Step 1: Find your state’s revenue agency
Use the Federation of Tax Administrators directory of state tax agencies or USA.gov’s state taxes page to locate the official site. Be careful of look-alike sites — your state’s agency website typically ends in .gov or a state-specific official domain. Our state guides cover all 50 states and DC and list each state’s official agency and filing links.
Step 2: Gather your information
Most state refund tools ask for:
- Your Social Security number or ITIN.
- Your filing status.
- The exact refund amount on your return (some ask for the whole dollars only).
- Sometimes your ZIP code or the type of return.
Step 3: Use the status tool
Most states offer an online lookup, and many have taxpayer portals where you can log in to see refunds, payments and notices (examples include the California MyFTB account, Pennsylvania myPATH, MyTax Illinois, Georgia Tax Center and Michigan Treasury eServices, which we cover in our state guides). Some states also have phone lines.
How long state refunds take
Timelines vary widely from a couple of weeks to several months. Factors include whether you e-filed, whether you chose direct deposit, whether the state requires additional identity verification, and how many returns the agency is processing. Some states hold refunds until the federal return is accepted or until employer wage reports are matched. Check your state agency for its published timeline.
Why state refunds are delayed
- Identity verification or fraud screening.
- Errors or differences between your state return and federal data.
- Credits that require review.
- Offsets for state debts.
- Mailing a paper return rather than e-filing.
States with no income tax
If you live in a state with no broad income tax, there’s no state refund to track for wages — see states with no income tax. Check federal status with Where’s My Refund?
If you moved or filed in more than one state
You may have a refund from each state. Part-year residents and nonresidents who filed in a state should check that state’s tool separately.
If you’re owed a refund but didn’t file
Each state has its own deadline to claim a refund, often around three years. File a past-due return to claim it.
Frequently asked questions
Why did I get my federal refund but not my state refund?
They are processed by different agencies on different timelines. Check your state’s tool or portal.
Where do I check my state refund?
On your state revenue agency’s website. Use the Federation of Tax Administrators directory to find it.
Do I need to file a state return?
Most states with an income tax require one. See our state guides.
Official sources
General information only — not tax, legal or financial advice. Tax figures change every year; verify the current numbers at IRS.gov or with a qualified professional. Read the full disclaimer.