File your federal tax refund with the IRS, your state refund with your state tax agency
Where you file depends on which refund you are waiting for. Federal tax refunds go through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). State tax refunds go through your state's department of revenue, taxation, or finance — the name varies by state. You cannot file a federal refund with a state agency or vice versa, and filing in the wrong place will delay your money.
Most people file through one of three routes: online using tax software, by mail with a paper form, or through a tax preparer. The route you choose affects where your refund goes and how long it takes to arrive. If you have already filed and are tracking an existing refund, you do not need to file again — you need to check the status instead.
Key Takeaways
- Federal refunds are filed with the IRS; state refunds are filed with your state's tax department, and the two systems do not communicate with each other.
- You can file online through IRS Free File or tax software, by mail with Form 1040 and schedules, or through a paid tax preparer.
- The IRS processes most federal returns within 21 days of receipt if you file electronically and request direct deposit.
- State processing times vary widely — some states issue refunds in two to three weeks, others take six to eight weeks or longer.
- If you have already filed, use IRS Where's My Refund or your state's refund tracker to check status rather than filing again.
Filing a federal tax refund with the IRS
The IRS accepts federal tax returns through three methods. Electronic filing is fastest: you submit your return online through tax software or a preparer, and the IRS typically processes it within 21 days if you request direct deposit to a bank account. Paper filing means mailing Form 1040 and any required schedules to the IRS address for your region — processing takes four to six weeks or longer, and a check arrives by mail.
If you earned less than a certain income threshold in the tax year, you may use IRS Free File, which offers free tax software through IRS-approved providers. You access it through IRS.gov. If your income is higher or you prefer a preparer, you can pay a tax professional to file on your behalf — they submit electronically to the IRS and you receive your refund on the timeline that applies to electronic filing.
The address where you mail a paper return depends on your state and filing status. The IRS website lists the correct mailing address by state. If you mail to the wrong address, your return will be delayed or returned to you.
Filing a state tax refund with your state tax agency
Most states require you to file a state income tax return if you earned income in that state during the tax year. You file with your state's tax department — often called the Department of Revenue, Department of Taxation, or similar. The name and website vary by state; search "[your state] tax refund" to find the correct agency.
State filing methods mirror federal options: online through state tax software or a preparer, or by mail with a paper form. Some states offer free filing software for lower-income residents. Processing times vary significantly by state — some issue refunds in two to three weeks, while others take six to eight weeks or longer, especially during peak filing season (February through April).
If you file both federal and state returns, you can file them separately or together depending on the software or preparer you use. Filing them at the same time does not speed up either one, but it ensures you do not forget to file state taxes.
Using tax software to file both returns at once
Most commercial tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and others) allows you to file federal and state returns in the same session. You enter your information once, and the software generates both returns. You then submit them electronically — the federal return goes to the IRS, and the state return goes to your state's tax agency.
When you file this way, you choose your refund delivery method during the filing process. Most software defaults to direct deposit, which is fastest. You can also request a check by mail, though it arrives later. Some software charges a fee to file state returns; others include state filing for free. Read the pricing before you start.
Mailing paper returns to the IRS and your state
If you file by mail, you must send your federal return to the IRS address for your state and your state return to your state tax agency's address. These are two separate mailings to two separate locations. Do not send both to one address.
For federal returns, find your state's mailing address on IRS.gov under "Where to File." For state returns, search your state's tax agency website for the mailing address. Include a cover letter with your name, Social Security number, and tax year if you are mailing multiple forms. Mail both returns at the same time if possible, but understand that processing happens independently — your state refund may arrive before or after your federal refund.
Keep a copy of everything you mail and consider using certified mail with return receipt if the amounts are large. The post office will confirm delivery, which protects you if a return goes missing.
Tracking a refund you have already filed
If you have already filed your return and want to know where your refund is, do not file again. Instead, use the IRS tracking tool or your state's refund tracker.
For federal refunds: Use "Where's My Refund?" on IRS.gov. You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount. The tool updates once per day and shows whether your return has been received, is being processed, or has been approved. If approved, it tells you the expected deposit or mail date.
For state refunds: Search "[your state] refund status" or visit your state tax agency's website. Most states offer a similar tracking tool. You typically need your Social Security number and refund amount. State tools update on different schedules — some daily, some weekly — so check back if you see no information on your first attempt.
What to do if you filed in the wrong place
If you mailed a federal return to a state address or a state return to the IRS, contact the agency that received it and ask them to forward it to the correct location. This causes a delay, usually of two to four weeks, but your return will eventually reach the right place.
If you filed electronically through software and are unsure whether it went to the right place, check your confirmation email. Tax software shows you the filing confirmation and tells you which agencies received your return. If the wrong agency received it, contact that agency's customer service line and explain the error. They can sometimes redirect it, though this is less common with electronic filings.
The fastest recovery is to file a corrected return with the correct agency as soon as you realize the mistake. Do not wait — the sooner the correct agency receives your return, the sooner processing begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file my federal and state returns at different times?
Yes. You can file your federal return in February and your state return in April, or vice versa. They process independently, so filing one does not affect the other. However, filing both at the same time is simpler and reduces the chance you forget to file state taxes.
What if I owe federal taxes but am owed a state refund?
The IRS and your state do not share information about what you owe or are owed. File both returns as normal. If you owe federal taxes, the IRS will apply your federal refund to what you owe and send you the remainder. Your state refund arrives separately and is not affected by federal taxes you owe.
Do I need to file if I only worked part of the year?
That depends on your income and state. The IRS has income thresholds below which you do not have to file, but you may still want to if taxes were withheld from your paychecks — filing gets you a refund. Your state has its own thresholds. Check IRS.gov and your state tax agency's website for the specific amounts for your situation.
How do I know if my state requires an income tax return?
Nine states have no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming, and New Hampshire (which taxes only dividends and interest). If you lived in one of these states during the tax year, you do not file a state income tax return. If you lived in another state or worked in a state different from where you lived, you may owe that state a return.
Can a tax preparer file my return for me?
Yes. A tax preparer, accountant, or enrolled agent can file both your federal and state returns on your behalf. They submit electronically, which is faster than mailing. You pay a fee for this service, but it saves time if your return is complex. Make sure the preparer is authorized — look for credentials like CPA, EA (Enrolled Agent), or tax preparer certification.