Do you get federal and state taxes back at the same time

Filing taxes for most taxpayers in most states means filing a federal and a state return. Usually, federal and any state returns should be filed at the same time. However, if you’re wondering if you can file your state taxes before your federal taxes, we can help you understand your options.

Filing by Mail. If you’re planning to file paper forms for both your federal and state returns, you can file your state return before your federal return. You may be considering this option if your goal is to use your state refund to pay for your federal tax liability. While this approach could work if you have enough time to receive the refund, you’ll still need information from the federal return to complete the state return.

Filing by E-file. If you’re planning to file electronically through e-file, you won’t be able to e-file your state taxes before you e-file your federal taxes. Generally, e-file programs require you to file your federal return first, then file any state returns.

What If My Federal E-file Is Pending?

If you’re filing your federal and state returns using an online program, you’ll need to file your federal return first. If your federal e-file is pending, you should wait until the IRS accepts your federal return before you e-file your state return.

Have questions about your federal e-file pending status? If you’re using H&R Block Online tax products, you can find additional information about what to do if your e-file status is pending or not updating.

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• If you file your taxes electronically and choose direct deposit, your federal tax refund should appear in your account within 21 days.
• States that tax income also issue refunds, which may take longer to arrive.
• You can track your state tax refund on your state government website.
• Filers typically need two numbers to check the status of a refund: a Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and the exact refund amount.
• See Business Insider's picks for the best tax software »

The sooner you file your taxes, the sooner you'll get any refund you're owed.

This year, the federal tax-filing deadline has been pushed back to July 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many states have also moved their due dates to June or July.

The IRS is pretty quick about processing tax returns and paying out refunds — if you e-file and choose direct deposit, you'll most likely see the money in your account within 21 days — but each state handles taxes differently.

In order to track your state tax refund, simply go to your state government website. You'll probably need at least two things: a Social Security number or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and your exact refund amount.

Some states also ask for your date of birth, filing status, ZIP code, and the year of your return. 

Although federal and state tax refunds are issued separately, you can easily file your tax returns at the same time if you file electronically. The IRS Free File Lookup tool can help you find free online tax-filing options for those who qualify.

Tax-return processing times vary among states, and refunds can be issued any time between a few days and a few months after submitting your return. It may take longer than usual this year if your state's government closed offices to follow social-distancing guidelines during the pandemic.

Forty US states and Washington, DC, impose either a flat or progressive income tax. Residents who have too much money withheld from their paychecks for taxes throughout the year are eligible for a tax refund, as is the case with federal taxes.

If you aren't quite ready to file yet, you can still find out how much you'll be refunded from the federal government and your state government. As soon as you have your W-2 or 1099 forms from every employer you had in 2019, you can estimate your tax refund (or tax bill, if you underpaid in taxes) with the help of an online tax preparer. H&R Block's refund tool takes just a few minutes to complete and you don't have to sign up for an account or pay for anything up front.

• More tax day coverage:
• When are taxes due?
• How to file taxes for 2019
• Should I do my own taxes?
• Credit Karma vs. TurboTax
• Where is my tax refund?

Tanza is a CFP® professional and former correspondent for Personal Finance Insider. She broke down personal finance news and wrote about taxes, investing, retirement, wealth building, and debt management. She helmed a biweekly newsletter and a column answering reader questions about money.  Tanza is the author of two ebooks, A Guide to Financial Planners and "The One-Month Plan to Master your Money." In 2020, Tanza was the editorial lead on Master Your Money, a yearlong original series providing financial tools, advice, and inspiration to millennials. Tanza joined Business Insider in June 2015 and is an alumna of Elon University, where she studied journalism and Italian. She is based in Los Angeles.

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