You can get both a federal and state tax refund in the same year, but only if you owed taxes to both governments and overpaid both
A federal refund and a state refund are separate. The IRS handles federal tax, and your state handles state tax. You file two different returns—one federal form (Form 1040) and one state form (varies by state). If you overpaid federal tax, the IRS refunds you. If you overpaid state tax, your state refunds you. Both can happen at the same time, but they are not connected to each other.
The size of each refund depends on what you actually owed to each government. A large federal refund does not may provide a large state refund, or any state refund at all. Some people get a federal refund and owe state tax. Others get a state refund and owe federal tax. It depends entirely on your income, deductions, credits, and the tax rates in your state.
Key Takeaways
- Federal and state refunds are processed separately by different agencies on different timelines, so one may arrive weeks before the other.
- You receive a state refund only if your state has an income tax and you overpaid it; nine states have no income tax at all.
- Filing your federal return does not automatically file your state return—you must file the state form yourself or through your tax software.
- Both refunds can be delayed if you claim certain credits, file on paper, or if your return is selected for review.
- You can track your federal refund on IRS.gov and your state refund on your state tax agency's website, using different tools for each.
Which states have no income tax
Nine states do not tax income at all, so you will never get a state refund from them no matter how much you overpaid: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, and New Hampshire (which taxes only dividends and interest, not wages).
If you live in one of these states, you file only a federal return. If you worked in a state that does tax income but live in a no-tax state, you may still owe that state tax and need to file there. The rule depends on where you earned the money, not where you live.
How to file both returns
Most tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, FreeTaxUSA) will walk you through both the federal return and your state return in the same session. After you finish your federal Form 1040, the software prompts you to file your state return. You answer state-specific questions, and the software generates your state form.
If you file on paper, you must obtain and mail your state form separately. Contact your state tax agency directly or download the form from its website. The state agency address and form number are listed on your state's tax website. Paper filing takes longer than electronic filing for both federal and state returns.
If you file your federal return but skip your state return, you will not get a state refund even if you overpaid. The IRS does not file your state return for you. You must file it yourself.
Timeline for receiving both refunds
The IRS typically issues federal refunds within 21 days of accepting your return if you file electronically and choose direct deposit. State refunds vary widely by state. Some states process refunds in two to four weeks; others take six to eight weeks or longer. You will not receive both refunds on the same date.
Certain situations slow down both federal and state refunds. If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS holds your federal refund until mid-February even if you file in January. Some states have similar holds. If your return is selected for review, both refunds pause until the review is complete.
| Refund Type | Typical Timeline | What Slows It Down |
|---|---|---|
| Federal (direct deposit) | 21 days | EITC/ACTC claims, paper filing, return review |
| Federal (check) | 4 to 6 weeks | Mail delivery plus all above |
| State (varies by state) | 2 to 8 weeks | State processing backlog, return review, paper filing |
Tracking your federal and state refunds separately
You track federal and state refunds using two different tools. For your federal refund, go to IRS.gov and use the "Where's My Refund?" tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight.
For your state refund, visit your state tax agency's website and look for a refund status tool. Each state names it differently—some call it "Check Your Refund Status," others "Refund Tracker." You will need your Social Security number and the refund amount. Some states also accept your state ID number or driver's license number. State websites are listed on the Federation of Tax Administrators website if you cannot find yours.
If your federal refund status shows "Accepted" but not "Approved," the IRS is still reviewing your return. The same applies to state refunds. Do not assume a delay means something is wrong; processing simply takes time.
What happens if one refund is delayed but the other arrives
It is normal for one refund to arrive while the other is still processing. There is no rule that they must arrive together. If your federal refund arrives in three weeks but your state refund takes eight weeks, that is not a problem—both are still on track.
If one refund is delayed beyond the expected timeline for your state or the IRS, check the refund status tool first. If the tool says your return was accepted but not yet approved, wait a few more days. If the tool shows your return was approved but you have not received the money, contact the agency by phone. The IRS phone number is on IRS.gov; your state tax agency number is on your state's website.
Refunds when you owe to one government but not the other
You might owe federal tax but get a state refund, or vice versa. This happens when your federal and state tax situations are different. For example, some states offer credits the federal government does not, or your income might fall into a different tax bracket at the state level.
If you owe federal tax, the IRS will not send you a federal refund—instead, your refund from the state may be intercepted to pay your federal debt. This is called federal offset. The IRS notifies you before this happens. If you owe state tax, your state may intercept your federal refund to pay the state debt. Again, you receive notice first. If you disagree with the offset, you can request a hearing through the agency that is taking the money.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I file my federal return late, does that delay my state refund?
No. Your state refund depends only on when you file your state return, not your federal return. You can file your state return on time and your federal return late, and your state refund will process normally. However, if your state requires you to file federal first before filing state (rare), then a late federal filing would delay the state filing.
Can I get a federal refund without filing a state return?
Yes. If you live in a no-income-tax state or did not owe state tax, you file only federal. You will receive your federal refund on schedule. You do not need to file state to get federal money.
What if I moved to a different state during the year?
You may owe tax to both your old state and your new state, or you may owe to only one. The rule depends on when you moved and how each state taxes part-year residents. File a part-year return in each state where you lived and earned income. Your tax software will ask you about the move and generate the correct forms.
Do I have to use direct deposit for both refunds?
No. You can choose direct deposit for federal and a check for state, or vice versa. Each refund method is selected separately on each return. Direct deposit is faster for both, but checks are an option if you prefer.
What if my state refund is smaller than I expected?
Your state refund is based on what you actually overpaid in state tax. If it is smaller than expected, your state tax withholding or estimated payments were lower than you thought, or your state tax liability was higher than your federal liability. Review your state return to see your state income, deductions, and credits. If you believe there is an error, contact your state tax agency.