Many states are warning taxpayers that refunds could be late this year due to a combination of factors, including last-minute state tax law changes related to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, software problems and administrative delays.
These announcements from state governments differ from recent reports that federal tax refunds may be delayed due to IRS staffing issues and changes in paperwork for federal refunds. While the IRS says most federal refunds are issued within 21 days, federal refunds can take longer.
Here’s what we know about the latest delay warnings across the country:
Idaho
On Friday, the Idaho State Tax Commission advised taxpayers that those who “filed before March 10 can expect their refunds by the end of May” setting a 12-week waiting period for early filing. Taxpayers who file electronically on or after March 10, can expect their refund within seven to eight weeks (time frame).
Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed legislation last month that creates “harmonized” deductions, bringing the state’s tax code into line with new federal deductions for tips, overtime and more. However, the late passage of that bill means that some tax refunds will be “delayed beyond normal,” the state confirmed on February 17.
South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Finance reports that “processing the 2025 return is taking longer than usual because South Carolina is not currently in compliance with the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”
In a typical year, the department’s website says refunds are made within eight weeks. The department could not be reached for comment to clarify how long residents have to wait this year.
In Michigan
The Michigan Department of Finance said in a February 26 statement that it is seeing an increase in early applications and pointed out that some benefits are taking longer to process. Officials said most Michigan taxpayers will receive their federal refund within four to six weeks of the refund being received, which is the average time. However, others with complex taxes may have to wait.
“Those federal tax forms that claim more credits or require additional verification take longer to process,” State Deputy Treasurer Kavita Kale said in a statement.
New York
Last month, some New York TurboTax users were reportedly stuck in a “processing loop” due to issues related to the state’s inflation-adjusted return, which was released in the fall of 2025. According to media reports, tax refunds for some early New York filers were delayed as a result.
It’s unclear how many taxpayers were affected, and TurboTax said the issue has been fixed.
In Oregon
The Oregon Department of Revenue has issued an update regarding delays in processing paper returns.
“The first e-filed returns are expected to be issued on February 17,” the department said at the time. “With the paper refund, refunds won’t start being issued until early April.”
Oregon said it did not receive all the forms and information it needed in time from the IRS to set up its computer systems and scanners for filing returns. The IRS did not immediately respond to Mali’s request for comment.
Bottom line: Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically and choose direct deposit to get their refunds faster.
How long does a state tax refund usually take?
According to TurboTax, federal tax refunds are usually processed in up to three weeks, if returns are filed electronically. Be prepared for it to take four weeks to submit your tax return, according to a tax software company. Other sources report slightly longer windows, such as Cash App Taxes, which they say varies “from weeks to months.”
Countries have different deadlines, so check your tax department’s website for more information.
How to check your state’s refund status
States often have an online portal or tracking system that taxpayers can use to find out what’s going on with their returns. H&R Block maintains an online resource that links to all of these regional websites.
More from Mali:
8 Best Tax Help Companies for March 2026
Here’s How To Track Your Tax Return This Year
IRS Delays: These Tax Returns and Refunds Are Most Likely to Be Held in 2026.
