How long does California take to deposit state tax refunds? Mine's been pending for 6 weeks

California typically processes refunds within 2-3 weeks for e-filed returns with direct deposit. However, they're experiencing significant processing delays this year due to increased fraud prevention measures. If you're at 6+ weeks, I suggest: • Double-check your bank account info is correct on your return • Verify there are no math errors or missing information • Call CA FTB at 800-852-5711 (be prepared for long wait times) • Check if you received any notices in the mail requesting additional information In many cases, returns are flagged for additional verification, especially if the system detects potential identity theft patterns. This is happening more frequently this year. Unless you receive a specific notice of an issue, just continue to monitor your status online and be patient.

Look, google searches and public forums are honestly the worst way to figure out what's happening with your tax situation. I've been there - spent days trying to piece together what random codes and statuses mean. Then I found taxr.ai and it was a game changer. It reads your transcript or notices and explains everything in plain english - shows exactly where your refund is in the process and why it might be delayed. I just uploaded my stuff and it explained everything that was happening with my CA refund delay. Way better than playing detective with forum posts! https://taxr.ai

I waited 9 weeks for my CA refund and was going crazy with the generic "processing" message. Finally got through to someone using claimyr.com - they connected me with a CA FTB agent who explained my return was flagged for manual review due to a mismatch between my reported income and what my employer reported. Got it resolved in one call and refund showed up 4 days later. Talking to an actual human was the only way I made progress after weeks of frustration. Best decision ever to use their service instead of wasting more time on hold.

I filed with California on February 18 and didnt get my refund until April 28th. No explanation for the delay. The whole time the website just said "processing" too. Their system is a joke this year.

Im on week 8 waiting for mine smh. Called twice and both times they just said "its still processing" with no additional info. California tax board is useless.

FWIW mine took exactly 8 weeks this year when it normally takes 2-3 weeks in past years. No explanation given.

Mine sat in processing for 5 weeks before I got a letter saying they needed more info to verify my identity. Had to scan and upload a bunch of documents. Then it took another 3 weeks after that to get my refund. Check your mail carefully.

Check if you have any old penalties or fees from previous years. I was waiting forever because apparently I had an unpaid $28 fee from 2023 that I never knew about, and they were holding my $900 refund hostage because of it.

If its any consolation, I'm in the exact same boat. Filed March 12, got federal back promptly, but CA still says processing. Called twice and they just say its "in queue"... whatever the heck that means.

I work in accounting (not a tax pro) and we're seeing massive delays with CA returns this season. They implemented new security measures after last year's fraud issues and it's slowing everything down. Most clients are waiting 6-10 weeks vs the usual 2-3.

have u checked ur bank account info on the return? my friend thought he was waiting for his but he had typed one digit wrong in his account number 🤦‍♂️

California tax board is a disaster this year. Took them 11 weeks to process mine. No explanation given. My theory is they're holding onto refunds to earn interest on the money as long as possible lol

I'm in a similar situation - filed my CA return in early March and still waiting after 7 weeks. The "processing" status is so unhelpful! I've noticed that CA seems to be taking much longer this year compared to previous years. From what I've read here and elsewhere, it sounds like they've implemented stricter fraud prevention measures which is causing these delays. While frustrating, it seems like 6-10 weeks is becoming the new normal for CA refunds this tax season. I'd suggest continuing to check the FTB website periodically and watching your mail for any notices. If you hit the 10-week mark with no updates, that's probably when I'd try calling their customer service line (though based on other comments here, that sounds like its own nightmare). Hang in there - sounds like you're definitely not alone in this wait!

Same here - filed my CA return on March 15th and still waiting after 6 weeks. The federal refund came through in 10 days but CA is just stuck on "processing." It's really frustrating because my return was super straightforward too - just W2 income, no complicated deductions or anything. Based on what everyone is saying here, it sounds like CA has really slowed down this year compared to previous years. I'm going to wait another week or two before trying to call them, since it sounds like their phone lines are a nightmare right now. At least it's somewhat reassuring to know this is happening to a lot of people and not just me! @Dyllan Nantx - definitely keep an eye on your mail like others mentioned. Seems like sometimes they send requests for additional info that don't show up on the website status.

I'm going through the exact same thing! Filed my CA return on March 10th and it's been 6.5 weeks now with just the generic "processing" status. My federal refund was deposited within 10 days, so it's definitely a California-specific issue. What's really frustrating is how their website gives zero useful information - just "processing" with no timeline or indication of what's actually happening. After reading through all these comments, it sounds like 6-10 weeks is unfortunately becoming the new normal for CA this year due to their enhanced fraud prevention measures. I'm planning to wait until the 8-week mark before attempting to call, since everyone seems to be having terrible experiences with their phone system. At least it's somewhat comforting to know we're all in the same boat - misery loves company I guess! Definitely going to start checking my mailbox more carefully too after seeing how many people got important notices that never showed up in their online status.

I'm experiencing the exact same issue - filed my CA return on March 5th and it's been over 7 weeks now with nothing but that unhelpful "processing" status. My federal refund came through in 12 days, so this is definitely a California-specific problem. After reading through all these comments, it's clear that CA has major systemic issues this year. The 6-10 week delays seem to be the unfortunate new reality due to their enhanced fraud prevention measures. What's particularly frustrating is how their online system provides zero transparency - just that generic "processing" message with no timeline or explanation. I've been checking my mail religiously after seeing how many people here received important notices that never showed up in their online status. It's concerning that their systems are so disconnected in 2025. Planning to wait until the 8-week mark before attempting to call, though based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like their customer service is pretty much useless anyway. At least we're all suffering together! Hang in there everyone - hopefully our refunds start showing up soon.