Where’s My State Refund? Track Your Refund in Every State

In most U.S. states, you’ll have to file a state tax return. Even though most of us file our taxes every year, it’s easy to be a little confused about them. We’re here to help! We’ve compiled a list of the top questions about state taxes: what they are, how to file them, how to check their status (you can use our interactive map and browse the table below), and more.

State income tax

• What is state income tax?
  • State income taxes are taxes enforced by each state’s government.
  • They are due every year, usually by April 15.
  • What states have no income tax?
    • Some states do not have a state individual income tax, so it’s not necessary to file a state tax return. These states include Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
    • New Hampshire does not tax individual wages, but it does levy a tax on interest and dividend income, which is currently being phased out and set to be eliminated in 2027. Washington also levies a tax on capital gains in excess of $250,000 per year.
    • Which state has the lowest property taxes?
      • Hawaii has the lowest median property taxes.
      • Which state has the highest property taxes?
        • New Jersey has the highest median property taxes.
        • What states do not tax retirement income?
          • Several states do not tax Social Security benefits or pension payments. These include Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming.
          • What states have an inheritance tax?
            • There are several states with an inheritance tax. These states include Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
            • Iowa passed a bill in 2021 to begin phasing out its inheritance tax, with the goal of eliminating it by 2025.
            • What states do not have sales tax?
              • There are a few states without a sales tax: Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. Alaska is the only state with no state income tax and no state sales tax. New Hampshire will join this group once it phases out its tax on dividend and interest income in 2027.

              Filing state taxes

              • Do I have to file state taxes?
                • If you’re not sure if you need to file a tax return, contact your tax professional or the IRS (1-800-829-1040).
                • How do I calculate my state tax refund?
                  • Use your W-2s from your employers to calculate how much money was taken out of your wages for state taxes.
                  • Find out what tax bracket you’re in.
                  • Research and factor in the allowances offered by your state.
                  • Take the amount paid from the state tax bracket you fall under and subtract it from the amount you paid.
                  • The remainder is your state tax refund.
                  • How do I file state taxes?
                    • You can either fill out your state tax form by hand and mail it in, or file electronically with an e-filing program or online tax preparation software like TaxAct®. You can also hire a tax professional to help you file your state tax return.
                    • Can my state tax refund be direct deposited?
                      • Yes. You can receive your state tax refund via direct deposit.

                      State refund status

                      • When will I get my state tax refund?
                        • The date you receive your tax refund depends on several factors, including the way in which you filed and when you submitted your return.
                        • If you sent a paper tax return through the mail, it will take longer to receive your refund than if you filed electronically.
                        • How long does a state refund take?
                          • The amount of time it takes to receive your state refund can vary state by state and whether or not you submitted a complete and accurate return.
                          • How do I check the status of my state refund?
                            • If you filed your tax return electronically, you can likely check the status of your refund online or by phone.
                            • If you sent your tax return through the mail, you may have to wait longer for a status check. You may also call or email your state’s department of taxation.
                            • If you filed your taxes with TaxAct, you can check the status of your return at our E-File Status page.
                            • Where’s my amended state refund?
                              • Amended state returns can take much longer to receive than amended federal returns.
                              • The timeline varies from state to state.
                              • Why did I not receive a state tax refund?
                                • There are several reasons you may not have received your state tax refund including:
                                  • There was an error
                                  • You owe past debts
                                  • You got taken advantage of by a tax scammer — if the IRS needs to contact you, they will almost always do so by mail. If you receive a phone call or email from someone claiming to be the IRS, don’t give them your information, as it could be a scammer trying to steal your tax refund.
                                  • Why is my state refund less than what I filed?
                                    • There are several reasons why your refund can be less than what you filed.
                                    • The state tax office may recalculate your form if they notice a problem.
                                    • State refunds can also be lower if you owe unpaid taxes, student loans, child support, alimony, etc.
                                    • Do state and federal refunds come together?
                                      • No. You will receive your federal and state refunds at separate times.

