California Tax Refund Status
Check where your California state income tax refund is with the California Franchise Tax Board's own tool, see what you need to look it up, and how long the FTB says refunds take. Everything here is from the FTB's website, checked November 6, 2026.
Check your California refund
Open FTB Where's my refundOfficial California Franchise Tax Board site. Plainsums cannot see your refund.
- E-filed returns
- Up to 3 weeks
- Paper returns
- Up to 3 months
- Phone
- 800-852-5711
When should my California refund arrive?
Enter the day you filed. We add only the FTB's own published time to it.
The FTB counts from the date shown in each result below. Use that date if you know it.
Stated processing time: E-filed
Fri, November 27, 2026
3 weeks after filing. The department's stated window ends on the last date shown.
FTB says: e-file: Up to 3 weeks
This is an estimate for information only, not tax, payroll or legal advice. It only adds the FTB's published time to your date; it does not know your return's status. Check the official tool for that.
What you need to check your refund
- Social Security number
- ZIP code
- The exact refund amount
- The numbers in your mailing address (house number)
How long a California refund takes
| Return | Time | What the FTB says |
|---|---|---|
| E-filedStated processing time | 3 weeks after filing | e-file: Up to 3 weeks |
| PaperStated processing time | 3 months after filing | Paper: Up to 3 months |
The tool covers the current year only; for a prior-year refund FTB says to contact it.
Why a California refund can be delayed
The FTB lists these causes:
- Some returns need extra review for accuracy and completeness
- Extra review to prevent fraud and identity theft
- If your refund differs from your return, FTB mails a letter explaining why
California refund phone number
- 800-852-5711 — Personal income tax (within the US). Weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- 800-338-0505 — Automated help, including refund status. 24/7
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- FTB: Where's my refund?Needs SSN, ZIP code, exact refund amount and mailing-address numbers; e-file up to 3 weeks, paper up to 3 months.
- FTB: Phone / faxPersonal income tax 800-852-5711 (weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.); automated help 800-338-0505.
Checked November 6, 2026.
This is an estimate for information only, not tax, payroll or legal advice. Only the California Franchise Tax Board can tell you the status of your refund.