You can get both a federal refund and a state refund in the same year — they are separate calculations based on separate tax codes
The federal government and your state each run their own tax systems. When you file your federal return with the IRS, you are settling what you owe or are owed to the federal government. When you file a state return (if your state has an income tax), you are settling a separate debt or credit with your state. The two refunds do not affect each other, and you do not have to choose between them.
However, not every state has an income tax, and the amount you owe or are owed can differ significantly between federal and state because the tax rates, deductions, and credits are different. You may get a federal refund while owing state taxes, or vice versa. Understanding how each system works and when to expect each refund will help you plan around the money coming back to you.
Key Takeaways
- Federal and state tax refunds are calculated separately and arrive on different timelines, so you may receive one before the other or in different amounts.
- Nine states have no income tax at all, so residents of those states receive only a federal refund (unless they owe other state taxes like sales tax or property tax).
- Your federal refund typically arrives within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, while state refunds vary by state and can take two to eight weeks.
- If you owe state taxes while receiving a federal refund, the state may intercept part of your federal refund to cover what you owe.
- Filing both returns at the same time is the most straightforward approach, but you can file them separately if needed.
Which states have no income tax
Nine states do not tax income at all: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, and New Hampshire (which taxes only interest and dividend income, not wages). If you live in one of these states and earned only wages, you will not file a state return and will receive only your federal refund.
If you live in one of these states but earned income subject to state tax — such as self-employment income or investment income in New Hampshire — you may still owe state taxes even though you do not owe federal income tax. Check your state's tax authority website or speak with a tax preparer to confirm whether you need to file.
How federal and state refund timelines differ
The IRS typically issues your federal refund within 21 days of accepting your return, though it can take longer if your return is flagged for review or contains errors. You can track your federal refund status using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on irs.gov.
State refunds move on their own schedule. Most states process refunds within two to eight weeks of accepting your return, but some take longer during peak filing season (January through April). A few states, such as California and New York, may take up to 12 weeks or more if your return requires additional review. Check your state's tax authority website for a tracking tool specific to your state.
Because the timelines are independent, you may receive your federal refund in late February while your state refund does not arrive until April, or the reverse. Filing both at the same time does not synchronize their arrival dates.
When the state may intercept your federal refund
If you owe back taxes, child support, or other debts to your state, the state can intercept part or all of your federal refund to pay what you owe. This is called federal offset or tax refund offset. The state notifies the federal government of the debt, and the IRS holds your refund while the offset is processed.
If an offset occurs, you will receive a notice from your state explaining what debt was collected and how much was taken. The remaining balance of your federal refund, if any, will be sent to you. This process can add two to four weeks to your refund timeline, so if you know you owe the state money, expect a delay.
You can contact your state's tax authority or the agency that holds the debt (such as the child support enforcement office) to ask whether an offset is pending. Some states allow you to set up a payment plan to avoid the offset, though this must usually be done before your refund is processed.
Filing federal and state returns together versus separately
Most tax software and tax preparers file your federal and state returns at the same time as a matter of routine. This is the simplest approach and does not delay either refund. Both returns go to their respective agencies on the same day, and each processes independently from there.
You can file them separately if you need to — for example, if you are waiting for a document required only for your state return — but there is no advantage to doing so. Filing together does not link the refunds or cause one to be held up by the other. The only reason to file separately is if you genuinely cannot complete one return on time.
Differences in refund amounts between federal and state
Your federal and state refunds will often be different amounts because the tax codes diverge. Your federal tax rate may be 12 percent while your state rate is 5 percent. A deduction allowed by the IRS may not be allowed by your state, or vice versa. Some states offer credits — such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or child care credits — that differ from the federal versions.
You might receive a $2,000 federal refund and a $500 state refund, or you might owe $300 to the state while receiving $1,500 from the federal government. The amounts are independent. If you owe the state and receive a federal refund, the state will attempt to intercept the federal refund to cover what you owe, but the two refunds themselves are calculated separately.
What to do if you receive only one refund
If you filed both returns but received only your federal refund after three weeks, your state return may still be processing. Check your state's tax authority website for a refund tracking tool. Most states provide one on their homepage or under a "Check Your Refund Status" link.
If your state refund is delayed beyond the typical window for your state (usually six to eight weeks), contact your state's tax authority directly. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount you expect ready. They can tell you whether your return is still being processed, whether it was rejected, or whether an offset has been applied.
If you filed your state return but did not receive a federal refund, check the IRS Where's My Refund tool. If the tool shows your return was accepted but no refund date appears, your return may be under review. The IRS will contact you by mail if additional information is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a state refund if I do not owe federal taxes?
Yes. Your state refund is based on your state tax liability, not your federal liability. You could owe nothing to the federal government but still be owed a refund by your state, or vice versa. File both returns and each will be processed independently.
What happens if I owe federal taxes but am owed a state refund?
The IRS will not intercept your state refund to cover federal taxes you owe. However, if you owe back federal taxes, the IRS may offset your federal refund. Your state refund remains separate and should arrive on your state's normal timeline.
Do I have to file a state return if I file federal?
Only if your state has an income tax and your income exceeds the filing threshold for your state. Nine states have no income tax. For the others, check your state's tax authority website to see whether you are required to file based on your income and filing status.
Why is my state refund taking longer than my federal refund?
States process returns on different schedules than the federal government. Peak season (January through April) can slow state processing significantly. Some states also conduct more thorough reviews of certain returns. Check your state's tax authority website for current processing times.
Can I file my federal return without filing a state return?
Yes, if you live in a state with no income tax or if you do not meet your state's filing requirements. However, if you are required to file by your state and do not, you may face penalties. Check your state's requirements before deciding to file only federal.