Federal Refund Tracker
IRS Where’s My Refund
Washington has no state income tax. Check your federal refund at IRS.gov.
Check Federal Refund →← All State Trackers
Direct Answer
Washington state has no individual income tax and therefore no Washington state income tax refund to track. Washington residents file a federal return only for income tax purposes. Check your federal refund at irs.gov/refunds. Washington does levy a capital gains excise tax on long-term gains above the $278,000 annual threshold (TY 2025): 7% on gains up to $1,000,000 and 9.9% on gains exceeding $1,000,000 (per ESSB 5813, effective TY 2025). The Washington Department of Revenue is at dor.wa.gov.
Key Takeaways
How to Check Your Refund as a Washington Resident
Washington residents have no state income tax return to file. Your only income tax refund, if applicable, comes from the federal IRS. Use the IRS Where’s My Refund tool at irs.gov/refunds to check your federal refund status.
What You Need for the IRS Tracker
- Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.)
- The exact refund amount from your federal Form 1040
Federal Processing Times for WA Residents
Washington residents receive their federal refunds on the same IRS processing timeline as residents of any other state. There is no WA-specific processing step. E-filed returns with direct deposit are typically processed within 21 days. Paper returns take 6 to 8 weeks or longer. Returns with errors, identity verification holds, or claims for certain credits (EITC, Additional Child Tax Credit) may take longer. See our Federal Refund Tracker for full IRS processing details and status meaning explanations.
IRS2Go Mobile App
The IRS2Go app provides the same refund status information as the irs.gov/refunds web tool. It is available for iOS and Android. Washington residents can use the app to check their federal refund status without visiting the IRS website directly.
Federal Refund Processing Times
| Filing Method | Typical Processing Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Federal E-File + Direct Deposit | Within 21 days (IRS standard) | Fastest |
| Federal E-File + Paper Check | 21 days + mailing time | Fast |
| Federal Paper Return | 6–8 weeks or longer | Slower |
| Return with EITC or ACTC Credit | By mid-February earliest (PATH Act hold) | Held |
| Washington State Income Tax Return | N/A — no state income tax | N/A |
Washington State Has No Individual Income Tax
Washington is one of nine states in the United States that levies no individual income tax. The others are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. Washington’s no-income-tax structure is rooted in the state constitution. Courts have held that a graduated income tax on individuals would require a constitutional amendment to implement.
This means Washington residents do not file a state income tax return, do not have state income tax withheld from their paychecks (other than federal withholding that goes to the IRS), and do not receive a Washington state income tax refund. If you see Washington state withholding on your W-2 in Box 17, that entry is almost always an error by your employer’s payroll system. Contact your employer to correct it.
What Washington State Does Tax
- Sales and use tax: Washington’s state sales tax rate is 6.5%. Local jurisdictions add additional rates, bringing the combined rate to 7% to over 10% depending on the city and county. Seattle’s combined rate is among the highest in the country. The WA DOR publishes rate lookup tools at dor.wa.gov.
- Business and Occupation (B&O) tax: A gross receipts tax on business activity in Washington. It applies to most businesses regardless of profit or loss. The rate varies by business classification (retailing, services, manufacturing, etc.). Businesses that overpay B&O tax may apply for a refund through the WA DOR.
- Capital gains excise tax: A tax on long-term capital gains above the annual threshold. Enacted by ESSB 5096 (2021), modified by ESSB 5813 (2025), and upheld by the Washington Supreme Court in March 2023. The TY 2025 rate is 7% on gains up to $1,000,000 and 9.9% on gains exceeding $1,000,000. The TY 2025 threshold is $278,000 per return. Applies to gains from the sale of stocks, bonds, and most other capital assets. Real estate and certain retirement accounts are exempt. See full details below.
- Property tax: Administered at the county level. Washington property tax rates vary by county and include levies for schools, fire districts, and other local services. The state itself also imposes a property tax levy.
- Estate tax: Washington imposes an estate tax on taxable estates above $3,000,000 for deaths occurring on or after July 1, 2025. The top marginal rate is 35% under current law. Prior to July 1, 2025, the exemption was approximately $2.193 million. Verify the current threshold and rate schedule at dor.wa.gov, as estate tax rules were significantly revised by 2025 legislation. This is a state-level tax separate from the federal estate tax.
