How it works
A step-by-step guide to getting your California refund faster.
Your return enters the queue
After you e-file your California state tax return, it gets 'Accepted' within a few business days. At this point, your return enters a processing queue. This queue is where most people wait 3-4 weeks with no visibility into when their return will be reviewed.
You pay & schedule with GetRefundFast
Choose a plan based on your California refund amount and pay securely through Stripe. Then pick a call time during business hours (8 AM - 5 PM PT, weekdays). We'll send you a calendar invite and a reminder 15 minutes before your call.
We connect you for verification
At your scheduled time, we call you and connect you through our proprietary process. You'll speak with a verification agent who will ask you to confirm some information from your current and prior year tax returns.
Your return jumps the queue
Once your information is verified, your return is manually approved and moves out of the processing queue. Your return status changes from 'Processing' to 'Issued' — meaning your California refund has been approved and sent for deposit.
California refund deposited in 7-10 business days
After your return is issued, the deposit is processed. Total time from your GetRefundFast call to money in your account: typically 7-10 business days.
What you'll need for the call
- Your current year California tax return (Form 540)
- Your prior year California tax return
- Your adjusted gross income from both years
- Your filing status
- Your Social Security number (for identity verification)
- A quiet place to take a 10-15 minute phone call