How to Track Your State Tax Return Status

After filing a state tax return, you can monitor its journey through the state’s processing system. Whether anticipating a refund or confirming a payment, states provide tools to check the status of a return. These systems offer transparency from when a return is received until a refund is issued or a payment is posted, allowing you to know when to expect funds or confirmation.

Information Needed to Check Your State Tax Status

For a Refund

To check your refund status, you must gather specific information from your completed tax return. The first requirement is your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you filed a joint return, you will need to provide the SSN or ITIN that appears first on the form.

You will also need to provide your filing status, such as Single, Married Filing Jointly, or Head of Household. The final piece of information is the exact refund amount you claimed, which must be entered in dollars and cents as it appears on your state tax form.

For a Payment

Confirming that a tax payment has been successfully processed requires a different set of information. If you paid electronically through a state’s online portal, you will need the confirmation number received at the time of the transaction. You will also need the exact amount of the payment and the date it was submitted. This information is used to locate the specific transaction in the state’s financial records.

Tracking Your State Tax Refund

The main method for tracking a state tax refund is through the official website of your state’s Department of Revenue. On the homepage, find the section for refunds, which is often labeled “Where’s My Refund?” or something similar.

You will be prompted to enter the verification details from your return, including your SSN or ITIN, filing status, and the exact refund amount. Entering this information precisely as it appears on your tax return is necessary to avoid errors. The system will then display the current status of your refund.

Many states also offer an automated phone system that requires the same identifying information. Electronically filed returns are visible in the system within a few days, while paper-filed returns can take several weeks to appear. Since call center representatives have access to the same information as the online tool, using the web portal is often the fastest method.

Confirming a State Tax Payment

To confirm a tax payment has been processed, first check your financial accounts. If you paid by bank draft or credit card, review your statement to see if the funds have been withdrawn by the state tax agency. The transaction description should identify the state’s Department of Revenue.

Many state tax agencies also provide an online portal where you can create an account to view your tax history. Logging into your account allows you to see a record of payments that have been received and posted.

Your bank may show funds as withdrawn, but it can take several business days for the state’s system to update. Keep your confirmation number until you verify the payment has posted on both your bank statement and the state’s tax portal.

Understanding Common Status Messages

When you check your refund status, you will encounter several standard messages. The first is “Return Received,” which confirms that the state has your tax return, but processing has not yet begun.

As your return moves through the system, the status will change to “Return Processing.” This message indicates that your return is actively being worked on, and no action is needed from you. The duration of this phase can vary depending on the complexity of your return and the state’s workload.

A status of “Under Review” or “Action Required” means the tax agency needs more information to continue processing your return. You will receive a letter or notice in the mail detailing what information is needed. You must respond to this notice promptly to avoid further delays.

The “Refund Approved” or “Refund Sent” status indicates that your return has been fully processed and your refund has been issued. The message will often include the date the refund was sent and the method, such as direct deposit or paper check. If you opted for direct deposit, it may take a few business days for the funds to appear in your account, and the state will mail a notice if your refund amount was adjusted.