FTB delayed my CA tax refund check for months after filing paper return. Any way to track it down?
Hey everyone, I'm having some issues with my California state tax refund. I filed a paper return after visiting the Oakland office, and they told me I'd get my check within 2 weeks. It's been way longer than that, and I still haven't received anything. Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice on how to track down my refund?
25 comments
Tom Maxon
I found a way to solve California tax refund delay issues, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df0tPaNOrb4
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Dylan Baskin
Ugh, I feel your pain. The FTB (Franchise Tax Board) has been a nightmare this year. Have you tried checking your refund status online? Sometimes that can give you more info than what they tell you in person.
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Hunter Brighton
Thanks for the suggestion. I tried the online status checker, but it just says 'processing' with no other details. Its so frustrating!
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Lauren Wood
Same here! Been stuck on 'processing' for months now. The FTB is seriously dropping the ball this year 🤦♂️
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Ellie Lopez
Pro tip: sometimes the online status isnt updated. Try calling early in the morning, like right when they open. You might have better luck getting through to a human.
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Chad Winthrope
I had a similar issue last year. Turns out they needed additional verification for my identity. Did you receive any letters in the mail asking for more information?
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Hunter Brighton
No, I haven't received any letters asking for more info. Should I be worried? How long did it take for you to finally get your refund?
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Chad Winthrope
It took about 3 months total for me. If you haven't gotten a letter, that might be good news. But def keep an eye on your mailbox just in case.
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Paige Cantoni
The FTB is seriously understaffed right now. I heard they're dealing with a huge backlog of paper returns. Might be worth giving them a call, but be prepared to wait on hold for a loooong time.
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Kylo Ren
Hey, I found a method to get someone on the phone at the FTB. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's the link: https://www.claimyr.com
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Nina Fitzgerald
Sounds too good to be true. Is this legit? Has anyone else tried it?
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Jason Brewer
20 bucks? Thats steep for just a phone call. Why should we have to pay to talk to the government? 🙄
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Kylo Ren
I get the skepticism, but it honestly saved me hours of frustration. After weeks of trying to get through, I got my issue resolved in one call. Worth it for me, but ymmv 🤷♂️
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Kiara Fisherman
Here's what I've learned from dealing with the FTB for years: 1. Always keep copies of EVERYTHING you send them. 2. If you can, e-file instead of paper filing. It's usually faster. 3. Be persistent. Sometimes you have to call multiple times to get the right info. 4. Check if there are any known issues or delays posted on the FTB website. 5. If all else fails, contact your state representative's office. They can sometimes help push things along. Hang in there, OP. The system is frustrating, but you'll get your refund eventually!
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Hunter Brighton
Wow, thanks for the detailed advice! I'll definitely try contacting my rep if I don't hear anything soon. Really appreciate the tips 🙏
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Liam Cortez
This is gold 💯 Saving this for future reference!
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Savannah Vin
have u tried faxing them? I kno it sounds old school but sometimes it works when nothing else does lol
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Mason Stone
Faxing? What year is it, 1995? 🤣
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Savannah Vin
laugh all u want but it worked for me! 🤷♀️ sometimes the old ways are the best ways
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Makayla Shoemaker
This is why I always choose direct deposit for my refunds. Paper checks are asking for trouble imho.
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Hunter Brighton
Yeah, lesson learned. Definitely going with direct deposit next time if I can.
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Christian Bierman
Plot twist: what if the check got lost in the mail? 👀 Might be worth asking them to cancel the original check and reissue a new one.
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Emma Olsen
I'm in the same boat, OP. Filed in February, still waiting. This is ridiculous. We should start a class action lawsuit or something 😤
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Lucas Lindsey
Calm down there, Erin Brockovich. A lawsuit aint gonna make the wheels of bureaucracy turn any faster lmao
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Emma Olsen
Maybe not, but it might light a fire under their a**es! We shouldn't have to wait months for OUR money 💢
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