Where’s My Refund
TYS is familiar with California’s tax ecosystem, I can tell you: the anticipation around state refunds is real. You filed. You waited. And now you’re asking, “Where’s my refund?”
How California Processes Your Refund
Once you submit your return—either electronically or by mail—the Franchise Tax Board (FTB) typically processes e-filed returns in under 3 weeks. Paper returns? Expect up to 3 months. That’s not an error—that’s bureaucracy.
How to Check Your Refund Status
The FTB offers an online tool aptly named “Check Your Refund Status.” You’ll need:
- Your Social Security number
- Filing status
- Exact refund amount
Go to ftb.ca.gov and search “Where is my state refund?” It’s updated daily, usually overnight.
Common Reasons for Delay
- Mismatched W-2s
- Incorrect direct deposit info
- Manual reviews for Earned Income Credit or Child Tax Credit
If anything seems amiss, your refund may land in audit limbo—where time slows and frustration grows.
Kismet Insight:
In 2022, California distributed nearly $1.3 billion in refunds before the April deadline—thanks in part to AI-assisted error checks. Automation is speeding things up, but it’s also flagging more discrepancies.
Final Advice from a CPA
Track early. File clean. And if you’re unsure whether a deduction will trigger a flag, talk to someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes tax code. That’s us. Contact us today