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Track Your Federal & California Tax Refund

Know exactly where your refund is — and what to do if it's late. Use the official tools below to check your status in minutes, with no login required.

Check Federal Refund Check California Refund

Official Refund Tracking Tools

Use only official government websites to check your refund. These tools update once per day — usually overnight.

Federal — IRS
Where's My Refund?

The IRS updates status once a day. You can check 24 hours after e-filing or 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.

You'll need:
  • Social Security Number (or ITIN)
  • Filing status
  • Exact refund amount from your return
Where's My Refund? IRS2Go App
California — FTB
Franchise Tax Board

California FTB typically processes e-filed returns in 2–3 weeks and paper returns in 4–6 weeks. Check status anytime on the FTB website.

You'll need:
  • Social Security Number
  • Mailing address ZIP code
  • Exact refund amount
Check CA Refund
IRS Refund Hotline: Call 800-829-1954 if it has been more than 21 days since e-filing, or more than 6 weeks since mailing a paper return.

Why Is My Refund Delayed?

Most delays fall into one of these common categories. Some are automatic — others may require you to act.

Identity Verification Required

The IRS may mail a 5071C or 4883C letter asking you to verify your identity online or by phone. Respond promptly — until you do, your refund is on hold. This is not an audit.

EITC / ACTC Hold

Federal law requires the IRS to hold refunds that include the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit until mid-February, even for early filers. This is automatic — no action needed.

Errors or Missing Information

Math errors, mismatched names or SSNs, or missing signatures cause the IRS to pause processing. Minor errors may be corrected automatically; others trigger a notice requesting clarification.

Debt Offset

The Treasury Offset Program allows the government to apply your refund to unpaid federal taxes, student loans, child support, or state debt. You'll receive a notice showing what was offset and by how much.

Under Review

The IRS routinely selects returns for additional review — it doesn't necessarily mean an audit. If your return includes complex deductions or business income, additional review time is common.

Paper Return Filed

Paper returns are processed manually and take significantly longer — 6 to 8 weeks in normal conditions. During peak season or IRS backlogs, processing can extend to 12+ weeks.

Refund FAQ

Most e-filed returns with direct deposit are processed within 21 days. Paper returns take 6–8 weeks. If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, refunds are held until mid-February by law. Amended returns (Form 1040-X) can take up to 20 weeks.

Visit the California Franchise Tax Board refund status tool at ftb.ca.gov/refund. You'll need your Social Security number, mailing address ZIP code, and the exact refund amount. California state refunds typically take 2–3 weeks for e-filed returns and 4–6 weeks for paper returns.

Common causes: errors or missing info on your return, identity verification required, return selected for review, EITC/ACTC hold periods, or a paper return was filed. If it's been more than 21 days since e-filing, call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954. If you received an IRS notice, contact us — we can help you respond.

The IRS or state may have reduced your refund to offset unpaid taxes, student loans, child support, or other federal debts (Treasury Offset Program). Math errors may also have been corrected. You should receive a notice explaining any adjustment. If you believe the reduction was an error, contact Your Tax Team — we can review your return and help you respond.

The fastest combination is always e-file + direct deposit — most refunds arrive within 21 days. Once your return is filed, there is no way to accelerate IRS processing. Avoid refund anticipation loans: they come with fees and interest. If you're waiting on a refund and need help, reach out to us — we can check for any issues with your return.

Don't ignore IRS notices. Common ones include: CP05 (return under review), 5071C (identity verification), CP12 (math error correction), or CP21B (refund adjusted). Each notice includes a response deadline. Contact Your Tax Team — we handle IRS correspondence and can respond on your behalf.

Got an IRS Notice or a Refund Question?

We review IRS and FTB notices, respond on your behalf, and make sure you never leave money on the table. Schedule a free consultation with our team.

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