State of California Franchise Tax Board (FTB)
California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) State Tax Refund Status Guide
Check the status of your California state personal income tax refund and learn what information you need and how long it normally takes to receive a refund.
Source checked
Who this guide is for
Anyone who filed a California personal income tax return (such as Form 540) and may be owed a refund. If you paid too much tax, you may be able to get a refund.
- Processing time
- E-filed returns: up to 3 weeks. Paper returns: up to 3 months. Some returns need extra review and may take longer.
- Refund amount
- Amount varies by return
Information the official service may require
- Your Social Security number — entered only on FTB.ca.gov
- Your ZIP code
- Your exact refund amount
- The numbers in your mailing address
Do not send these documents to ClaimPayout.
How to use the official process
- Open the "Where's My Refund" service on FTB.ca.gov.
- Enter your Social Security number, ZIP code, and exact refund amount (and the numbers in your mailing address).
- Review the status shown. If your refund amount differs from your return, FTB will mail you a letter — wait for that letter before contacting FTB.
- For a prior-year refund, contact FTB directly to check the status.
Important warnings
- FTB's refund status tool is free. Be wary of any site or service that charges a fee to "check" or "calculate" your California refund.
- Enter your Social Security number only on FTB.ca.gov.
Questions about this program
What do I need to check my refund status?
Your Social Security number, ZIP code, exact refund amount, and the numbers in your mailing address.
How long does a refund normally take?
Up to 3 weeks for e-filed returns and up to 3 months for paper returns. Some returns and payments need extra review for accuracy and fraud prevention.
What if my refund amount is different from my return?
FTB will mail you a letter explaining the difference. Wait for that letter before contacting FTB.