Your state and local tax refund summary lives in your state's tax department website, usually under a section called "refund status" or "check my refund"
Most states let you look up your refund online without logging in — you enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount you expect. Some states require you to create an account first. The process takes about two minutes and tells you whether your refund has been processed, when it was issued, and how it will arrive (direct deposit or check).
If you filed with a tax preparer or software, that company's website may also show your refund status, but the state's own system is the source of truth. The preparer's version sometimes lags by a few days.
Key Takeaways
- Each state's tax department website has a refund lookup tool that shows status, issue date, and payment method without requiring a login.
- You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount from your return to search.
- Some states issue refunds on a weekly schedule; others batch them monthly, so timing varies by state.
- If your state uses direct deposit, the refund appears in your bank account three to five business days after the state issues it.
- Local tax refunds (city or county income tax) are tracked separately from state refunds and often take longer to process.
How to find your state refund status online
Go to your state's Department of Revenue, Department of Taxation, or equivalent agency website. Search for "refund status" or "check my refund." The tool is usually on the homepage or under a section labeled "Individuals" or "File and Pay."
Enter your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the refund amount. The system will show you one of four statuses: received and processing, approved and scheduled to issue, issued, or not found. If the refund has been issued, the page will tell you the issue date and whether it went to direct deposit or was mailed as a check.
Some states, including California, New York, and Texas, also send text or email notifications when your refund is issued. You can sign up for these alerts on the same refund lookup page.
State-by-state refund lookup locations
Rather than list all 50 states (which changes as websites redesign), the fastest way to find yours is to search "[Your State] refund status" in a search engine. The official state website will appear first. Alternatively, go directly to your state's tax agency domain — most follow the pattern revenue.state.[your state].us or tax.state.[your state].us.
If you cannot find the refund tool, call your state's tax department. The number is on the state website. Wait times are longest in March and April, but outside those months you usually reach someone in under 10 minutes. Have your Social Security number and return ready.
What to do if your refund status shows "not found"
If the lookup tool does not recognize your return, it usually means one of three things: the return has not been received yet, there is a mismatch between what you entered and what the state has on file, or the return is being reviewed for errors.
First, double-check the refund amount. Many people enter the amount they expected rather than the amount they actually claimed on the return. If you are unsure, pull up a copy of your filed return and verify the refund line. Then try the search again.
If it still does not appear after two weeks, call the state tax department. They can tell you whether the return arrived, whether there is a data entry error, or whether the return is flagged for review. If it is flagged, they will tell you what information they need from you.
Local tax refunds are tracked separately
City and county income tax refunds do not appear in your state refund lookup. You have to check with the local tax authority directly. Some cities (Philadelphia, New York City, Washington DC) have their own online refund tools. Others require you to call or mail a request.
Local refunds typically take longer than state refunds — often six to twelve weeks — because local tax departments have smaller staffs and process returns in batches. If you are owed a local refund, contact your city or county tax office directly. The office address and phone number are on your local tax return or on the city or county website under "taxes" or "revenue."
Direct deposit versus mailed check
If your refund status shows "issued" and you chose direct deposit, the money will appear in your bank account three to five business days after the state issues it. Some banks post it faster, but five days is the standard window. The state's refund page will show the issue date, not the deposit date, so add five days to know when to expect the money.
If you chose a mailed check, the state will mail it within one to two weeks of the issue date. Delivery takes another five to ten business days depending on distance. If you have not received a check within three weeks of the issue date, contact the state tax department and ask them to reissue it or switch the refund to direct deposit.
What information you need to look up your refund
| Information | Where to find it |
|---|---|
| Social Security number | Your return or Social Security card |
| Filing status | Line 1 of your return (single, married filing jointly, etc.) |
| Refund amount | The refund line on your return (usually the last line) |
| State tax ID (some states) | Your return or prior year notice of assessment |
If you filed electronically, you can pull up your return from the tax software you used or request a transcript from the state. If you filed on paper, look at the copy you kept or contact the state to request a copy.
Keep this information handy before you start the lookup. Having it ready means you will not have to stop mid-search to find your return or dig through old documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see my refund status online?
Most states update their refund lookup tools weekly, so you should see your return within one to two weeks of filing. If you filed electronically, it appears faster than a paper return. During tax season (February through April), updates may lag by a few extra days.
Can I check my refund status if I filed with a tax preparer?
Yes. You can use the state's refund lookup tool with your own information. The tax preparer does not need to be involved. If you want the preparer to check for you, they can, but the state website is faster and you do not have to wait for them to respond.
What does "approved and scheduled to issue" mean?
It means the state has reviewed your return, found no errors, and will send your refund within the next one to two weeks. The exact issue date depends on the state's processing schedule, which is usually weekly or biweekly.
Why does my refund status say "issued" but I have not received the money?
If you chose direct deposit, the money is on its way and should arrive within five business days of the issue date. If you chose a check, it was mailed and should arrive within two to three weeks. If more time has passed, contact the state to confirm the payment method and ask them to reissue if needed.
Can I get my refund faster if I call the tax department?
No. Calling does not speed up processing. The state processes refunds on a set schedule regardless of how many people call. Calling is only useful if your refund status shows an error or if your return is flagged for review and you need to provide additional information.