Sick of checking the mailbox day after day only to find you still haven’t received your state tax refund? Playing the waiting game is no fun, especially when it comes getting your money back. Cut down your wait time this year by doing four simple things to speed up your refund.
- Use software to prepare your return: Using software to prepare your state tax return will help you reduce calculation errors and errors due to misinterpretation of state tax law. Not only that, it will vastly reduce the amount of time it takes to prepare your tax return. Another option that will help reduce errors on your return is having a professional, preferrably an Enrolled Agent or Certified Public Accountant, prepare your return.
- File early: The earlier you file your return, the earlier you will get your refund. State tax agencies tend to be short on staff and are likely to be swamped during April. Getting your return in early and avoiding the April 15th crunch time will help ensure that your return is processed faster.
- E-file: E-filing is electronically submitting your tax return. When you e-file your return is instantly received by the state, instead of traveling through the mail for a week. E-filing also reduces the time it takes the state to process your return and offers more security for your personal information than using standard mail.
- Choose direct deposit: Why wait for your check to be delivered by snail mail? By choosing direct deposit you will avoid the time it takes your check to travel through the mail. Not only that, you’ll cut down on the time it takes the state to process your refund since they don’t have to print out a special check just for you. Plus, it’s always exciting to see that extra money magically appear in your bank account.
Of course none of these things will guarantee that you receive your refund when you expect it, but they will definitely help. Even if your state has to delay refunds because of budget shortfalls, doing these four things will help ensure that your refund is among the first to be released.