Washington Capital Gains Excise Tax (2026)
Washington’s capital gains excise tax applies to long-term capital gains above the annual standard deduction threshold. It applies only to the amount of gain above the threshold. For TY 2022 (the first year the tax applied), the original threshold was $250,000. The threshold is adjusted annually for inflation. For TY 2025, the threshold is $278,000 per return (individual, married couple, or domestic partnership — not doubled for joint filers).
For TY 2025, Washington uses a tiered rate structure (enacted by ESSB 5813, Chapter 421, Laws of 2025): 7% on taxable gains up to $1,000,000, and 9.9% on taxable gains exceeding $1,000,000. ESSB 5813 carries an emergency clause and became effective May 20, 2025. The tiered rate structure applies to the full tax year 2025 (with tax collection in calendar year 2026). Confirm current rates and threshold at the WA DOR website at dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/other-taxes/capital-gains-tax.
What Qualifies
The capital gains excise tax applies to long-term capital gains from the sale of stocks, bonds, and most capital assets held for more than one year. The following are exempt:
- Real estate (the single largest exemption — gains from Washington real estate are not subject to the capital gains excise tax)
- Retirement account distributions (IRAs, 401(k), 403(b), and similar qualified plans)
- Gains from the sale of a family-owned small business (subject to conditions)
- Timber and timberland gains
- Cattle and other livestock held for agricultural purposes
Filing and Payment
Taxpayers subject to the capital gains excise tax file an annual return with the WA DOR by April 15. Those who expect to owe more than $1,000 must make estimated quarterly payments, similar to federal estimated tax. The capital gains tax return is filed separately from the federal return. Taxpayers who overpay estimated capital gains excise tax during the year may apply for a refund after filing their annual return. Contact the WA DOR capital gains line at (360) 534-1503 with questions. Verify this number at dor.wa.gov before calling, as agency contact details can change.
Married Couples and the Threshold
Washington applies the standard deduction threshold on a per-return basis, not per spouse. For TY 2025, the $278,000 threshold is the same for single filers, married couples filing jointly, and domestic partnerships. There is no doubling of the exclusion for joint filers. A married couple with combined long-term capital gains of $400,000 pays capital gains excise tax on $122,000 of gain (the amount above the single $278,000 threshold), not on $400,000 minus a doubled $556,000 exclusion. Confirm the current threshold and joint filing rules at dor.wa.gov before filing.
Moving To or From Washington Mid-Year
If you moved to Washington from a state with an income tax during 2025, you remain subject to that state’s income tax on income earned while you were a resident there. You will file a part-year resident return in the former state for the months you lived there. Washington does not require a part-year resident state income tax return because there is no Washington income tax.
If you moved from Washington to a state with an income tax, you owe income tax to your new state beginning from your move date through December 31. You will file a part-year resident return in your new state. No Washington return is required for the months you lived in Washington.
California and New York: Domicile Audit Risk
Two states audit domicile changes more aggressively than others: California and New York. If you recently relocated from either state to Washington, both states can assert that you remained a resident for the full year if your documentation is insufficient. Establishing Washington domicile requires:
- A Washington driver’s license or state ID (obtained promptly after the move)
- Voter registration in Washington
- A Washington lease agreement or real property deed in your name
- Updated address on financial accounts, employer records, and professional licenses
- Spending more than 183 days in Washington during the tax year (where applicable)
California’s Franchise Tax Board and New York’s Department of Taxation and Finance both issue audits targeting taxpayers who claimed a mid-year move to a no-income-tax state. The standard for domicile change is high, and the burden of proof rests with the taxpayer.
Washington Residents with Remote Work Income from Other States
Washington residents who work remotely for employers based in another state sometimes face unexpected state income tax obligations in the employer’s state. This depends on each state’s law.
Some states apply a “convenience of the employer” rule, which taxes remote workers in the employer’s state even when the employee works entirely from Washington. New York applies this rule aggressively. If your employer is based in New York and withholds New York income tax from your pay, you may owe New York income tax on that income even though you live and work in Washington. Consult a tax professional if you receive a W-2 with out-of-state income tax withholding.
Washington residents whose only work income is wages from a Washington employer have no state income tax obligation. Your W-2 should show no state withholding for Washington state (Box 15 should be blank or absent for WA). All federal withholding on your W-2 goes to the IRS and may generate a federal refund.
