Can You Receive State Refund Before Federal?

Yes, this is completely normal! State and federal refunds operate on completely independent timelines. In 2024, approximately 68% of taxpayers are receiving their state refunds first, with federal following 9-21 days later. The average federal processing time is currently 21 days for error-free returns, but can extend to 45 days during peak season (which we're in right now). State refunds typically process in 7-14 days because they're handling significantly fewer returns than the IRS's 160+ million annual federal returns.

I've noticed this happening more frequently over the past few tax seasons. Back in 2021, my federal always came first, but last year my state (California) arrived a full 2 weeks before federal. I think the IRS systems are just more backlogged than state systems these days. Have you checked your federal transcript online? That sometimes shows processing status even when WMR is still showing just "received." I'm a bit concerned about how many people I know who are still waiting on federal refunds from February filings...

I've been tracking this exact issue for my clients this tax season. Here's what I've noticed: • State systems process MUCH faster than federal (often 5-10 days vs. 21+ days) • Federal refunds with credits like CTC or EITC face additional verification • Most states have simpler verification systems than the IRS • The IRS is processing about 1.5 million returns PER DAY right now I'm concerned you might be stuck in the standard processing queue. I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript when I was in your situation - it explained every code and gave me a much clearer timeline than the vague "processing" message. It helped me understand exactly where my refund was in the pipeline instead of checking WMR obsessively.

This happened to me too! I filed both returns on February 8th and got my state refund on February 20th, but my federal didn't come until March 15th. I was freaking out thinking I had made some huge mistake on my federal return. Called the IRS three times but couldn't get through to anyone. The anxiety was real - I kept checking the app multiple times a day. Turns out there was absolutely nothing wrong, it just took longer because they were backed up. The waiting is the worst part!

Oh my goodness, I feel your pain SO MUCH! The "processing" status with zero additional information is INFURIATING! 😤 I was in this exact situation last month and spent HOURS trying to reach someone at the IRS. Finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got through to a real person in about 15 minutes who confirmed my return was just in normal processing with no issues. Such a relief to know nothing was wrong! They explained that state and federal systems are completely separate and state typically processes faster. If you're really concerned, it might be worth the call just for peace of mind while saving for your down payment.

I'm sort of in the same boat as you. Has anyone here actually had their federal refund come before state? I'm wondering if maybe, possibly this is just how it works now and we didn't notice before?

Got my state refund in 8 days. Federal took 31 days. Nothing wrong with my return. This is normal now. Don't stress about it. If you need that money urgently, plan better next year by adjusting your withholding so you're not waiting on a big refund. Congrats on the marriage and good luck with the house hunting.

This is totally normal! I went through the exact same thing last year as a newlywed filing jointly for the first time. State refunds almost always process faster because they handle way fewer returns than the IRS. I got my state refund in 9 days but federal took nearly a month during peak season. The IRS "processing" status is basically useless - it doesn't tell you anything about where you actually are in the queue. Since you filed 3 weeks ago, you're probably right on track for the typical 21-day federal timeline. The fact that your state came through quickly is actually a good sign that your returns were filed correctly! Try not to stress too much about checking daily - I know it's hard when you're saving for a house, but the money will come. Congrats on the marriage and good luck with the house hunt! 🏠

This is completely normal! I'm a tax professional and I see this happen all the time. State refunds typically process much faster than federal - usually 7-14 days vs 21+ days for federal. The systems are completely separate, so getting your state refund first is actually a good sign that everything was filed correctly. During peak filing season (which we're in), the IRS processes over 150 million returns vs most states handling under 10 million, so the volume difference is huge. Since you filed 3 weeks ago, you're right on schedule for the typical federal timeline. The "processing" status is unfortunately not very informative, but don't worry - married filing jointly returns don't typically have additional complications unless you claimed certain credits. Your federal refund should arrive soon! The waiting is definitely stressful when you're saving for something important like a house, but try not to check daily - it won't make it come faster and will just add to your stress. Congratulations on the marriage and good luck with the house hunting! 🎉

This is exactly what happened to me! Filed federal and state on the same day in early February, got my state refund in 10 days but federal took almost 5 weeks. I was convinced something was wrong and kept calling the IRS helpline (which was basically impossible to get through). Turns out it was totally normal - state tax agencies just have way less volume to process. The federal "processing" status is pretty much useless unfortunately. Since you're at 3 weeks, you're probably getting close! I know it's nerve-wracking when you're waiting on that money for your down payment, but try not to stress. The fact that your state refund came through quickly actually suggests everything was filed correctly. Hang in there! 💪