One of the best ways to save tax money is to keep track of your state tax refund status, but taxation in the United States can be daunting and confusing. You need to pay taxes not only to the federal government but also to the state. The good news is you can also check your refund – and claim it. Here’s how to do it.
State Tax Refund Status | Check It Using These Steps
In This Article:
- Research State and Local Laws
- Work on Your Tax Forms
- File Your Tax Return
- Give It a Few Days
- Print Your Return
- Check Your State Tax Refund Status
1. Research State and Local Laws
When you want to determine your state tax refund status, you start by gathering your needed tax information.
The first step is to research. Learn about your local and state laws. For example, does your state have an income tax and property tax? Remember, not all states do. Even if they have these, the rates can still vary. How much is the withholding tax or the self-employment tax?
Focus on the tax deductions and tax credits that apply to your situation. For example, if you had a baby within the last year, the state may allow you to claim the baby on your state taxes. Even a stillborn baby qualifies in many states. By researching the local and state laws, you fill out accurate information.
2. Work on Your Tax Forms
Gather documents for your tax forms. If you work in a traditional job, then you need your W-2 form. A 1099 form applies when you have interest income or other sources of income. If you do not have a W-2 or 1099 form, then use your pay stubs.
Add up your total annual income. Follow the directions on your state tax forms. Subtract the tax-deferred accounts from the annual income. If you have a 401(k) and contribute to the account, then reduce the amount from your taxable income.
Your state’s taxation and revenue department offers information about your tax bracket which can differ from federal tax brackets. Use the data of your state to determine your tax responsibilities. To know your state tax refund status, you can do this: if you paid taxes throughout the previous tax year, then subtract it from the amount you owe. If you paid more than the amount required by the state, then you receive a refund.
3. File Your Tax Return
Send in your tax return. Some online tax services allow you to create an e-file as well as check e-file status with the state and the IRS. You will usually have a confirmation email within a few hours or a day after you file taxes. The email tells you the state has received your tax return. Overall, this simplifies the process of knowing your state tax refund status.
When filing taxes, taxpayers can also send their forms by mail, but if you want to do this, then know it can slow down your refund. It takes a few days for the document to arrive at your state’s department of revenue or taxation. Allow a few days for the documents to arrive before you assume you can calculate your state tax refund status.
4. Give It a Few Days
Whether you file your taxes online or by mail, wait for a few days before you inquire about your state tax refund status. It usually takes three days to update your information. It may take longer if you file close to the deadline. Filing the information late will also slow down your refund.
5. Print Your Return
Print out or keep a copy of your tax return. You want the information on your copy to match that of your state income tax return on the database. You also need to know your Social Security Number and details about the tax forms you filed.
Look at the bottom of your tax return to check the status of the refund. The IRS uses the information to find your tax documents. The state refund is not on your federal tax return. Use your state return to determine the amount the state owes.
6. Check Your State Tax Refund Status
On the federal level, you can check the federal refund status online using the Where’s My Refund page of the IRS. Fill out your Social Security Number, tax form, and refund amount. Submit the information by clicking the button. The IRS tells you the status of your refund. On the state level, you can go to the website of the Department of Taxation and see if it has a similar tool.
If you use a tax-filing tool like TurboTax, then use the step-by-step guide. Fill out the requested information about your state or federal tax forms.
In reality, it can take a while to know the status of your refund. This is because both the state and the federal government want to avoid tax fraud, but delays in filing taxes can also impact your refund status. Tax-filing services can teach you the common reasons for a delayed refund. They also keep you up-to-date with any changes to your refund status.
One of the best ways to receive a refund is to maximize your deductions. How to Adult shares some of those you should not miss.
Checking state tax refund status is becoming easier. You can do it online or use helpful tools like TurboTax. You can also make it more convenient by knowing the state tax rules, declaring the right deductions and tax credits, and filing the correct tax forms.
What tools did you use in checking your state refund status? Share your reviews in the comments section below.
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