Practitioner Note · Nausheen Shahid, LMN Tax Inc · 22+ Years Experience
"Washington comes up frequently at LMN Tax Inc because we serve clients virtually across the country. Two situations create the most confusion. First: tech workers who moved from California to Washington for a remote position, then discover that California is still asserting residency for the full year of their move. The documentation burden to rebut that is significant, and it needs to start the day you move. Second: the capital gains excise tax catches high earners by surprise, especially those selling concentrated stock positions after years of equity compensation vesting. They assume no Washington income tax means no Washington tax on the sale. The 7% capital gains excise tax applies if gains clear the annual threshold. Real estate is exempt — but brokerage account sales are not. Both of these are situations where getting ahead of the tax issue before the return is filed makes a meaningful difference."
— Nausheen Shahid, Founder, LMN Tax Inc
Real-World Washington Refund Scenario
Marcus is a software engineer in Seattle earning $240,000 in wages. He moved from California to Washington in March 2024 and has lived in Washington full-time since then. He files as single for TY 2025.
For federal purposes, Marcus files Form 1040 and expects a federal refund based on withholding and deductions. He checks his refund status at irs.gov/refunds approximately 10 days after e-filing. His refund arrives by direct deposit at day 17.
Washington has no individual income tax. Marcus owes nothing to Washington on his $240,000 salary. He does not file a Washington state income tax return.
However, Marcus also exercised 3,000 vested RSUs during 2025 that generated $280,000 in long-term capital gains after the shares were held for more than a year. His gains exceed the TY 2025 Washington capital gains excise tax threshold of $278,000 per return. Marcus owes 7% on the $2,000 above the threshold (the gains do not exceed $1,000,000, so the 9.9% tier does not apply). He makes an estimated payment and files his annual capital gains return by the standard filing deadline. Because his actual gain was slightly lower than projected, he receives a small refund from the WA DOR after filing.
Because Marcus moved from California in 2024 and properly established Washington domicile before TY 2025 began, his 2025 income is not subject to California income tax. He keeps documentation of his WA driver’s license date, voter registration, and lease agreement in case California audits his residency claim.
This is a realistic example based on verified Washington tax rules (capital gains excise tax threshold and rates). It is not a specific taxpayer case. Dollar amounts are illustrative.
When Washington Refund Tracking Does Not Apply
- W-2 with Washington state withholding in Box 17: This is almost always a payroll entry error. Washington does not collect individual income tax. Contact your employer to issue a corrected W-2 before filing your federal return.
- Part-year residents moving from a state with income tax: You owe that state's income tax for the months you lived there. File a part-year resident return in your former state. A part-year resident may receive a refund from the former state if withholding exceeded liability for the partial year.
- Business owners subject to Washington B&O tax: The B&O tax applies to gross receipts from Washington business activity. Sole proprietors with Washington-sourced business revenue must register with the WA DOR. This is separate from your federal Schedule C income tax situation.
- Capital gains excise tax: The Washington capital gains excise tax applies at 7% on gains up to $1,000,000 and 9.9% on gains exceeding $1,000,000. The TY 2025 threshold is $278,000 per return. Estimated payment obligations apply if the expected tax exceeds $1,000. Missing estimated payments results in interest and penalties from the WA DOR.
- Washington estate tax: Washington's estate tax applies to taxable estates above $3,000,000 for deaths on or after July 1, 2025 (prior threshold was approximately $2.193 million). The top marginal rate is 35%. Verify the current threshold and rate schedule at dor.wa.gov. Federal estate tax thresholds are significantly higher under current law. The WA estate tax is a separate and additional obligation for larger estates.
Frequently Asked Questions: Washington State Tax Refund
What To Do If You Are Waiting on a Refund as a Washington Resident
- Check your federal refund status at irs.gov/refunds. Washington has no individual state income tax. There is no Washington state income tax refund to track. All individual income refund questions go through the IRS. You need your SSN, filing status, and the exact refund amount from Form 1040. Allow at least 21 days after e-filing before the status changes to "Approved."
- Allow the full IRS processing window before calling. E-filed returns with direct deposit: 21 days typically. Paper returns: 6 to 8 weeks. For amended returns (1040-X): up to 16 weeks. The IRS does not investigate a delay until 21 days have passed for e-filed returns. Calling earlier does not speed processing and may result in the same status shown online.
