How to find your California tax refund using the Franchise Tax Board website

The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) is California's tax agency, and they run a tool called "Where's My Refund?" that shows you the status of your state tax refund. You can check it on the FTB website without logging in — you just need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, your filing status from your return, and the exact refund amount you're expecting.

The tool updates once a day, usually overnight. If your return was filed recently, it may not appear in the system yet. The FTB processes most refunds within 21 days of receiving your return, though some take longer depending on whether they need to verify information or if there are errors on your return.

You can also check your refund status by phone by calling the FTB at 1-800-338-0505. Have your Social Security number and filing status ready. The phone line is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.

Key Takeaways

  • The FTB's "Where's My Refund?" tool is free and does not require you to create an account or log in.
  • You will need your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status, and the refund amount from your return to check your status.
  • The tool updates once daily and shows whether your return is being processed, approved, or sent to your bank account.
  • Most California refunds arrive within 21 days, but some returns take longer if the FTB needs to verify information or correct errors.
  • If you filed by mail, allow extra time for the FTB to receive and enter your return into their system.

What information you need to check your refund

Before you go to the FTB website, gather three pieces of information from your tax return: your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household), and the refund amount you claimed on your return. The refund amount must match exactly — if you claimed $1,250 and you enter $1,200, the tool will not find your return.

If you filed jointly with a spouse, you can use either spouse's Social Security number. If you are not sure of the exact refund amount, check your copy of the return you filed or look at your confirmation email if you filed electronically.

How to use the Where's My Refund? tool online

Go to the FTB website at ftb.ca.gov and look for the "Where's My Refund?" link. It is usually on the homepage under "Check Your Refund Status" or in the search bar. Click the link and you will see a form with three fields.

Enter your Social Security number or ITIN in the first field. Select your filing status from the dropdown menu in the second field. Enter the refund amount in the third field — type only the number without a dollar sign or comma. Click "Check Status" and the tool will show you what stage your refund is in.

The tool displays one of four messages: "Return Received" (the FTB has your return but has not finished processing it), "Return Approved" (your return was approved and your refund is being prepared), "Refund Sent" (your refund was mailed or sent to your bank account), or "Return Under Review" (the FTB needs more information or found an issue that needs to be resolved).

What each refund status means

Return Received means the FTB has scanned your return into their system and it is waiting to be processed. This is the first stage and can last several days to a week. You will not see a specific refund date yet.

Return Approved means the FTB has reviewed your return, found no errors, and approved your refund. At this stage, the refund is being prepared to send to you. This stage usually lasts a few days to a week before the refund is sent.

Refund Sent means your refund has left the FTB. If you chose direct deposit, the money is on its way to your bank account — this usually takes three to five business days after the FTB sends it. If you chose a mailed check, the check is in the mail and can take one to two weeks to arrive, depending on your location.

Return Under Review means the FTB found something on your return that needs to be checked or corrected. This could be a math error, a missing form, income that does not match what employers reported, or a question about your identity. The FTB will send you a letter explaining what they need. Do not ignore this letter — respond within the timeframe they give you, or your refund will be delayed.

Why your refund might be delayed

If your refund is taking longer than 21 days, several things could be happening. The FTB may be verifying information on your return — for example, if you claimed a large deduction or if your income does not match what your employer reported to the state. They may also be checking your identity to prevent fraud, especially if you filed electronically and this is your first time filing with that method.

If you filed by mail, add time for the FTB to receive your return and enter it into their system. Mail-filed returns can take an extra week or two to appear in "Where's My Refund?" compared to electronically filed returns. If your return is still showing "Return Received" after three weeks, or if it has been in "Return Under Review" for more than a month, contact the FTB by phone or check your mail for a letter from them.

Refunds are also delayed if you owe money to another state, if you have unpaid child support or student loans, or if there is a tax debt from a previous year. The FTB can use your refund to pay these debts before sending you the remainder. If this happens, the FTB will send you a notice explaining the offset.

Direct deposit versus mailed checks

When you filed your return, you chose how to receive your refund: direct deposit to a bank account or a mailed check. Direct deposit is faster — once the FTB sends your refund, it usually arrives in your bank account within three to five business days. A mailed check takes longer, usually one to two weeks depending on mail delivery in your area.

If you chose direct deposit, make sure the bank account information on your return is correct. If you entered the wrong account number or routing number, the FTB will mail you a check instead, which adds time. If you chose a mailed check and have not received it after two weeks, contact the FTB to confirm your address is correct.

What to do if your refund status is not showing up

If you search "Where's My Refund?" and get no results, your return may not have been entered into the system yet. This is normal if you filed very recently — allow at least one week for electronically filed returns and two to three weeks for mailed returns before the FTB adds them to the tool. Check again in a few days.

If you filed more than three weeks ago and your return still does not appear, double-check that you entered your information correctly. The Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount must match your return exactly. If you are certain your information is correct and your return still does not show up, call the FTB at 1-800-338-0505 to speak with someone who can look up your return manually.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a California tax refund?

Most refunds are sent within 21 days of the FTB receiving your return. Direct deposit refunds arrive in your bank account three to five business days after the FTB sends them. Mailed checks take one to two weeks to arrive. If your return needs review or verification, it can take longer.

Can I check my refund status on my phone?

Yes, the FTB's "Where's My Refund?" tool works on phones and tablets. Go to ftb.ca.gov on your phone's web browser and look for the refund status link. You do not need to read an app — the website works on any browser.

What does "Return Under Review" mean and what should I do?

It means the FTB found something on your return that needs to be checked or corrected. The FTB will mail you a letter explaining what they need and when you need to respond. Read the letter carefully and follow the instructions. If you do not respond, your refund will be delayed or denied.

My refund was sent but I have not received it. What should I do?

If you chose direct deposit, wait five business days after the FTB sent it. If you chose a mailed check, wait two weeks. If you still have not received it after that time, call the FTB at 1-800-338-0505 with your Social Security number and return information. They can confirm whether the refund was sent and help you trace it.

Can I change my refund to direct deposit if I chose a mailed check?

No, you cannot change your refund method after you file your return. If you chose a mailed check, you will receive a check. For future years, you can choose direct deposit when you file your next return.