arrive in your bank account within one to three business days of this status. If you chose a check, it will arrive by mail — typically five to ten business days, though mail delivery varies.
Some states also show a Hold or Under Review status, which means something on your return needs attention. This might be a missing document, a discrepancy with your W-2s, or a match with another return. Your state will usually send you a letter explaining what is needed. Do not ignore it — your refund will not move forward until you respond.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If your refund status has not changed in longer than your state's normal processing time, or if the website shows a hold, contact your state tax department. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready.
Most states have a phone line for refund questions. Some also accept emails or online messages through their website. Phone lines are usually busiest in March, April, and May, so expect longer wait times during those months. Early morning or late afternoon calls often have shorter waits.
If you filed on paper and it has been more than six to eight weeks since you mailed it, ask your state whether they have received it. If they have not, you may need to file again electronically or contact the IRS to confirm they forwarded it.
If your state shows a hold or under-review status, the letter they sent will explain what documents or information they need. Respond to that letter as quickly as possible — do not call and ask them to override it. Once you send what they asked for, processing usually resumes within one to two weeks.
Direct deposit versus check refunds
If you chose direct deposit on your return, your refund goes into your bank account once your state issues it. This is faster and more reliable than a check. The deposit usually appears within one to three business days of the "Sent" or "Issued" status, though some banks take longer to post it.
If you chose a check, your state will mail it to the address on your return. Once the status shows "Sent," allow five to ten business days for it to arrive, depending on mail delivery in your area. If you have not received it after two weeks, contact your state tax department. They can issue a replacement check or switch you to direct deposit if you provide your bank information.
If you moved after filing and the check was mailed to an old address, contact your state when ready. Some states can reissue the check to your new address if you request it quickly enough. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to trace.
If your refund never arrives
If your state shows the refund as sent but you have not received it after the expected timeframe, start by checking your bank account carefully — sometimes deposits post under a generic description and are straightforward to miss. Search your bank statement for the refund amount or your state's name.
If it is not there, call your state tax department. They can confirm the refund was issued and tell you whether it was mailed or deposited. If it was deposited, they can provide the routing and account number it went to — you can then check whether that matches your current bank account. If you changed banks since filing, the deposit may have gone to a closed account, and your bank may have returned it to your state. Your state can reissue it to your current account.
If your state mailed a check and it never arrived, they can issue a replacement. This usually takes two to four weeks. In the meantime, ask your state whether they can put a stop on the original check so it cannot be cashed by someone else if it shows up later.
Keep records of every conversation — note the date, time, name of the person you spoke with, and what they told you. If the refund is large and your state is not responding, you can file a complaint with your state's attorney general office, though this is slow and should be a last resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my refund status if I filed jointly with my spouse?
Yes. Use either spouse's Social Security number to check. The status will be the same regardless of which number you use, since the return is filed under one account. If you need to update your bank information for direct deposit, both spouses may need to contact the state together, depending on your state's rules.
Why does my state refund status say "under review" when the IRS already accepted my return?
The IRS accepting your return means it passed basic formatting checks, not that your state has reviewed it. Your state does its own verification — checking your W-2s against employer records, confirming income, and looking for errors or fraud signals. This can take weeks. If the status does not change after four to six weeks, call your state to ask what specifically is under review.
What if I made a mistake on my return after I filed?
If you have not received your refund yet, contact your state tax department when ready. Some states can amend your return before processing is complete. If your refund has already been issued, you will need to file an amended return after you receive it. Your state will tell you the process.
Can I get my refund faster if I pay a fee?
No. Your state processes refunds in the order they are received, and paying a fee will not move you up the queue. Some tax preparation companies offer "refund advance" loans, but these are expensive and unnecessary — your state refund is free and will arrive on its own schedule.
How long should I wait before I assume something is wrong?
If you filed electronically, wait at least three weeks before contacting your state. If you filed on paper, wait at least six to eight weeks. If your state's website shows a normal processing status and you are within the normal timeframe, waiting longer is usually fine — refunds are backed up during peak season. Contact your state only if the status has not changed after the normal timeframe, or if it shows a hold.