Where to check your Washington state tax refund
Washington does not have a state income tax, so there is no state tax refund to track. If you are looking for a refund, it is almost certainly a federal refund from the IRS, not a Washington state refund.
The confusion happens often because people file both federal and state taxes in other states, then move to Washington or file taxes while living here. Washington has no income tax on wages, so the only refund you would receive is from the federal government.
If you filed a federal tax return and expect a refund, you can check the status through the IRS, not through any Washington state agency. The IRS has a tool called "Where's My Refund?" that tells you exactly where your money is in the process.
Key Takeaways
- Washington state does not collect income tax on wages, so there is no state tax refund to look for.
- Any refund you are waiting for is a federal refund from the IRS, which you can track through the IRS website.
- The IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.
- Refunds typically arrive within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though some take longer if the return needs review.
- If you filed by mail instead of electronically, add two to three weeks to the processing time before checking the status.
How to use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool
Go to irs.gov and look for the "Where's My Refund?" link on the home page. You will need three pieces of information: your Social Security number, your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount shown on your tax return.
Enter those details and the tool will show you one of three statuses. "Received" means the IRS has your return but has not started processing it yet. "Approved" means they have reviewed it and your refund is on the way. "Sent" means the refund has been issued — this is when you should see the money arrive in your bank account or by check, depending on how you chose to receive it.
The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. Checking multiple times in the same day will show you the same information, so there is no need to refresh constantly.
How long refunds take to arrive
If you filed your return electronically and chose direct deposit to your bank account, the IRS typically processes your refund within 21 days of accepting your return. Many refunds arrive faster — sometimes within a week or two — but 21 days is the standard window the IRS publishes.
If you filed by mail on paper, add two to three weeks to that timeline. The IRS has to receive your return, open it, scan it, and enter the information before processing even begins. During tax season (January through April), mail processing takes longer because the volume is much higher.
If you chose to receive your refund by check instead of direct deposit, add another week or two after the IRS issues it. The check has to be printed, mailed to you, and delivered by the postal service.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If the "Where's My Refund?" tool shows your return as "Received" for more than 21 days, or if it shows "Approved" but you have not received the money after another week, the return may need additional review. This happens when the IRS spots something that does not match their records — a discrepancy in income reported by your employer, a dependent claimed twice, or a math error on the form.
The IRS will mail you a letter if your return needs more information. Check your mailbox regularly. Do not wait for an email — the IRS communicates about tax returns by mail, not email. If you receive a letter, follow the instructions exactly and send back any documents they request.
If you have not received a letter and the tool still shows no progress after 30 days, you can contact the IRS directly. Call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready when you call.
If you filed taxes in another state before moving to Washington
If you moved to Washington from another state and filed a tax return in that state, you may have a refund waiting there instead. Each state has its own tax system and its own refund process. You would need to check that state's tax agency website, not Washington's.
For example, if you lived in Oregon last year and filed an Oregon return, you would check the Oregon Department of Revenue website for your refund status. Washington state has no income tax agency to contact because there is no income tax to collect.
Understanding Washington's tax system
Washington funds state government through sales tax, property tax, and business taxes — not income tax. This is why there is no Washington state income tax return to file and no state refund to track. Some people who move here from other states are surprised by this, especially if they are used to filing state returns every year.
If you work in Washington and earn wages, you do not file a Washington state income tax return. You still file a federal return with the IRS if your income is above the threshold, but that is separate from Washington state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my federal refund status by phone?
Yes. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. The phone line can be busy during tax season, so calling early in the morning or later in the week may get you through faster.
What if I filed my taxes with a tax preparation company like TurboTax or H&R Block?
The company files your return with the IRS on your behalf, but the refund still comes from the IRS, not from the tax company. Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool to track it. Some tax companies also offer their own tracking tools, but the IRS tool is the official source.
Does Washington state ever send refunds for other taxes?
Washington may issue refunds for sales tax in specific situations — for example, if you bought something out of state and paid sales tax there, you might be able to claim a credit. However, this is not a common refund and requires filing a specific form with the Department of Revenue. Most people in Washington do not receive state refunds.
What if the IRS says my refund was sent but I never received it?
If direct deposit was selected, contact your bank to confirm the deposit did not arrive in your account. If a check was mailed, wait a few more weeks — mail can be slow. If more than four weeks have passed since the IRS marked it "Sent," call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the missing refund.