What does "Summary of state and local tax refunds" mean? says it's from 1099-G, but unsure where to find that from.

[LindaS5247]

Summary of state and local tax refunds refers to the total amount of money refunded to you, or credited to your account, by a state or local government taxing agency during the previous calendar year. This information can be found on Form 1099-G, usually in Box 2.

You should receive Form 1099-G by mail from your state department of revenue. Many states do not mail these forms and require you to visit their revenue website to print them.

If you did not receive a form, you can find this number by looking at your state income tax return from the previous year, specifically looking for the refund amount you received.

The 1099-G is sent to you because the government must report these payments, but it is not automatically taxable on your federal return.

If you used the Standard Deduction on your federal tax return for the year that you paid the taxes (the year stated in Box 3), the refund is generally not taxable.

If you Itemized Deductions on your federal tax return (Schedule A) for that year and claimed a deduction for state and local income taxes, all or part of the refund is likely taxable.
 

Please return To Community if you have any additional information or questions and we would be happy to help.

[ghazalkhaqan98]

thank you. I did check my state's website and it says that I do not have a 1099-G form. However, while I was filling out my taxes on Turbotax, the number was already entered by the system. That number is different than the total state refund I recieved last year. Not sure what to do. 

[DianeW777]

Try deleting that form from your tax file it it actually shows up on the list.

Use the link below for your version of TurboTax to delete a form.

• If you're using TurboTax Online software and need to delete a form, click here.
• If you're using TurboTax Desktop software and need to delete a form, click here.

Close your return after you delete the form and follow the instructions below.

Try clearing the cookies and cache.   It handles many issues that seem nonsensical on a regular basis with online activity. Watch to be sure you are selecting 'all time' as example.  Do not use selections like 'last hour' for those browsers that give  you options.

• How to clear your cache

Once this is complete open your return and try again.

If you are using TurboTax Desktop, save your return, then at the top select Online, then Check for updates.

@ghazalkhaqan98 

[ghazalkhaqan98]

Thank you. So, if I'm understanding correctly, I just need to delete the form? Then, it's good to file?

[SteamTrain]

@ghazalkhaqan98 

No.....that number transferred in from last year's tax file.

IF the amount you received from the state was actually different...then you go thru the State Tax Refund section on the Wages&Income page and enter the proper amount that was refunded.

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Notes:

1)  If I recall properly, a couple states doesn't mail out 1099-G forms, but instead allow you to access the 1099-G form from that state's tax website.  Check your state to see if you can get it there.

2) the state tax refund number might be (correctly) a higher amount than the actual amount the state refunded to you.   From the $$ amount you received...you need to add back a) any State "Use Tax" they might have assessed and b) add back any check-off donations you might have let the state keep for things like wildlife funds, or state Education charities  (though those amounts can then be included in your charity deductions for 2025)

[ghazalkhaqan98]

the number automatically pulled in from last year is actually less than what i recieved. when i went on my state's tax website, it says there is no 1099-G form available for me to view. So, what I will do is just re-enter the numbers from last year's return? Box 78b?

[SteamTrain]

@ghazalkhaqan98 

Don't knwo what line/box 78b refers to as we can't see what state you were filing....

IF the state sent you more, then they likely found something you missed entering and fixed it to give you more.  To be mostly honest...Enter whatever your actual state refund was.   Then any other numbers that are listed in your state tax file.  I guess that might work.

But it is only meaningful if you "itemized" deductions on your 2024 Federal tax return.  If you used the Std Deduction last year for the Feds....then the exact state refund amount isn't particularly critical...since it wouldn't be taxable income for the feds this year if you used the Std Deduction last year..