How to Find Out the Status of a State Income Tax Return

After you have filed your state taxes, you will anxiously await the arrival of a check in the mail or a deposit into your bank account if you are expecting a refund. If you have waited for 3 to 12 weeks and still have not received any money or communication from the state, you can find out the status of a state income tax return quickly. There are two ways to check on your return--online or by telephone. Generally, an individual checking the status of a return is actually trying to find out about a refund, and the refund checking process can be used to get information about both the return and the refund.

Things You'll Need

• Social security number
• Copy of filed tax form
• Refund amount

Instructions

Check Online

1. Visit your state tax department's website. For instance, if you live in California, type "California State Tax" and it will usually be the first result. Click on the link, which will take you to the main page of the taxing authority.

2. Select "Check My Refund" or "Where's My Refund." This will take you to a new page.

3. Enter your social security number, exact refund amount or other necessary information as listed on your state tax form. Some states may ask for your name, some will ask for the number of exemptions you claimed, others will ask which form you filed. Enter the information and click on "Get My Refund" or "Next."

4. View the status of your return and refund. This will tell you if the return was received and processed, when to expect your refund or if there is a problem with the return or refund.

Check by Telephone

1. Find the number for your state tax department in the phone book under "Your State" Revenue Department or look in your state tax instruction booklet for the number, which is often toll free.

2. Call the telephone number, which accesses an automated refund information system.

3. Follow the prompts carefully. You will be ask for your social security number, refund amount, or other details. Some states will ask for the number of exemptions claimed or your name, for instance.

4. Listen to the recorded transmission, which will tell you the status of your return and refund.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are not expecting a refund or need other return information, you can also call your state tax department and speak to a representative.

References

• Wisconsin Refund Status