How do I check the status of my state tax return or refund?

After you file your state tax return, you may want to know whether it has been accepted and when your refund will be issued. This article explains how to check the status of your state return, track your state refund, and find out what to do if there is a delay.

What is the difference between return status and refund status?

Your state tax return and your state refund are not the same thing.

Return status tells you where your state return is in the filing process, such as:

  • Submitted
  • Accepted
  • Rejected
  • Processing
Refund status tells you where your refund is after the state has processed your return, such as:
  • Received
  • Approved
  • Sent
Most taxpayers first verify that their return was accepted and then track their refund through their state's refund tracking tool.

How do I check whether my state tax return was accepted?

If you e-file your federal and state returns together, your state return is generally not processed until the IRS accepts your federal return. After the IRS accepts your federal return, it is forwarded to the appropriate state tax agency for processing.

If your federal return is rejected:

  • Your state return will not be forwarded for processing.
  • You must correct the federal return.
  • You must resubmit your return(s).
Most states send an acknowledgment after they receive and accept your state return. This can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. Some states may take longer.

How do I review this in the program?

Navigation:
  1. Sign in to your account.
  2. Go to Tax Home.
  3. Review the return status displayed on your account.
  4. Check your email for any federal or state acceptance notifications.

How do I check my state refund status?

Most states offer an online "Where's My Refund?" tool that allows you to track your refund after your return has been received and processed.

These tools can help you:

  • Confirm the state received your return.
  • Track refund processing progress.
  • Identify delays or requests for additional information.
  • Find contact information for the state tax agency.

We do not issue any tax refunds. Once your return has been accepted, refund processing and payment are handled by the IRS or your state tax agency. To track your refund, visit your state's refund tracking website and enter the requested information.

For state refund tracker links and the IRS federal refund tracker, see: Where's My Refund? Check the IRS Federal or State Refund Status (Current and Prior Years)

What information will I need to check my refund status?

Before using your state's refund tracker, have the following information available:
  • Social Security number (SSN) or taxpayer identification number (TIN)
  • Filing status
  • Expected refund amount from your state tax return
Entering accurate information helps the state locate your return and display the most current status available.

Why is my state refund taking longer than expected?

State refund processing times vary by state and filing season.

Common reasons for delays include:

  • Additional identity verification requirements
  • Errors or missing information on the return
  • Paper-filed returns requiring manual review
  • High processing volumes at the state tax agency
  • Requests for supporting documentation

Example

You filed your return electronically and expected a refund within a few weeks. When you check your state's refund tracker, it shows that additional identity verification is needed. In this situation, follow the instructions provided by your state tax agency before your refund can be released.

What should I do if my return has not been accepted?

If your state return has not been accepted after several days:
  1. Verify that your federal return was accepted.
  2. Review any emails regarding rejected returns.
  3. Check your state's tax agency website for processing delays.
  4. Contact the state tax agency if additional information is needed.

Need information about your federal refund?

Your federal refund is processed separately from your state refund.

To check the status of your federal refund, use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool. You can also access federal refund tracking information through our refund status resources.

Looking for more tax information and tips? SHOW ME MORE
Was this article helpful?
77 out of 168 found this helpful
While TaxSlayer strives to make the information and links contained in our KB articles as timely and accurate as possible, we make no promise or guarantee about the timeliness, accuracy, or completeness of the contents on these pages. The information contained in the Knowledgebase (KB) is for general information only and is not intended to be tax, financial, or legal advice. The user is encouraged to review additional state and federal resources and publications as needed.

Switching to TaxSlayer is easy

Simply upload your return from whatever service you used last year
START FOR FREE

Related articles