State Refund Delays in 2018

Which states will have tax refund delays this year? You may remember that some state refunds were delayed last year because of extra security measures. The number of states expecting to see delays has grown from 17 to 26 this year, so it’s a good idea to see if your state is one of them.

We’ve looked at the state Department of Revenue sites and listed any states that have announced delays in state tax refunds this year because of security or fraud prevention measures.

A quick vocabulary refresher for clarity: A tax return is the document you send to the IRS; a tax refund is the money you receive if your withholdings from the year were greater than your taxes owed.

Alabama refund delays

Alabama will begin issuing refunds on March 1.

Colorado refund delays

Colorado state refunds will be released up to 60 days after filing because of fraud detection efforts. Problems with the return may cause further delays.

Connecticut refund delays

In Connecticut, processing will take three to four weeks for e-filed returns and 10–12 weeks for paper returns.

Delaware refund delays

Delaware will begin to issue refunds after Monday, February 19.

Georgia refund delays

Georgia will begin to issue refunds 90 business days after the return is filed. Anyone who has not filed a Georgia return in the past five years can only receive a paper check (as opposed to direct deposit).

Hawaii refund delays

If you’re filing a Hawaii return, expect to receive your refund 9–10 weeks after e-filing or mailing. Paper refund checks will take two additional weeks to process.

Iowa refund delays

The Iowa DOR says that processing times will vary because of fraud prevention efforts and accuracy reviews, and doesn’t provide an anticipated date for refunds.

Idaho refund delays

Idaho estimates that e-filed returns will be processed in seven to eight weeks, but could take longer. Paper returns will take 10–11 weeks to process. First-time filers can expect an additional three weeks of processing time.

Illinois refund delays

The Illinois DOR says that increased security will delay refunds, but has not provided concrete processing estimates.

Indiana refund delays

The Indiana DOR has not provided a refund timeframe, but does specifically mention fraud screening.

Kentucky refund delays

Kentucky refunds may be delayed more than in past years because of anti-fraud measures. Returns with information that is different from last year (addresses, bank account numbers, etc.) will be delayed so the state can verify the new information.

Louisiana refund delays

E-filed Louisiana returns may take up to 60 days to process, and paper returns will take 12–14 weeks.

Massachusetts refund delays

Massachusetts taxpayers who plan to e-file must call or sign up with MassTaxConnect, where you will have to answer a few questions to prove your identity and get your refund. Your refund won’t be issued until your identity is confirmed.

Minnesota refund delays

No specific timeframe is provided for Minnesota refunds, but the DOR says, “In this environment of identity theft and fraud, no return can be considered simple. The length of time to process a return can differ from year to year.”

Montana refund delays

Montana estimates that returns could take 90 days to process before a refund is released. This period may be longer for first-time filers, since those refunds may be withheld until the DOR confirms the taxpayer’s identity.

Mississippi refund delays

Expect Mississippi refunds to be issued about 10 weeks after the return is received. The earlier you file, the faster your return will be processed. File too close to the April deadline, though, and you’ll probably see a longer delay in processing.

North Carolina refund delays

North Carolina e-filed returns are estimated to complete processing within eight weeks and paper-filed returns in 12 weeks, but security-related delays could occur.

New Jersey refund delays

At a minimum, New Jersey estimates e-filed returns will take four weeks to process and paper returns 12 weeks. Refunds might be delayed an additional 12 weeks – or more – if they require manual processing.

New Mexico refund delays

New Mexico usually takes six to eight weeks to process e-filed returns. Paper returns take 8–12 weeks to process.

Rhode Island refund delays

Rhode Island refunds don’t have an estimated arrival time, but the state is integrating enhanced security measures and suggests that return processing will likely take longer in order to ensure the integrity of their filing process.

South Carolina refund delays

South Carolina e-filers can expect their returns to be processed between three and four weeks after they’re received.

Utah refund delays

Utah refunds will arrive on March 1 at the earliest and within 120 days after the return was e-filed at the latest.

Vermont refund delays

Vermont refunds may be delayed, especially for those who receive a letter requesting verification. A quick response with the requested information will help minimize delays.

Virginia refund delays

Virginia doesn’t provide a timeframe for refunds, but a new security protocol is expected to delay some refunds.

West Virginia refund delays

West Virginia returns will be processed within eight weeks, but extra security measures will add time.

Wisconsin refund delays

Wisconsin returns are typically processed within three weeks, but anti-fraud measures could cause a 12-week delay.

Comment below if you have any questions about state refund delays!