How long does it take to receive your California state tax refund?

A taxpayer receives a California personal income tax refund within seven to 10 days from the date the return was e-filed and eight to 12 weeks from the date the return was mailed, according to the California Franchise Tax Board. Delays occur when returns are incomplete or have errors.

A person expecting a California personal income tax refund can check the refund status online. The taxpayer needs to have the Social Security number, the mailing address, the amount of the refund shown on the tax return, and a compatible operating system and browser, according to the California Franchise Tax Board.