                                      Garnishments

                                      • What is a state tax lien?
                                        • If you do not pay your taxes, the IRS or state can find other means to satisfy tax debts. While both terms fall under the same umbrella, levies and liens have different meanings. A lien is a legal claim against property to secure payment of a tax debt while a levy is the seizure — or garnishment — of property (such as wages, bank accounts, retirement accounts, real estate) to fulfill that debt.
                                        • Will a state tax lien affect my federal refund?
                                          • Yes. Any future federal or state income tax refunds due to you can be seized.
                                          • Who can garnish state tax refunds?
                                            • State and federal government agencies can garnish your state tax refunds in order to pay down a debt. Individual or private creditors may not take your refund.
                                            • Can the federal government take my state tax refund?
                                              • Yes. If you owe past debts, your state tax refund can be withheld.
                                              • While hospitals cannot intercept your state tax refund, they can garnish your wages to pay off medical bills.
                                              • Can Social Security benefits be garnished for state taxes?
                                                • The IRS may levy a percentage of your Social Security benefits to pay a tax debt.

                                                Calculating state tax refund with ease

                                                Wondering how much you’ll get back in your state tax refund? Simplify the process by utilizing a Tax Calculator. If you’re unsure about the intricate calculations or the impact of your deductions, a Tax Calculator can streamline the entire process. Input your W-2 information, determine your tax bracket, and factor in state allowances effortlessly. Whether you’re filing electronically or sending a paper return, understanding your state tax refund status becomes more accessible with the assistance of a reliable Tax Calculator.

