When Will I Get My Tax Refund? How to Check Your Status
Waiting for a tax refund can be frustrating, especially when you are counting on those funds. The good news is that both the IRS (for federal tax returns) and the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) (for state tax returns) offer online tools to help you track your refund.
Here’s what you need to know about refund processing times, how to check your status, and what to do if there is a delay.
Federal Tax Refunds: IRS Processing Time
The IRS issues most refunds within 21 days if you filed electronically and six to eight weeks if you mailed a paper return. However, certain factors, such as claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), can delay processing.
To check the status of your federal tax refund, use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool:
Check Your Refund Status on the IRS Website
This tool updates once a day and will show the following status updates:
- Return Received – The IRS has received your tax return.
- Refund Approved – Your refund has been processed and is ready for deposit.
- Refund Sent – The refund is on its way to your bank or mail.
California State Refunds: FTB Processing Time
For California state tax refunds, the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) typically processes:
- E-filed returns within two weeks
- Paper-filed returns within four weeks
To check your California state tax refund status, visit:
Check Your Refund Status on the FTB Website
You’ll need your:
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Filing status
- Refund amount
What Can Delay Your Refund?
Several factors can slow down your refund processing, including:
- Filing a paper return instead of e-filing
- Errors or missing information on your return
- Claiming certain credits, such as the EITC or ACTC
- Identity verification requirements
- Past-due tax debts or government offsets
If your refund is taking longer than expected, check the IRS and FTB tools before contacting them directly.
