Check your California refund status through the Franchise Tax Board website
The California Franchise Tax Board (FTB) runs the state income tax system and maintains a refund tracker on its website. Go to onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov and select "Check Refund Status" from the main menu. You will need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, your filing status, and the exact refund amount you expect. The tool shows you whether your return has been received, is being processed, has been approved, or has been sent out.
The FTB updates this tracker every 24 hours, usually overnight. If your return was filed electronically, the status appears within 24 hours of acceptance. If you mailed a paper return, allow 2 to 3 weeks for the FTB to receive and scan it before a status appears online. Once your refund is approved, the tracker tells you the payment method — direct deposit or check — and an expected delivery date.
Key Takeaways
- The FTB refund tracker at onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov is the official source for your refund status and updates every 24 hours.
- You need your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount to look up your status online.
- E-filed returns show a status within 24 hours; mailed paper returns take 2 to 3 weeks to appear in the system.
- Direct deposit refunds typically arrive within 21 days of approval; checks take 10 to 14 business days after mailing.
- If your status shows "processing" for more than 60 days, contact the FTB by phone or mail to ask about delays.
What the refund status tracker actually tells you
The FTB tracker shows four main statuses. "Return received" means the FTB has your return but has not started reviewing it yet. "Being processed" means the FTB is checking your numbers and documents. "Approved" means your return passed review and your refund has been calculated. "Refund sent" means the money is on its way to you.
When your status reaches "Approved" or "Refund sent," the tracker also displays your refund amount and the payment method. If you chose direct deposit on your return, you will see the expected deposit date — usually within 21 days of approval. If you are receiving a check, the tracker shows when it was mailed and an estimated arrival window of 10 to 14 business days.
The tracker does not show reasons for delays or flag problems with your return. If your status has not changed in more than 60 days, or if you see an error in the amount shown, you need to contact the FTB directly rather than relying on the online tool.
How long each stage of processing takes
The timeline depends on whether you filed electronically or by mail, and whether your return is straightforward or requires additional review. E-filed returns that pass initial checks move through the system in 21 days on average. Paper returns take longer because the FTB must receive them by mail, open them, and scan the documents into the system — this adds 2 to 3 weeks before processing even begins.
Once processing starts, most returns are approved within 21 days if there are no errors or missing information. Returns that trigger a review — for example, because of a large deduction or a mismatch with a W-2 — can take 30 to 60 days or longer. The tracker will show "Being processed" during this entire period, but it does not tell you whether your return is under review or simply waiting in the queue.
After approval, the delivery method determines how long you wait for the actual money. Direct deposit is fastest: 21 days from approval is typical, though it can be as quick as 5 to 7 days. Checks are slower because they must be printed and mailed; expect 10 to 14 business days after the FTB mails it, plus mail delivery time.
What to do if your refund status is stuck or shows an error
If your status has shown "Being processed" for more than 60 days, or if the amount shown does not match what you calculated, contact the FTB. The fastest way is to call the Refund Status line at 1-800-338-0505. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time, except state holidays.
If you prefer to write, send a letter to the FTB at P.O. Box 942840, Sacramento, CA 94279-0040. Include your name, Social Security number, filing status, the tax year, and a description of the problem. Mail takes 4 to 6 weeks to reach the FTB and receive a response, so phone is faster if your refund is delayed.
Common reasons for delays include a mismatch between your return and your W-2 or 1099, a missing signature or Social Security number, or a change in your address that caused mail to be returned. The FTB will contact you by mail if it needs more information, so check your mailbox regularly while your return is being processed.
Direct deposit versus check delivery
If you provided a bank account number on your return, your refund will be sent by direct deposit. This is the fastest method and the most reliable — the money goes straight into your account and there is no risk of a lost check. The FTB processes direct deposits in batches, so your deposit date depends on when your return was approved and which batch you fall into. Most direct deposits arrive within 21 days of approval, but some arrive in 5 to 7 days.
If you did not provide bank account information, or if you requested a check, the FTB will mail a paper check to your address on file. The check is printed and mailed in batches, usually within 10 to 14 business days after your return is approved. Once mailed, delivery depends on the postal service — allow an additional 5 to 10 business days for the check to arrive, depending on your location.
If you chose direct deposit but the money does not arrive by the date shown in the tracker, contact your bank first to confirm the account number is correct and that there are no holds on deposits. If your bank confirms the deposit has not arrived, then contact the FTB.
Tracking a mailed check if it does not arrive
The FTB does not provide a way to track individual checks in the mail the way the postal service tracks packages. Once the tracker shows "Refund sent" and displays a check amount, the check has been mailed but you cannot see its exact location. If the check does not arrive within 14 business days of the mailing date shown in the tracker, contact the FTB to report it missing.
When you call the FTB at 1-800-338-0505, explain that your check has not arrived and provide the mailing date from the tracker. The FTB can issue a replacement check or, in some cases, arrange a direct deposit to your bank account instead. A replacement check typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to arrive. If you need the money sooner, ask whether the FTB can deposit it directly instead.
To reduce the risk of a lost check, make sure the address on your return is current and correct. If you moved after filing, contact the FTB to update your address before your refund is mailed. You can update your address online at onlineservices.ftb.ca.gov or by calling the FTB.
What to do if you filed an amended return
An amended return (Form 540-X) takes longer to process than an original return because it requires manual review. The FTB does not show amended returns in the online refund tracker — you must contact the FTB by phone or mail to check the status. Call 1-800-338-0505 and have your Social Security number and the tax year ready.
Amended returns typically take 16 weeks (4 months) to process, though some take longer if the FTB needs to verify information with the IRS or other agencies. During this time, you will not see a status update online. The FTB will contact you by mail when your amended return has been approved and your refund is being sent.
If you filed an amended return and also have an original return pending, the FTB will hold the original refund until the amended return is processed. Once the amended return is approved, the FTB will issue one combined refund reflecting both returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the tracker say my refund was sent but I have not received it?
Direct deposits usually arrive within 21 days of approval, and checks take 10 to 14 business days after mailing plus mail delivery time. If you chose direct deposit, check with your bank to confirm the account number is correct and there are no holds. If you chose a check and it has been more than 14 business days since the mailing date, contact the FTB to report it missing.
Can I change my refund from a check to direct deposit?
No, you cannot change the payment method after you file. If your return shows a check is being mailed and you want direct deposit instead, you can ask the FTB for a replacement check to be reissued as a direct deposit once the original check is reported missing. This adds time to the process.
What if the refund amount shown in the tracker is wrong?
Contact the FTB at 1-800-338-0505 with your Social Security number and filing status. The FTB will review your return and explain the amount. Common reasons for differences include credits you did not claim, deductions that were reduced, or taxes withheld that were higher than expected.
Do I need to do anything to receive my refund?
No. Once your return is approved, the FTB automatically sends your refund by the method you chose on your return. You do not need to take any action. Just check the tracker to see when it will arrive.
What if I filed my return more than 60 days ago and the status still says "being processed"?
Call the FTB at 1-800-338-0505 to ask about the delay. Bring your Social Security number and expected refund amount. The FTB can tell you whether your return is under review, waiting for additional documents, or held up for another reason.