                                                State tax refund table

                                                State	More Refund Details	Phone Support	Email / Online Contact Form	2023 State Filing Deadline
                                                Alabama	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-alabama-state-tax-refund/	1-855-894-7391	4/15/2024
                                                Arizona	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-arizona-state-tax-refund/	(800) 352-4090	4/15/2024
                                                Arkansas	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-arkansas-state-tax-refund/	877-280-2827 501-683-2827	ATAP_Help@dfa.arkansas.gov	4/15/2024
                                                California	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-california-state-tax-refund/	1-800-852-5711	https://www.ftb.ca.gov/aboutFTB/contact.shtml?WT.mc_id=Global_Utility_Contact	4/15/2024
                                                Colorado	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-colorado-state-tax-refund/	1-303-238-7378	https://tax.colorado.gov/individual-income-tax	4/15/2024
                                                Connecticut	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-connecticut-state-tax-refund/	1-800-382-9463 1-860-297-5962	drs@po.state.ct.us	4/15/2024
                                                Delaware	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-delaware-state-tax-refund/	1-302-577-8200 1-800-292-7826	dorsupport@state.de.us	4/30/2024
                                                Georgia	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-georgia-state-tax-refund/	877-423-6711	https://dor.georgia.gov/contact-us	4/15/2024
                                                Hawaii	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-hawaii-state-tax-refund/	1-808-587-4242 1-800-222-3229	https://tax.ehawaii.gov/hoihoi/refund.html	4/20/2024
                                                Idaho	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-idaho-state-tax-refund/	1-208-364-7389 1-888-228-5770	taxrep@tax.idaho.gov https://tax.idaho.gov/i-1015.cfm#sub2	4/15/2024
                                                Illinois	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-illinois-state-tax-refund/	800 732-8866 217 782-3336	http://www.revenue.state.il.us/AboutIdor/ContactUs.htm	4/15/2024
                                                Indiana	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-indiana-state-tax-refund/	(317) 233-4018 - automated line	https://www.in.gov/dor/contact-us/	4/15/2024
                                                Iowa	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-iowa-state-tax-refund/	1-800-572-3944 1-515-281-4966	https://tax.iowa.gov/contact-us	4/30/2024
                                                Kansas	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-kansas-state-tax-refund/	1-785-296-6993	kdor_eservices@ks.gov	4/15/2024
                                                Kentucky	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-kentucky-state-tax-refund/	1-502-564-1600	https://revenue.ky.gov/Get-Help/Pages/Contact-Us.aspx	4/15/2024
                                                Louisiana	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-louisiana-state-tax-refund/	1-888-829-3071	https://esweb.revenue.louisiana.gov/contactus/default.aspx?who=individual&type=refund	5/15/2024
                                                Maine	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-maine-state-tax-refund/	1-207-626-8475	income.tax@maine.gov	4/17/2024
                                                Maryland	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-maryland-tax-refund/	1-800-218-8160 (automated)	taxhelp@comp.state.md.us	4/15/2024
                                                Massachusetts	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-massachusetts-state-tax-refund/	1-617-887-MDOR	4/17/2024
                                                Michigan	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-michigan-state-tax-refund/	1-517-636-4486	4/15/2024
                                                Minnesota	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-minnesota-state-tax-refund/	1-651-296-4444	individual.incometax@state.mn.us	4/15/2024
                                                Mississippi	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-mississippi-state-tax-refund/	1-601-923-7801	http://www.dor.ms.gov/Pages/Contact-Us.aspx	4/15/2024
                                                Missouri	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-missouri-state-tax-refund/	1-573-751-3505	income@dor.mo.gov	4/15/2024
                                                Montana	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-montana-state-tax-refund/	1-406-444-6900	DORCustomerAssistance@mt.gov	4/15/2024
                                                Nebraska	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-nebraska-state-tax-refund/	1-800-742-7474	https://revenue.nebraska.gov/about/contact-us	4/15/2024
                                                New Hampshire	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-new-hampshire-state-tax-refund/	1-603-230-5000	4/15/2024
                                                New Jersey	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-new-jersey-state-tax-refund/	1-800-323-4400	https://www.state.nj.us/treas/taxation/contactus_tyttaxa.shtml	4/15/2024
                                                New Mexico	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-new-mexico-state-tax-refund/	1-866-285-2996	http://www.tax.newmexico.gov/contact-us.aspx	4/15/2024
                                                New York	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-new-york-state-tax-refund/	1-518-457-5149	https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/file/refund.htm	4/15/2024
                                                North Carolina	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-north-carolina-state-tax-refund/	1-877-252-4052	https://eservices.dor.nc.gov/wheresmyrefund/	4/15/2024
                                                North Dakota	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-north-dakota-state-tax-refund/	1-701-328-1242	taxinfo@nd.gov	4/15/2024
                                                Ohio	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-ohio-state-tax-refund/	1-800-282-1780	https://www.tax.state.oh.us/email/TaxMailWeb/global_emailus.html	4/15/2024
                                                Oklahoma	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-oklahoma-state-tax-refund/	1-405-521-3160	https://www.ok.gov/triton/more_information.php?id=281	4/15/2024
                                                Oregon	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-oregon-state-tax-refund/	1-503-378-4988	questions.dor@oregon.gov	4/15/2024
                                                Pennsylvania	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-pennsylvania-state-tax-refund/	1-717-787-8201	https://revenue-pa.custhelp.com/	4/15/2024
                                                Rhode Island	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-rhode-island-state-tax-refund/	1-401-574-8829	Tax.Assist@tax.ri.gov	4/15/2024
                                                South Carolina	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-south-carolina-state-tax-refund/	1-803-898-5300	MyDORWAY@dor.sc.gov	4/15/2024
                                                Utah	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-utah-state-tax-refund/	1-801-297-2200	4/15/2024
                                                Vermont	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-vermont-state-tax-refund/	1-802-828-6802	TAX.myVTaxSupport@vermont.gov	4/15/2024
                                                Virginia	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-virginia-state-tax-refund/	1-804-367-2486	https://www.individual.tax.virginia.gov/VTOL/IndLogin.seam	5/1/2024
                                                Washington, D.C.	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-washington-dc-tax-refund/	1-202-727-4829	4/15/2024
                                                West Virginia	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-west-virginia-tax-refund/	1-304-558-3333	TaxHelp@WV.Gov	4/15/2024
                                                Wisconsin	https://blog.taxact.com/wheres-my-wisconsin-state-tax-refund/	1-866-947-7363	https://www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/Apps/CheckYourRefund.aspx	4/15/2024

                                                This article is for informational purposes only and not legal or financial advice.

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                                                More to explore:

                                                • Self-Employed? Here are 5 Things to Do With Your Tax Refund That Will Help Your Business
                                                • Why Your Tax Refund Could Be Lower Than Expected
                                                • How to Check Your Tax Refund Status
                                                • Deductions vs. Credits: How Do They Affect My Refund?
                                                • Where’s My Refund? Step-by-Step Timeline of your Tax Refund