Do I need to report the state or local refund I got last year? Is it taxable?
by TurboTax • 
Updated December 18, 2025 12:10 PM
Yes, report last year’s state or local tax refund, and we’ll figure out if it’s taxable or not.
If all three of the following are true, your refund counts as taxable income:
You itemized deductions last year, instead of taking the standard deduction.
You claimed state and local income taxes (not general sales taxes).
Claiming the deduction helped you increase your federal refund or lower your tax bill.
Even when your refund is taxable, it may not be the entire amount. It depends on how much the deduction affected your refund or tax bill. Just answer a few simple questions about last year’s refund, and we’ll calculate the taxable amount for you.
