Where to check your Indiana refund status
The Indiana Department of Revenue runs a refund tracker on their website. Go to in.gov/dor and look for "Where's My Refund?" — it's usually on the homepage. You'll need your Social Security number and the exact refund amount from your tax return to search.
The tracker updates once a day, usually overnight. If you filed electronically, you can typically check your status within 24 hours of filing. If you mailed a paper return, wait at least two weeks before checking — the department needs time to receive and process it first.
You can also call the Indiana Department of Revenue directly at 317-232-2240. Have your Social Security number and refund amount ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Eastern Time.
Key Takeaways
- Use the "Where's My Refund?" tool on in.gov/dor with your Social Security number and refund amount to check your status online.
- Electronic returns can be tracked within 24 hours of filing; paper returns need at least two weeks to reach the department.
- The refund tracker updates once daily and shows whether your return is being processed, approved, or sent to your bank.
- If you chose direct deposit, your refund typically arrives within five to seven business days after approval.
- Call 317-232-2240 during business hours if the online tracker doesn't show your return or if you need to speak with someone.
What the refund status messages mean
The tracker shows different statuses depending on where your return is in the process. "Return received" means the department has it but hasn't started reviewing it yet. "Being processed" means they're checking your information. "Approved" means your return passed review and your refund is being prepared.
Once your refund is approved, the next step depends on how you chose to receive it. If you selected direct deposit on your return, the money goes to your bank account — usually within five to seven business days after approval. If you chose a check by mail, allow two to three weeks from the approval date for it to arrive.
If the tracker shows "Return under review" or "Additional information needed," the department has a question about something on your return. Check your email and any mail from the Indiana Department of Revenue — they'll tell you what they need and how to send it.
How long Indiana refunds typically take
The timeline depends on how you filed and how you want your refund. Electronic filers who choose direct deposit usually see refunds within 21 days of filing, though many arrive faster. Paper filers should expect 6 to 8 weeks from the date they mailed their return.
The department processes returns in the order they're received. During tax season (January through April), processing can take longer because of the volume. If you filed early in January, your refund may arrive by late February. If you filed in April, expect to wait longer.
If your refund doesn't arrive within the expected timeframe, use the tracker to check the status. If it shows "approved" but the money hasn't hit your account after two weeks, call the department to confirm your bank account information was entered correctly on your return.
What to do if your refund is delayed
First, check the online tracker to see if there's a message about your return. If it says "additional information needed," respond to the department right away — delays often happen because they're waiting for you to answer a question.
If the tracker shows "approved" but your refund hasn't arrived after the expected time, verify that your bank account information is correct. A typo in your account number or routing number will cause the deposit to fail, and the department will mail a check instead — which takes longer.
If you believe there's an error on your return itself — like a wrong Social Security number or income amount — contact the department at 317-232-2240. They can tell you whether the error is causing a delay and what to do next.
Choosing direct deposit vs. a check
When you file your Indiana return, you choose how to receive your refund. Direct deposit is faster — your money arrives in your bank account in five to seven business days after approval. A mailed check takes two to three weeks after approval.
To use direct deposit, you need a checking or savings account and your routing number and account number from your bank. You enter this information on your tax return when you file. If you don't have a bank account, a check is your only option — the department will mail it to the address on your return.
If you filed without choosing direct deposit and now want it, you can't change it after filing. You'll receive a check. For next year's refund, you can choose direct deposit when you file your 2024 return.
If you never received your refund
If the tracker shows your refund was approved and sent, but you never got it, the problem is usually with delivery. For direct deposits, contact your bank to ask if the deposit failed or went to the wrong account. Give them the approval date from the tracker.
For mailed checks, wait 30 days from the approval date before assuming it's lost. Mail can take longer than expected, especially during busy seasons. If 30 days have passed and you still don't have it, call the Indiana Department of Revenue at 317-232-2240. They can issue a replacement check or investigate what happened.
When you call, have your Social Security number, the refund amount, and the approval date ready. The department will look up where the check was sent and whether it was cashed. If it was cashed by someone else, they can help you report fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my refund status without my exact refund amount?
No — the "Where's My Refund?" tool requires both your Social Security number and the exact refund amount from your return. If you don't remember the amount, check your filed return or call 317-232-2240 and they can look it up for you.
What if I filed jointly with my spouse — whose Social Security number do I use?
Use the Social Security number of the person whose name appears first on the return. The tracker will show the status of the entire joint return, not just one spouse's portion.
How do I know if the department needs more information from me?
The tracker will show "additional information needed" or "return under review." Check your email and any mail from the Indiana Department of Revenue — they'll explain what they need and how to send it. Respond as quickly as you can to avoid further delays.
Can I cancel my refund and owe the money instead?
No — once your return is filed and approved, the refund process continues automatically. If you owe money to Indiana or the federal government, the refund may be applied to that debt instead of sent to you.
What if my bank rejected my direct deposit?
The department will mail a check to your address on file instead. This usually takes an extra two to three weeks. Contact your bank to find out why the deposit was rejected — common reasons are a closed account, wrong account number, or a mismatch between the name on the account and the name on your return.