Once your state return shows “accepted,” the refund is usually deposited in anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the state, how you filed, and whether you chose direct deposit.

The super‑short version

  • Many states send e‑file + direct deposit refunds in about 7–21 days from acceptance , with some as fast as about 1–2 weeks.
  • Paper‑filed returns or mailed checks can stretch to 4–12 weeks , and in some states even longer.
  • “Accepted” means the return passed basic checks; the deposit date depends on your state’s processing cycle and your bank’s posting times.

Typical timelines after “accepted”

Think of it in two stages: state processing, then bank processing.

1. State processing window

Rough ballpark for many states once your state return shows as accepted:

  • E‑file + direct deposit: often up to 2–3 weeks to finish processing and release the refund.
  • E‑file + paper check: similar processing time, but add mailing time, so 3–6 weeks is common.
  • Paper‑filed return: can run 6–12+ weeks , depending on the state’s backlog.

Example patterns described in public guidance:

  • Some states (like California) say e‑filed state refunds are typically processed in about 2 weeks , while paper returns in other states (like Kentucky) can take up to 12 weeks.
  • Consumer tax tools note that state e‑filed refunds “could take up to three weeks to process” and about four weeks for mailed returns.

So when you see “accepted,” it usually means you’re on the clock , but you may not see “refund approved/sent” for 1–3 weeks.

2. Bank / deposit timing

After your state says “refund sent” or gives a deposit date:

  • Direct deposits typically show in your account within 0–5 business days after the state transmits the funds, depending on your bank’s posting rules.
  • Some banks post early or same‑day; others hold deposits until the stated date.

An illustration from forum anecdotes:

  • People often report that once a deposit date is posted, the money lands on that date or a day or two early , but occasionally it can be a day or two late if the bank delays posting.

Why it might be slower

Your “accepted” return can still be delayed before money is released if:

  • The state flags your return for identity verification or extra review (common for large refunds or certain credits).
  • You claimed refundable credits that trigger extra checks.
  • There’s a mismatch with employer or withholding data.
  • You mailed documents the state requested; their review clock restarts when they receive them.

In these situations, it’s normal for the “accepted” status to sit unchanged for weeks.

How to check your exact state timeline

Because each state is different, the most reliable way to see your timing is to use the state’s refund tracker. Most states offer:

  • An online “Where’s my state refund?” or “Check refund status” page.
  • You typically need your SSN (or ITIN), filing status, and expected refund amount.

From there, you’ll usually see one of these statuses:

  • Received/accepted
  • Processing/under review
  • Approved/sent with a date
  • Adjusted/offset

Practical expectations

If your state return was just accepted and you used e‑file + direct deposit :

  • Reasonable expectation: 7–21 days for the money to actually hit your bank, with many landing closer to the 1–2 week mark in a normal year.
  • If it has been more than 4 weeks for an e‑filed return (or more than 12 weeks for a paper return) and the status hasn’t changed, it’s worth checking the state’s tracker and then contacting the state tax agency.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.