State tax refunds vary widely by state and depend on what you earned and withheld
There is no single "average" state tax refund that applies everywhere. What you get back depends on your state's tax rate, how much you withheld from your paychecks, and whether you had other income or deductions that year. Some states do not have income tax at all, so residents there get nothing back on state returns. In states that do tax income, the average refund ranges from around $400 to over $1,200, but that number shifts year to year and varies significantly by state.
The IRS publishes federal refund data each year, but state-by-state refund averages are harder to find because not every state publishes detailed statistics. What does exist shows that refund size depends more on individual circumstances than on which state you live in—two people in the same state can receive very different refunds based on their income, filing status, and withholding choices.
Key Takeaways
- State tax refunds range from roughly $400 to $1,200 on average, but this varies by state and changes year to year.
- Nine states have no income tax, so residents filing in those states receive no state refund.
- Your refund size depends on how much you withheld during the year, not on your state's tax rate alone.
- States that publish refund data usually release it several months after the tax year ends, so current-year averages are not immediately available.
Which states publish refund data and what they show
States that do publish refund information typically release it in their annual tax statistics reports, usually in the summer or fall following the tax year. For example, California, New York, and Texas occasionally report average refund amounts in their tax administration reports, but the data is not always broken down by income level or filing type. When states do report, the average refund tends to fall between $500 and $1,000, though this shifts based on economic conditions and changes to state tax law.
The challenge is that most states do not make this data easy to find or do not publish it at all. Your state's Department of Revenue or Taxation website may have a statistics page, but you may need to contact them directly or search their annual reports to find refund information. Even when data exists, it reflects only the people who filed that year and received refunds—it does not include people who owed money or broke even.
States with no income tax and what that means for your refund
Nine states do not tax income: 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 and work there, you will not receive a state income tax refund. You will still file a federal return and may receive a federal refund, but the state portion of your return will not apply.
If you moved during the year or worked in multiple states, you may still need to file a part-year return in a state with income tax. Some states also tax income earned within their borders even if you do not live there, so you could owe or receive a refund in a state where you do not reside.
How withholding affects your refund size more than your state does
The amount you withhold from each paycheck matters far more to your refund than which state you live in. If you tell your employer to withhold extra money (by claiming fewer allowances on your W-4), you will receive a larger refund. If you withhold less, your refund will be smaller or you may owe money. Two people earning the same income in the same state can receive completely different refunds based solely on their withholding choices.
This is why comparing your refund to an "average" is not very useful. A better question is whether you are withholding the right amount for your situation. If you consistently receive large refunds, you are lending the government money interest-free all year. If you consistently owe, you may face penalties. The goal is to break even or come close, which means adjusting your W-4 or making estimated payments if you have self-employment income.
When states release refund data and why it lags
Most states do not release detailed refund statistics until several months after the tax year ends. The IRS typically publishes federal data in the summer following April 15, but state data comes later because each state processes returns on its own schedule. By the time a state publishes its average refund for a given year, that year is already over and the number has little practical use for current filers.
This lag exists because states need time to process all returns, verify data, and compile statistics. Some states prioritize speed over detail and publish only basic numbers. Others conduct more thorough analysis but take longer to release it. If you are looking for current-year refund information, you are unlikely to find an official state average—you will instead see estimates based on prior years or federal data.
How your income level and filing status affect your state refund
Higher-income filers often receive larger refunds in absolute dollars because they pay more tax overall, but lower-income filers may receive larger refunds as a percentage of what they paid. This is because many states offer refundable tax credits for low-income households—credits that can result in a refund even if you owe no tax. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is the most common example, and it exists at both federal and state levels in many states.
Your filing status also matters. Married couples filing jointly may have different withholding needs than single filers or heads of household. If you have dependents, you may be may have access to to credits that increase your refund. These factors vary by state, so two people with identical incomes can receive very different refunds depending on their family situation and which state they live in.
Finding your state's specific refund information
To find refund data for your state, start with your state's Department of Revenue or Taxation website. Look for a section labeled "Statistics," "Annual Reports," or "Tax Data." Some states publish this information freely; others require you to request it or dig through PDF reports. The IRS Statistics of Income website also publishes some state-level data, though it focuses on federal returns rather than state refunds.
If you cannot find published data, you can contact your state tax agency directly and ask whether they track average refund amounts. Be specific about what year you are asking about, since the data changes annually. Keep in mind that even if your state publishes an average, it may not be relevant to your situation—your refund depends on your individual circumstances, not on what other people in your state received.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average federal tax refund compared to state refunds?
The IRS publishes federal refund data each year. In recent years, the average federal refund has been between $2,500 and $3,000, which is typically much larger than state refunds. This is because federal tax rates are higher than most state rates, so more money is withheld from paychecks. State refunds are usually smaller because state tax withholding is lower.
Can I get a state refund if I did not work in that state all year?
Yes, if you lived in a state with income tax for part of the year, you may owe a part-year return. You will report only the income you earned while living in that state. Some states also tax income earned within their borders even if you moved away, so you might owe or receive a refund in a state where you no longer live.
Why is my state refund so much smaller than my federal refund?
State tax rates are lower than federal rates, so less money is withheld from your paychecks for state tax. This means your state refund will naturally be smaller. Additionally, some states offer fewer tax credits than the federal government, which can further reduce the refund amount.
Do I need to file a state return if my state has no income tax?
No, if you live and work in a state with no income tax, you do not need to file a state return. However, if you earned income in another state or lived in multiple states during the year, you may need to file a part-year return in the state where you earned that income.
How long does it take to receive a state tax refund?
State refund timelines vary by state, but most take between two to eight weeks from the time you file. Some states process refunds faster if you choose direct deposit instead of a paper check. You can track your refund status on your state's tax agency website by entering your Social Security number and refund amount.