How to track the processing of your North Carolina state tax return

How to track the processing of your North Carolina state tax return

📅 June 23, 2020 · 3 minute read

🏛️ North Carolina is one of the 43 U.S. states that taxes individual income.
If you’re a nonresident alien and earned any income from North Carolina sources, you must file a state tax return.

If you’ve already submitted your return before the May 17, 2021 deadline, you might want to check how your return — and potential refund — is being processed.

🔎 How to check your North Carolina tax return status

Once your return has been accepted and processed, you can check its status directly through the North Carolina Department of Revenue website.

🧾 You’ll need:

  • A copy of your previous year’s North Carolina state return

  • Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

  • The exact refund amount (if applicable)

Visit the Department of Revenue website to view the most recent information about your return or refund status.

đź’° Tracking your North Carolina tax refund

The North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) generally processes refunds within up to 12 weeks.
⏳ Delays are common near the tax deadline due to a high volume of returns.

👉 You can track your refund status online at the NCDOR portal or contact the department directly for more details.

đź•“ Possible delays due to COVID-19

Due to pandemic-related staffing and processing issues, tax return processing may take longer than usual.
Even if you filed on time, some delays are expected for both return verification and refund issuance.

📬 Haven’t filed your North Carolina tax return yet?

If you haven’t filed yet, don’t worry — you can still submit your state and federal returns by mail.
Make sure your forms are accurate, signed, and mailed to the correct address for faster processing.

⚠️ What if you don’t file your NC tax return?

Failing to file your state tax return on time can result in:
đźš« Penalties and interest on the amount due
đźš« Delays in receiving future refunds
đźš« Issues with compliance if you have visa or residency requirements in the U.S.

Filing properly helps you stay compliant with IRS and state tax regulations and ensures you receive any refunds or treaty benefits you may be entitled to.