As tax season progresses, millions of Americans are waiting for their state tax refunds. While the IRS provides a centralized system for checking federal tax refunds, each state operates its own system to track state income tax refunds.
The processing time for state refunds varies widely depending on the state and how you filed your return. Some states issue refunds within days, while others may take several weeks or even months. Additionally, nine states do not have state income tax, meaning their residents do not receive state refunds. Below is a comprehensive guide on how to check your refund status and what factors might impact processing times.
State-by-State Tax Refund Processing Times
Each state has an online tool to check refund status. The required information varies by state and may include your Social Security number, ZIP code, refund amount, and other details.
For instance, in California, you need your Social Security number, ZIP code, refund amount, and part of your mailing address. Meanwhile, in Missouri, you only need your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount.
Below is a breakdown of the estimated processing times for state tax refunds:
| State | How to Check Refund Status | Estimated Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | My Alabama Taxes | 8 to 10 weeks |
| Arizona | Where’s My Refund? | Up to 10 days |
| Arkansas | ATAP | Up to 21 business days |
| California | Where’s My Refund? | Up to 3 weeks (e-file) or 3 months (paper) |
| Colorado | Revenue Online – State of Colorado | Not specified |
| Connecticut | My ConneCT Revenue Services | 10 to 12 weeks (paper) |
| Delaware | Check Refund Status | 10 to 12 weeks |
| Georgia | Check my Refund Status | Within 6 weeks |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Tax Online | 9 to 10 weeks (paper) |
| Idaho | Welcome to State Tax Commission | 7 to 8 weeks (e-file) or 10 to 11 weeks (paper) |
| Illinois | Illinois Department of Revenue | Not specified |
| Indiana | DOR: Check the Status of Your Refund | At least 3 weeks (e-file), 12 weeks (paper) |
| Iowa | Refund Status – Where’s My Refund? | Not specified |
| Kansas | Kansas Department of Revenue | Not specified |
| Kentucky | Where’s My Refund? | 4 to 6 weeks (e-file), 10 to 14 weeks (paper) |
| Louisiana | LaTAP | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Maine | MRS – Refund Status Look Up | Within 8 weeks |
| Maryland | Maryland Taxes | 30 days |
| Massachusetts | MassTaxConnect | Up to 11 weeks |
| Michigan | eServices Individual Income Tax | 3 to 4 weeks (e-file) |
| Minnesota | Where’s My Refund? | Not specified |
| Mississippi | Individual Income Tax | 10 weeks |
| Missouri | Check Refund Status | Not specified |
| Montana | Where’s My Refund? | 2 to 18 weeks |
| Nebraska | Income Tax Refund Status | Minimum of 30 days |
| New Jersey | Check the Status of Your New Jersey Income Tax Refund | Minimum 4 weeks (e-file) |
| New Mexico | Where Is My Refund? | 6 to 8 weeks |
| New York | Check your refund status online 24/7! | Not specified |
| North Carolina | Refund Inquiry Selection | 3 to 6 weeks |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Taxpayer Access Point | Not specified |
| Ohio | Check My Refund Status | Not specified |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Tax Commission | 14 to 21 days |
| Oregon | Revenue Online | Not specified |
| Pennsylvania | Where’s My Refund? | 8 to 10 weeks |
| Rhode Island | Taxation Refund Status | 10 to 15 business days |
| South Carolina | Refunds | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Utah | Where’s My Refund? | 120 days |
| Vermont | Check Your Return or Refund Status | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Virginia | Individual Online Account | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Washington, D.C. | MyTax DC | Up to 8 weeks |
| West Virginia | MyTaxes | Within 21 days |
| Wisconsin | DOR Where’s My Refund – It’s Refund 123 | Less than 12 weeks |
Nine States Do Not Have Income Tax
If you live in one of the following nine states, you will not receive a state tax refund since these states do not collect state income taxes:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Nevada
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
- New Hampshire (only taxes certain dividends and interest income)
How to Get Your Refund Faster
While processing times vary, there are a few ways to speed up the process:
- File electronically: E-filing is processed faster than paper returns.
- Choose direct deposit: Avoid delays caused by mailing a physical check.
- Ensure accuracy: Mistakes in your personal information can slow down processing.
When Will I Receive My Federal Tax Refund?
At the federal level, the IRS processes most refunds within 21 days for taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit. If you filed a paper return, it may take six to eight weeks to receive your refund.
A 2025 Credit Karma survey found that 37% of U.S. taxpayers rely on their tax refunds to cover essential expenses, with the number rising to 50% among millennials.
To maximize your refund, experts recommend:
- Choosing the correct filing status
- Taking advantage of tax deductions
- Claiming available tax credits
- Contributing to an IRA
With April 15 as the filing deadline, it is crucial to ensure your return is accurate and submitted on time to avoid delays
