Processing times question

[jyeh74]

Are the processing times for state of CA, until you get your refund, from when they receive your documents or from when they are done processing it?

https://www.ftb.ca.gov/aboutFTB/Timeframes/?WT.mc_id=Contact_Slab_Processing_Times#/

So let's say you mail your return.  The website says that for individuals, it takes 4 weeks.  They get it on Jan 1.  Let's say they finish processing it on Feb 1.  Do you receive your refund 4 weeks from Jan 1 or 4 weeks from Feb 1?

[EdwardLO]

The IRS releases most refunds within 21 days of the date that the IRS accepts the return.  See below for information on how to track your refund.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/5340655

[jyeh74]

@TurboTaxEdwardLO so in this case, "accepted" means when it is processed?  So in my example, it is 4 weeks from Feb 1?

[pk]

"accepted" means  accepted for processing --  from acceptance to release of refund  is generally 21 days. However, if for some reason , the return needs human intervention, the three weeks processing time can be extended  quite a bit. Check  WMR ( Where is My Refund at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.irs.gov">www.irs.gov</a> ) for the most current status.

[jyeh74]

What is interesting is that I submitted my 2017 taxes for federal and state at the same time.  Already received federal but still waiting for state.  I guess that makes sense because federal claims 21 days and CA state claims 4 weeks from when they receive it.  However, also submitted 2016 amended taxes for federal and state at the same time.  Both federal and state amended times are estimated at 4 months.
For amended, already received state refund BUT have not received federal refund.  Federal is taking longer this time around for amended.

[pk]

CA , unlike most other states , accepts and processes returns in parallel to the IRS ( does not wait for Fed files ).  
Amended returns are paper returns, must be scanned and  entered into separate processing stream and  with some amount of  manual handling & lower priority , takes longer --- around six weeks from mailing in, at least.