Nearly 67 percent of all taxpayers around the country are entitled to state tax refunds, and the amount of these refunds is worth lining up for. In the state of California, for example, refunds averaged around $760. The average for most other states was about $550 in 2005.

Guidelines vary from state to state, so it is best to consult an accountant. As a general rule, though, low-income individuals and families could claim property-tax refunds or rent credits if they filed income tax returns. And in many cases, you can still get tax refunds even if you do not meet the tax filing threshold, because you may have money withheld from your paychecks, or because you may be eligible for the federal earned-income tax credit. This applies if you earn less than $33,000 and have more than one child, or earn less than $29,000 and have one child, or earn less than $11,000 and do not have a child.

Are state tax refunds taxable? Yes and no. State tax refunds are typically taxable the year you receive them. If you overpaid your state income tax last year and your state returned your money this year, for example, you must pay taxes on it this year. Expect to receive (if you haven't yet) a form 1099 from your state, reminding you about that returned money. Your state also sent a copy to the IRS, binding you to pay the appropriate taxes. But there are exceptions.

The state tax refund is fully taxable if you detailed the deductions on your federal tax returns. Check with your accountant, though, because there's still a chance that part of it is tax-free (even if you did itemize). If you owed the alternative minimum tax during the year of the refund, for example, there's a chance that your refund may not be taxable.

But if you are among the 70 percent of taxpayers who did not itemize deductions on your return, then you don't have to worry about a thing. You do not have to pay taxes on the state refund you received.