How long for PA tax refund deposit after getting 3-4 week update message?
I filed my PA state tax return about 5 weeks ago and just got that message saying it'll take 3-4 weeks for processing. Has anyone gone through this recently? How long did it actually take for you to get your refund after seeing that message? I'm getting anxious because I really need this money to catch up on bills while I'm on unemployment. The UC payments are helping but not enough with inflation these days!
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Savannah Glover
got mine 18 days after seeing that message. filed in early february tho, might be different now if ur filing later
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Kevin Bell
•Thanks! Did they tell you anything about why it took that long? Did you get an email notification when it actually processed or did it just show up in your account?
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Felix Grigori
The 3-4 week processing message is standard for PA Department of Revenue this year. In my experience, they're actually pretty accurate with that estimate. I received my refund exactly 22 days after getting that message. Make sure you've set up direct deposit correctly in your MyPath account - that can cause delays if there's an issue.
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Kevin Bell
•That's good to know! Yes, I double-checked my direct deposit info. I've been unemployed since January so I'm really counting on this refund. Just hoping it comes through soon.
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Felicity Bud
mine took almost SIX WEEKS after that message!!! the PA tax dept is terrible this year, something about new system upgrades causing delays. when i called they just gave me the runaround and said 'its processing' over and over. so annoying!!
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Max Reyes
•Same here! I waited 5 weeks after that message. Kept checking my bank account every morning. The worst part is they don't even send you a notification when it's finally processed - it just appears in your account randomly.
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Mikayla Davison
Just to clarify something important: Tax refunds are handled by the PA Department of Revenue, which is completely different from the Unemployment Compensation system run by L&I. While you're waiting for your tax refund, make sure you're continuing to file your weekly UC claims properly so you don't miss any unemployment payments. The two systems don't communicate with each other at all.
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Kevin Bell
•Oh, I didn't realize they were totally separate systems! Thanks for clarifying. Yes, I've been doing my weekly certifications religiously. Just hoping both systems work smoothly.
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Adrian Connor
I actually had a really weird experience with this... got that same message, then nothing for like 3 weeks, then suddenly got a letter saying I needed to verify my identity because of potential fraud?? Had to upload all these documents and wait ANOTHER 2 weeks. Finally got my refund last week. Not saying this will happen to you but just be aware it's possible!
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Aisha Jackson
•This happened to me too! The verification process was so stressful. I had to send in my driver's license, a utility bill, and my W-2. Then they wanted me to do a phone interview. The whole process added an extra month to my refund time. Make sure you check your mail regularly - they don't always send electronic notifications for these verification requests.
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Aisha Jackson
While you're waiting for your tax refund, don't forget to stay on top of your UC claims. If you're having trouble getting through to someone at UC about any issues with your unemployment payments, I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent when I had an open issue on my claim. They have this service that helps you bypass the busy signals and actually get connected to a PA UC rep. Saved me hours of redial frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2
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Kevin Bell
•I've actually been having some issues with my UC claim too - they're saying I have an 'open issue' but won't tell me what it is. I'll check out that service if I can't get through tomorrow. Did you have to wait long once you used it?
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Felicity Bud
GUYS this is about TAX REFUNDS not unemployment claims!!! Can we stay on topic please?? OP wants to know about their tax refund timeline!
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Aisha Jackson
•The OP actually mentioned they're on unemployment and waiting for both payments - that's why I thought the UC info might be helpful too. But you're right, the original question was about tax refund timing.
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Max Reyes
For what it's worth, my sister got her refund exactly 3 weeks after that message, but my husband waited almost 5 weeks. I think it really depends on how complicated your return is and if they flag anything for review. When we called, they said returns with schedule C's or rental income take longer to process.
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Kevin Bell
•Mine was super simple - just a W-2 and standard deduction. Hopefully that means it will process faster.
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Felix Grigori
To update everyone, I just checked the PA Department of Revenue website and they're reporting an average 24-day processing time from the date you receive that message. They're also saying that returns filed after April 15, 2025 (even with extensions) are taking longer - about 30-35 days on average. If it's been more than 6 weeks, you should definitely call them at 717-787-8201.
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Kevin Bell
•Thank you for the update and the phone number! I filed in early March so hopefully I'm in the normal processing window. I'll give it another week before calling.
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Owen Jenkins
I'm in a similar situation - filed my PA return about 4 weeks ago and got that processing message last week. It's so stressful waiting when you're relying on that money! From what everyone is saying here, it sounds like anywhere from 3-6 weeks is normal. I've been checking my bank account obsessively every morning. Hopefully we both get our refunds soon! At least the UC payments are something, even if they don't cover everything with how expensive everything has gotten.
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