Washington has no state income tax, so you won't get a state refund

Washington State does not tax wages or salaries, which means there is no Washington state income tax return to file and no state tax refund to wait for. If you filed a federal return and are waiting for money back, that refund comes from the IRS, not from Washington State.

The only Washington State refunds that exist are for business taxes (such as B&O tax overpayments) or other specific state taxes. If you are waiting for a federal refund, the timeline and tracking methods are federal, not state.

Key Takeaways

  • Washington State has no income tax on wages, so there is no state tax refund for most people.
  • If you filed a federal return, your refund comes from the IRS and typically arrives within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return.
  • You can track a federal refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov, which updates every 24 hours.
  • If you own a business and overpaid B&O tax or other Washington State business taxes, contact the Department of Revenue directly to check refund status.
  • Direct deposit refunds arrive faster than paper checks, usually within 5 to 7 business days after the IRS processes your return.

How to track your federal refund status

The IRS provides a tool called Where's My Refund at irs.gov. You enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, and tells you whether the IRS has received your return, is processing it, or has approved it for payment.

The IRS accepts most returns within 24 hours of submission if you file electronically. Processing typically takes 21 days from the date the IRS accepts your return, though some returns take longer if they require manual review or if you claimed certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to check your refund status by phone. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready.

Direct deposit versus paper check delivery times

If you chose direct deposit on your return, the IRS deposits your refund directly into your bank account. This typically takes 5 to 7 business days after the IRS approves your refund. Some banks credit the deposit the same day it arrives, while others hold it for one business day.

If you requested a paper check, the IRS mails it to the address on your return. Paper checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive after the IRS approves your refund, depending on mail delivery speed in your area. Checks mailed to rural addresses or out of state may take longer.

Direct deposit is faster and more reliable than paper mail. If you did not choose direct deposit and want your refund sooner, you cannot change the delivery method after filing — you must wait for the check to arrive.

What to do if your refund is delayed beyond 21 days

If the IRS accepted your return more than 21 days ago and Where's My Refund still shows "processing," your return may be under review. Common reasons include math errors, missing information, or claims that require verification (such as the EITC or Child Tax Credit).

The IRS will contact you by mail if additional information is needed. Check your mailbox regularly. Do not file an amended return or a second return while the first one is still processing — this delays the refund further.

If you have not received your refund 21 days after the IRS accepted your return, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether your return is delayed due to processing, verification, or a delivery problem.

Business tax refunds from Washington State

If you own a business in Washington and overpaid B&O tax (Business and Operations tax) or other state business taxes, you may be owed a refund from the Department of Revenue. This is separate from any federal refund.

To check the status of a business tax refund, contact the Washington Department of Revenue at 1-360-705-6705 or visit dor.wa.gov. Have your business tax account number ready. The Department of Revenue processes business tax refunds on a different timeline than federal refunds — it typically takes 30 to 60 days from the date you filed your return, depending on the type of tax and whether your return requires review.

If you filed a business tax return and believe you overpaid, you can file a refund claim with the Department of Revenue. The claim must be filed within four years of the date the tax was due.

Refunds for other Washington State taxes

Washington collects several taxes beyond income tax, including sales tax, property tax, and various business-specific taxes. If you overpaid any of these, the refund process depends on the type of tax.

Sales tax refunds are rare for individual consumers but can occur if you paid sales tax on an item that was later returned or if you were charged twice. Contact the retailer first — they usually handle the refund. If the retailer does not refund the sales tax, contact the Department of Revenue.

Property tax refunds are handled by your county assessor or county treasurer, not by the state. If you believe you overpaid property tax, contact your county's tax assessor office directly.

Common reasons your federal refund may be held

The IRS may hold your refund if you claimed a credit that requires verification, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the American Opportunity Tax Credit, or the Child Tax Credit. These credits are audited more frequently than other parts of a return, and verification can add 2 to 4 weeks to processing time.

The IRS also holds refunds if your return contains math errors, missing information, or inconsistencies with information they have on file (such as W-2s from your employer or 1099s from banks or investment firms). If this happens, the IRS mails you a notice explaining what is needed.

Refunds may also be offset if you owe back child support, student loans in default, or other federal or state debts. The IRS will notify you by mail if your refund is being offset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Washington State have a state income tax refund?

No. Washington has no state income tax on wages, so there is no state tax refund. If you filed a federal return, your refund comes from the IRS. The only Washington State refunds are for business taxes or other specific state taxes.

How long does it take to get a federal refund if I chose direct deposit?

The IRS typically processes your return within 21 days of accepting it. Direct deposit then takes 5 to 7 business days, so the total time is usually 26 to 28 days from the date you filed. Some banks credit the deposit the same day it arrives.

What if I filed by mail instead of electronically?

Paper returns take longer to process. The IRS may take 4 to 6 weeks to receive and scan your return, then another 21 days to process it. Add 5 to 7 days for direct deposit or 7 to 10 days for a paper check. Total time is often 6 to 8 weeks or longer.

Can I change my refund from a paper check to direct deposit?

No. Once you file your return, you cannot change the delivery method. If you requested a paper check, you must wait for it to arrive. For future years, you can choose direct deposit when you file.

Who do I call if my refund is more than 21 days late?

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The IRS can tell you whether your return is delayed due to processing, verification, or a delivery problem.