It usually takes about 1–4 weeks for state tax refunds to come back if you e-file and choose direct deposit , but it can stretch to 8–12 weeks or more for paper returns, some states, or if your return is flagged for review.

Typical timelines (quick view)

Most states fall into these rough ranges:

  • E-file + direct deposit: around 1–4 weeks, often close to 2–3 weeks.
  • E-file + paper check: about 3–6 weeks.
  • Paper return + direct deposit: 6–10 weeks.
  • Paper return + paper check: 8–12 weeks, sometimes longer.

A few examples from specific states:

  • California: up to 3 weeks if you e-file, about 4 weeks for paper returns.
  • Kentucky: about 4–6 weeks for e-file with direct deposit; 10–14 weeks for paper returns.
  • Louisiana: up to 4 weeks for e-filed returns; up to 8 weeks for paper.

Some states now warn that fraud-prevention checks can add several weeks to past “normal” timelines.

Why it varies so much

How long it takes for state taxes to come back depends on a few key factors:

  • How you filed :
    • E-filing is much faster than mailing a paper return.
  • How you’re paid :
    • Direct deposit arrives faster than a paper check.
  • Your state :
    • Some states process in under 3 weeks; others commonly take 8–12 weeks for certain return types.
  • Security checks and errors :
    • Extra identity verification, mismatched information, or reviews for possible fraud can slow refunds significantly.
  • Amended or special returns :
    • Amended returns and business returns can take several months in many states.

As a real-world flavor, forum and Reddit users often report that while many see their money within a few weeks, delayed cases of several months do happen when a return is stuck in review or the call centers are overwhelmed.

How to check your own state refund

Most states now have a “Where’s My Refund?” style tool on their tax or revenue department website:

  1. Go to your state’s Department of Revenue or Taxation site.
  2. Look for a link like “Where’s My Refund?” or “Check Refund Status.”
  3. Have this info handy:
    • Social Security number or taxpayer ID,
    • Filing status,
    • Exact expected refund amount.
  4. Use the online status tool before calling; many states ask you to wait a set number of weeks (for example, 4–8 weeks) before phoning about delays.

If your refund is far outside your state’s stated time frame (for example, more than 3 months with no update), you can try:

  • Calling the state tax agency during less-busy hours.
  • Confirming that your return was actually accepted and not rejected.
  • Checking for any letters or ID verification requests you may have missed.

Mini “story” example

Imagine you e-file your state return on February 5 and pick direct deposit. In a typical state, your return is accepted in a day or two, runs through automated checks, and your refund hits your bank account about two to three weeks later—sometime around late February. If instead you mailed a paper return the same day and asked for a check, that same refund might not arrive until late March or even April.

TL;DR

  • Fastest : E-file + direct deposit, often around 2–3 weeks.
  • Slowest : Paper return + paper check, often 8–12 weeks.
  • Timelines differ a lot by state and by whether your return needs extra review.

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