How to Check for Your State Refund

Sometimes you have a refund coming back from your state when you file your state income returns. If you are like many people, you would like to have this money now rather than later. If you have filed your return, you can check your status by going to the state government site pertaining to taxes and find out exactly what the status is on your return. It is always best to wait at least a week before trying to track your refund.

Things You'll Need

• Social Security number (all states)
• Filing status (most states)
• Adjusted gross income (some states)
• Tax year (some states)
• Last name (some states)
• Exemptions claimed (most states)
• Refund amount (some states)

Instructions

1. Check your refund status online by visiting your state government website. For instance, type "State (your state) Tax Refund Status" into the search toolbar. This will take you to a list of sites. In most cases, the site you want will be first in the list. The words "refund status" will be in the title.

2. Follow the link provided on the page to check your status of the refund. This will take you to another page that will ask you for some information about yourself or about your return.

3. Enter all the information requested correctly. For instance, Wisconsin asks for your Social Security number, exemptions claimed on your return, filing status and your refund amount. Michigan will ask for your last name, Social Security number, tax year and adjusted gross income.

4. Enter all the information requested and submit. Most websites will display the status of your refund right away. It will tell you if it is being processed, when it will arrive and, in some states, if your refund is being held up by another government agency.

Tips & Warnings

• Wait at least a week before checking your status. Do not call the tax office until the time has passed as posted by your particular state for obtaining refund information.