State Refund Processing Timeframe

 The processing times for state returns varies from state to state. Some states have noted that they will take extra time this year to process returns and issue refunds. The reason is due to added measures to protect against fraud. You'll find a list of states that have notated timeframes below. And if you click the name of each state, you will be taken to the page to track your refund status for that state. 

• ALABAMA - Please allow 8-12 weeks to receive your refund
• CALIFORNIA - Normal processing is up to 2 weeks for e-filed and 4 weeks for paper filed returns. See here processing time for timeframes of those that require extra processing time.

• COLORADO - May delay refunds for some taxpayers by up to 60 days beyond normal processing time.  
• DELAWARE - Began processing returns the third week of February and can take 4 to 12 weeks
• GEORGIA - Asks that most taxpayers allow 90 business days to process a return and issue a refund, following receipt of their returns
• KANSAS - Taxpayers expecting refunds that filed electronically can expect a deposit in 10 to 14 business days. Taxpayers expecting a refund that filed using a paper form should allow at least 16 to 20 weeks to receive a refund back by mail.
• HAWAII - Allow 9-10 weeks after you mail or e-file your tax return and an additional 2 weeks for paper refund checks.
• ILLINOIS - You can expect your refund to take longer than previous years as we continue our efforts to prevent identity theft and fraud.
• LOUISIANA -The expected refund processing time for returns filed electronically is up to 60 days. For paper returns, taxpayers should expect to wait 12 to 14 weeks.
• MASSACHUSETTS - Takes 4 to 6 weeks to process e-filed returns. And 8-10 for paper filed returns
• MISSISSIPPI - Ordinarily, within ten weeks after we receive your completed return, we will mail your refund check.  Therefore, allow at least ten weeks for your refund to arrive before contacting us.
• MISSOURI will delay most refunds, however, no timeline has been given.
• MONTANA - For returns filed in January with no problems noted, refunds can sometimes be issues within a week. However, refunds from returns filed in April can sometimes take 8 weeks, even if there is no problem with the return, as the state manages its cash resources as it meets all of its obligations. The timing of refunds is also affected by the Department's measures to prevent identity theft and refund fraud
• NORTH CAROLINA - Due to enhanced identity theft protection measures, some refunds may take longer than normal, which is 6-8 weeks for electronically filed returns and 12 weeks for paper returns.
• NEW JERSEY - Did not start processing tax returns until March 1st. Up to 4 weeks for e-filed and 12 weeks for paper filed. Returns that require manual processing may take 12 weeks or longer whether the return was filed electronically or on paper.
• NEW MEXICO - The Department generally processes electronically filed returns claiming a refund within 6 to 8 weeks.  A paper return received by the Department takes 8 to 12 weeks to process.
• PENNSYLVANIA - Please allow 8-10 weeks for processing
• VIRGINIA - Takes up to four weeks to process e-filed tax returns and 8 weeks for paper filed
• VERMONT - Began processing tax returns the first week of February and have an expected time frame of 6-8 weeks, while paper returns typically take at least 8-12 weeks.
• WEST VIRGINIA - Due to the extremely large volume of returns, please allow at least 8 weeks for your return to be processed before calling to speak with someone concerning the status of your refund
• WISCONSIN - Our strong fraud and error safeguards could delay some returns up to 12 weeks