Inflation refund checks went to specific groups of taxpayers in certain states

Inflation refund checks were one-time payments sent by individual states to their residents, not a federal program. The payments came from state budget surpluses and were structured differently depending on which state you lived in. Most states that sent them targeted people based on income, tax filing status, or both — meaning not everyone received one, even within the same state.

The largest and most well-known inflation refunds came from California (2022–2023), Colorado (2022), Illinois (2022), and New Mexico (2023). Each state set its own income limits, filing requirements, and payment amounts. If you lived in a state that ran one, you either received the check automatically if you met the criteria, or you had to take a specific action to receive it.

Because these were state programs, not federal ones, there is no single place to check your status across all states. You need to know which state sent the refund and then contact that state's tax authority or revenue department directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Inflation refund checks were issued by individual states based on their own rules, not by the federal government, so may be able to access depended entirely on where you lived.
  • Most states limited payments to people below a certain income threshold or to residents who filed taxes in that state during a specific year.
  • Some states sent checks automatically to people who met the criteria; others required you to claim the refund on your tax return or submit a separate form.
  • You can track your refund status by contacting your state's tax authority or revenue department, which maintains records of who received payment and when.
  • If you did not receive a check you believe you were owed, you may be able to claim it on a future tax return or request it directly from the state.

California's inflation refund: income limits and payment amounts

California issued the largest inflation refunds. In 2023, the state sent checks to residents who filed taxes in 2021 and met income thresholds that varied by filing status. Single filers with income up to $75,000 received $350; heads of household up to $112,500 received $700; and married filing jointly up to $150,000 received $700. The state sent these checks automatically to people on file with the Franchise Tax Board.

California also issued a second round of refunds in 2022 to residents who filed in 2020. Those payments ranged from $75 to $600 depending on income and filing status. If you lived in California during either year and filed taxes, you should have received a check by mail or direct deposit if you had provided banking information to the state.

To check whether you received a California inflation refund or to track a payment, contact the Franchise Tax Board through their website or call their customer service line. Have your Social Security number and filing status ready.

Colorado, Illinois, New Mexico, and other state programs

Colorado sent refunds in 2022 to residents who filed taxes in 2021 and earned below $100,000 (single) or $150,000 (married filing jointly). Payments ranged from $50 to $750 depending on income. The state sent these automatically to people on file with the Colorado Department of Revenue.

Illinois issued refunds in 2022 to residents who filed taxes in 2021 and earned below $250,000 (married filing jointly) or $125,000 (single). Payments were $50 to $100 per person. Illinois residents had to claim the refund on their 2021 tax return filed in 2022 — it was not automatic.

New Mexico sent refunds in 2023 to residents who filed taxes in 2022 and met income limits of $75,000 (single) to $150,000 (married filing jointly). Payments ranged from $250 to $1,000. New Mexico residents also had to claim the refund on their 2022 tax return.

Other states including Georgia, Idaho, and Virginia issued smaller refunds or tax credits with their own rules. If you lived in a state that announced an inflation refund, contact that state's revenue or tax department to learn the specific income limits and whether you received payment.

How to track your inflation refund status

The method for tracking depends on which state issued the refund. Most states that sent automatic payments mailed checks or deposited funds directly to the bank account on file with the state tax authority. If you provided direct deposit information when you filed taxes, the state used that account. Otherwise, a check was mailed to the address on your tax return.

To track your refund, go to your state's tax authority website and look for a refund status tool or tracker. You will typically need to enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year in question. Some states also allow you to call a customer service line and speak to a representative who can look up your payment record.

If the tracker shows your refund was sent but you never received it, note the payment date and method (check or direct deposit). If it was supposed to be direct deposited, check your bank statements for the deposit around that date. If it was mailed as a check, wait at least 30 days from the payment date before assuming it was lost.

What to do if you did not receive your refund check

If your state's tracker shows a refund was issued to you but you did not receive it, your first step depends on the payment method. For direct deposits, contact your bank to confirm whether the deposit arrived and was posted to your account. Banks sometimes hold deposits for a few days, or the deposit may have gone to an old account if you changed banks since filing taxes.

For mailed checks, wait at least 30 days from the payment date shown in the tracker. If the check does not arrive, contact your state's tax authority and request a replacement. You will need to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the original payment date. The state can issue a replacement check or, in some cases, direct deposit the amount to your current bank account if you provide that information.

If your state's tracker shows you did not receive a refund but you believe you should have, contact the tax authority to review your may be able to access. Bring documentation of your income and filing status for the relevant tax year. If the state determines you were owed a refund, it may issue a check or allow you to claim the amount on a future tax return.

Refunds that required you to claim them on your tax return

Some states, including Illinois and New Mexico, did not send inflation refunds automatically. Instead, residents had to claim the refund as a credit on their tax return for the year they filed. If you lived in one of these states and filed taxes for the relevant year, you should have seen the refund amount on your tax return paperwork or in your tax software.

If you filed taxes in one of these states but did not claim the refund at the time, you may still be able to request it. Contact your state's tax authority to ask whether you can amend your return or file a separate claim. Some states allow you to claim refunds for prior years if you did not receive them when you first filed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay taxes on an inflation refund check?

No. Inflation refund checks were not considered taxable income by the federal government or by the states that issued them. You do not report them on your federal tax return, and they do not affect your tax liability.

Can I claim an inflation refund I missed if I did not file taxes that year?

It depends on the state and the program. Some states required you to have filed taxes to receive a refund. If you did not file, contact your state's tax authority to ask whether you can file a late return or submit a separate claim for the refund amount.

What if I moved to a different state after the refund was issued?

The refund was based on where you lived when you filed taxes for the year in question, not where you live now. If a check was mailed to your old address, contact your state's tax authority with your current address and request a replacement check or direct deposit.

Are there any inflation refunds still being issued?

Most state inflation refund programs ended in 2023. Check your state's tax authority website to see whether any new programs have been announced. Some states may issue additional refunds if budget surpluses occur, but there is no may provide.

How long does it take to receive a replacement inflation refund check?

Replacement checks typically take two to four weeks to arrive by mail after you request one. If the state offers direct deposit for replacements, the funds usually arrive within five to seven business days. Contact your state's tax authority for a specific timeline.