According to the California Franchise Tax Board (FTB), those who file their taxes after April 23 could wait up to three times longer than others to receive their stimulus funds.
The FTB advises: “In order to receive the Golden State Stimulus payment, you must first file your eligible 2020 tax return and wait for that return to complete processing.”
California’s stimulus payments are being issued via direct deposit or as paper checks.
When will I receive my stimulus payment?
The FTB says: “We schedule and issue stimulus payments twice a month after eligible 2020 tax returns are processed.”
Residents who filed their 2020 tax return between January 1 and March 1 were expected to receive their stimulus payment starting after April 15.
Californians who filed their taxes between March 2 and April 23 can expect to receive their stimulus payment beginning after May 1.
Recipients should allow up to two weeks after their tax return has been processed for direct deposit stimulus payments to arrive, and up to four to six weeks for paper checks, the FTB notes.
Those who file their taxes after April 23 are advised to allow up to 45 days after their tax return has been processed for direct deposit payments and up to 60 days for paper checks.
“Some payments may need extra time to process for accuracy and completeness,” the FTB says.
Estimated processing times for tax returns
Individual tax returns filed electronically normally take up to three weeks to be processed, while paper tax returns can take up to four weeks for processing.
“Some tax returns need extra review for accuracy, completeness, and to protect taxpayers from fraud and identity theft. Returns that fall into this category can take longer,” the FTB says.
Individuals who filed their taxes electronically can expect to receive their tax refund (or a notice from the FTB requesting more information to process the return) within around a month. Those who filed paper returns can expect the same within around four months’ time.
Residents can check the status of their tax return at the FTB website. To check the status, you’ll need to know your Social Security number, zip code, exact refund amount and the numbers in your mailing address, the FTB advises.
See the FTB website for more information on California’s stimulus payments.
