Your state tax refund worksheet comes with your tax return instructions or is available on your state's tax department website

The worksheet you need depends on which state you file in and what type of refund situation you're handling. Most states include the worksheet in the instruction booklet that comes with your tax forms, or you can read it directly from your state's Department of Revenue or Department of Taxation website. If you're filing electronically, you may not need a physical worksheet at all — the software handles the calculations for you.

The worksheet itself is usually a single page with lines for specific numbers from your return. You fill in amounts from your federal return, your state return, or both, then follow the math to calculate how much of your refund should go where. States use these worksheets when you're splitting a refund between multiple accounts, claiming a refund offset, or handling other situations that require documentation of how you want the money distributed.

Key Takeaways

  • State tax refund worksheets are included in the instruction booklet that comes with your tax forms or can be downloaded from your state's tax department website.
  • The specific worksheet you need depends on your state and your refund situation, such as splitting money between accounts or handling a refund offset.
  • If you file electronically using tax software, the program usually completes the worksheet calculations automatically.
  • Your state's Department of Revenue or Department of Taxation website has a forms page where you can search by worksheet name or refund type.

Finding the worksheet on your state's website

Start by going to your state's Department of Revenue or Department of Taxation website. Most states organize their forms by category — look for a section labeled "Forms," "Tax Forms," or "Refund Forms." You can usually search by keyword (try "refund worksheet" or "offset worksheet") or browse by form number if you know it.

If you're not sure which worksheet you need, look for a page that explains refund options or refund splitting. Many states have a dedicated section for taxpayers who want to split their refund between multiple bank accounts or explore part of it to next year's taxes. That page will tell you which worksheet to use and link directly to it.

The worksheet will be a PDF file you can read and print. Some states also offer fillable PDF versions that you can complete on your computer, then print and mail with your return.

What to do if you're filing electronically

If you're using tax preparation software — whether it's a paid program like TurboTax or H&R Block, or a free option like IRS Free File — the software walks you through refund questions as part of the interview process. When you answer questions about how you want your refund handled, the software fills out the worksheet behind the scenes. You don't need to print or mail a separate worksheet.

The software will ask you directly: "Do you want to split your refund?" or "Do you want to explore part of your refund to next year's taxes?" Your answers generate the correct worksheet data automatically. This is one reason electronic filing is faster — there's no worksheet to find, fill out, or worry about losing.

Finding the worksheet if you received a notice

If your state sent you a notice about your refund — for example, a letter saying part of it was offset to pay a debt — that notice often includes or references the worksheet you need to respond. Read the notice carefully for a form number or a link to the state's website.

If the notice doesn't include the worksheet, call the phone number on the notice and ask which worksheet applies to your situation. State tax offices can tell you the exact form name and number, and many can email or mail it to you directly. Having the notice in front of you when you call makes the conversation faster.

Locating the worksheet by state

Because each state names and numbers its forms differently, there's no single worksheet that works everywhere. However, here's how to find it in your state:

  • Search your state's name plus "refund worksheet" in a search engine. This usually brings up the state's forms page or a direct link to the PDF.
  • Go directly to the state tax department website and look for a "Forms" or "Publications" section. Most states list worksheets alphabetically or by topic.
  • Check your tax return instruction booklet — the booklet that came with your forms or that you downloaded. Worksheets are often listed in the back or in a section called "Schedules and Worksheets."
  • Call your state's tax helpline if you can't find it online. The number is usually on your state's tax department website or on any notice you received.

What information you'll need when you fill it out

Before you sit down with the worksheet, gather your tax return — both the federal copy and your state copy if you've already filed. You'll need specific line numbers from these returns to fill in the worksheet correctly. The worksheet itself tells you which lines to use, so you don't have to guess.

If you're splitting your refund between bank accounts, have your bank account numbers and routing numbers ready. If you're explore part of your refund to next year's taxes, you usually just check a box — no additional information needed. If your refund was offset, the notice you received will explain what happened and what worksheet to use to respond.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund worksheet by mail instead of downloading it?

Yes. Call your state's tax department and ask them to mail the worksheet to you. This takes longer than downloading, but if you don't have internet access or a printer, it's a valid option. Have your Social Security number and tax year ready when you call.

What if I can't find the specific worksheet my state uses?

Contact your state's tax department directly — by phone, email, or through their website's contact form. Tell them what you're trying to do (split your refund, respond to an offset, etc.) and they'll tell you the exact form name and number or send it to you.

Do I need the worksheet if I'm filing my taxes electronically?

No. Tax software completes the worksheet calculations as part of the filing process. You answer questions about your refund, and the software handles the rest. You only need a physical worksheet if you're filing on paper.

Is the worksheet the same every year?

The worksheet format and line numbers may change slightly from year to year as tax laws change. Always use the worksheet for the tax year you're filing, not one from a previous year. read it from your state's website to make sure you have the current version.