Examples come from official agency pages, last reviewed in 2026. This is general information, not tax advice.
What do common state refund messages mean?
| Message (typical wording) | What it usually means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Received / Return received | The state has your return in its system. It has not necessarily been checked. | Wait through the state's published window. |
| Processing / In process | The return is moving through the agency's steps, such as fraud and accuracy checks. | No action needed; do not refile. |
| Pending review / Under review | The return was selected for extra review, for example for identity verification, errors or complex items. | Check your account or mail for a request for documents and respond promptly. |
| Approved / Refund approved | The refund has been approved and payment is being prepared. | Allow the time the state gives for a deposit or check. |
| Issued / Sent / Mailed | The payment has been released by the state. | Allow bank posting or mail time; confirm bank and address if it does not arrive. |
| Not found / Could not be found | The tool cannot match your entry to a processed return. | See the checklist below. |
Why does my state say "pending review"?
A pending or under-review status generally means a person or an automated check wants to verify something before paying. Michigan's Department of Treasury says about 10% of returns need extended processing, and lists incomplete or inaccurate information, identity verification, complex returns and possible debts or garnishments as reasons. After you send additional documents, Michigan says to allow about 8 weeks before rechecking. See our Michigan refund status page for the details.
Why does the tool say my refund cannot be found?
- You checked too soon. Utah, for example, says a "refund information could not be found" message calls for waiting 30 days after e-filing or 90 days after filing on paper. Maryland says it acknowledges receipt of a return only after the return has processed.
- The refund amount does not match. California, Maryland and Louisiana all ask for the exact refund amount shown on the return, not a rounded number or the amount you expected.
- A different Social Security number. On a joint return, use the number the state asks for; Maryland says the first SSN shown, and Connecticut says the primary filer's.
- A filing-status or tax-year mismatch. Louisiana asks for filing status; Rhode Island and Connecticut ask for the tax year.
- The return was not transmitted. Maryland tells e-filers to contact their preparer to confirm the return was transmitted.
- The tool does not cover that year. Rhode Island lists only recent tax years; California's service covers current refunds only.
Why has my status not changed for weeks?
Many systems update only when your return moves to a new stage. New York says it has no daily refresh time and does not have a status message for every processing step. Vermont refreshes weekdays between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. Eastern, and Michigan updates overnight Monday through Friday. An unchanged status inside your state's published window is normal.
What if the amount is different from my return?
California says it will mail you a letter if your refund amount differs from the amount on your return. Other states send notices when they change a refund. Keep the letter and follow the instructions on it.
Frequently asked questions about refund status messages
What does "pending review" mean on a state refund?
It generally means the return was selected for extra checks before payment, such as identity verification, error checking or review of complex items.
Does "under review" mean I owe money?
Not necessarily. Review can be routine. If you owe another debt, the state will usually send a notice.
Why does the refund amount matter so much?
Several state tools match your entry against the processed return, and California, Louisiana and Maryland ask for the exact figure.
Should I call when my status says "processing"?
Usually not. Wait through the state's published window and call only if you pass it or receive a notice.
Conclusion
Read your status against your state's published window before you worry. For timing, see how long a state refund takes; for causes and next steps, see state refund delays; to check your own refund, start at the state tax refund status hub.