How to Check California State Tax Refund Status

The California Franchise Tax Board has a website set up to let taxpayers check the status of their personal income tax refunds. If you're inquiring about a refund from a prior tax year, you can call the Franchise Tax Board at (800) 852-5711. Press "1" to select personal income tax and then "6" to speak to a representative.

On the California Franchise Tax Board site, click on "Where's my refund?" To check your refund status, you must provide your Social Security number, mailing address (including the ZIP code) and the amount of your refund. Round your refund to the closest dollar, so instead of entering $950.25, for example, enter $950.

California processes refunds from electronically-filed returns substantially faster than paper returns. If you file electronically, you can expect your refund in seven to 10 days, according to the California Franchise Tax Board. But if you mail in your return, it typically takes eight to 12 weeks.