- If you owe Washington capital gains excise tax, contact WA DOR separately. Washington's capital gains excise tax (7% on gains above $278,000 for TY2025; 9.9% above $1,000,000 per ESSB 5813) is administered by the Washington Department of Revenue, not the IRS. Capital gains excise tax refunds or disputes are separate from your federal income tax refund. Contact WA DOR at (360) 705-6705 for capital gains questions. This is a separate process from any federal refund.
- Check your mail for any IRS notice. Common hold causes include identity verification, income mismatch between W-2/1099 data and your return, math errors, or a refund offset for federal or state debts. IRS sends all notices by standard mail. Respond within the deadline stated in the notice. Keep the notice number for follow-up calls.
- Contact the IRS if the processing window has closed with no resolution. Call 1-800-829-1040, Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time. Have your SSN, filing status, and exact refund amount ready. If your status shows "We cannot provide any information about your refund" after 21 days, that phrase has a specific meaning explained in our IRS "Still Being Processed" guide.
Related Refund Resources
Washington residents with federal refund questions or those navigating multi-state tax situations may find these resources helpful:
- Federal Refund Tracker — IRS Where’s My Refund guide, processing stages, and status meanings
- IRS Refund Timeline — full IRS processing schedule and deposit date expectations
- IRS “Still Being Processed”: What It Means — explains federal tracker status messages
- Why Is My Tax Refund Delayed? — federal delay causes and what to do
- When to Call the IRS About Your Refund — contact guidance and wait windows
- State Tax Refund Processing Times — compare timelines across all 50 states
- California Refund Tracker — if you have income subject to California state tax
- Oregon Refund Tracker — neighboring state with state income tax
- Texas Refund Tracker — another no-state-income-tax state
- Florida Refund Tracker — another no-state-income-tax state
- Refund Date Estimator — estimate your IRS federal deposit date
- IRS Refund Approved But Not Sent — what to do when WMR shows approved but money has not arrived
- Refund Sent But Not Received — trace a missing direct deposit or paper check
- IRS Letter 5071C — identity verification letter: steps and timeline
- Tax Refund Offset Guide — why your refund was reduced and what to do
- Where's My Amended Return? — track Form 1040-X status separately from WMR
Related State Refund Trackers
- Oregon Refund Tracker — neighboring state with state income tax; Revenue Online portal, paper up to 6 months
- California Refund Tracker — FTB tracker, e-file 2–3 weeks direct deposit
- Florida (No State Income Tax) — no state income tax; same federal-only situation as Washington
- Texas (No State Income Tax) — no state income tax; same federal-only situation as Washington
- Georgia Refund Tracker — GTC portal; HB 1000 bonus refund for TY2024 and TY2025
- North Carolina Refund Tracker — NCDOR tracker, e-file 6–8 weeks; OBBBA Schedule S addback required
- New York Refund Tracker — DTF portal, e-file approximately 3 weeks
- Illinois Refund Tracker — MyTax Illinois portal, e-file 4–6 weeks
- Ohio Refund Tracker — OH|TAX eServices portal, e-file 5–7 business days
- Pennsylvania Refund Tracker — myPATH portal, e-file 4–6 weeks
- All State Refund Trackers — compare processing timelines across all 50 states
What To Do Next
Washington has no individual income tax. For your federal refund, check your status at irs.gov/refunds. Allow at least 21 days after e-filing before the status changes. If the status does not update after 21 days, see our IRS “Still Being Processed” guide. For Washington capital gains excise tax questions, contact WA DOR at dor.wa.gov.
Sources & Editorial Disclosure
Washington Department of Revenue (dor.wa.gov) · WA DOR Capital Gains Excise Tax · IRS Where’s My Refund (irs.gov/refunds) · Washington ESSB 5096 (2021) — Capital Gains Excise Tax Legislation · ESSB 5813, Chapter 421, Laws of 2025 — Tiered Rate Structure (7% / 9.9%) and TY 2025 Threshold ($278,000) · Quinn v. State of Washington, Washington Supreme Court (March 2023) — Capital Gains Tax Upheld · Last reviewed: March 2026 · Authored by Munib Ur Rehman · Reviewed by Nausheen Shahid, LMN Tax Inc. Not affiliated with the IRS or any state tax authority. For informational purposes only.