Explore All Topics

California (CA) State Refund

2 min read


2 min read


After filing your state and federal tax return, you are probably wondering when you are getting your tax refund. Here’s more info on finding out about your state tax return in California.

How to Check Your CA State Refund

tax refundEvery state in the U.S. has its own timetable for issuing state income tax returns. California might take only a few days to process it or the state may take a few months. But paper state income tax returns typically take longer to process than e-filed state returns.

Luckily, each state has an online system that lets you check the status of your state tax refund.

To check to the status of your tax refund in California visit the State of California Franchise Board website, “Where’s My Refund?

What Do You Need to Check Your California State Tax Refund?

There are two things you need to check on your California state tax refund. They are:

  • Your Social Security number (SSN), Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  • Zip code
  • The exact amount of your refund
  • Numbers in your mailing address

How Long Does it Take to Get a CA State Refund?

For taxpayers who e-filed, your refund may take up to two weeks. For taxpayers who paper-filed, expect to receive your refund up to four weeks from the date you filed.

Some tax returns need extra review for accuracy, completeness, and to protect taxpayers from fraud and identity theft. Extra processing time may be necessary.

How to Check Your Federal Tax Refund Status

Federal tax refunds are issued separately than state tax refunds.

You can check the status of your federal return using H&R Block’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool.

Help With Your California Tax Refund and Filing

It’s important to avoid state tax issues and potential financial liability. If you need help navigating your state tax obligations, get help with H&R Block Virtual! With this service, we’ll match you with a tax pro with California tax expertise. Then, you will upload your tax documents, and our tax pros will do the rest! We can help with your CA taxes, including federal deductions for paying state taxes.

Prefer a different way to file? No problem – you can find California state tax expertise with all of our ways to file taxes.

Was this topic helpful?