Where to check your Maryland refund

The Maryland Department of Revenue runs a tool called Where's My Refund that shows you the status of your state income tax refund. You can check it on the department's website at marylandtaxes.gov — look for the "Where's My Refund" link on the homepage, usually under a section for taxpayers or refunds.

To use the tool, you will need your Social Security number, your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount you expect. The tool will tell you whether your return is still being processed, approved, or sent out. If your refund has been issued, it will show you the date it was mailed or deposited.

The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If you filed electronically, your return typically processes faster than a paper return — usually within two to three weeks if there are no problems. Paper returns can take six to eight weeks or longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's Where's My Refund tool on marylandtaxes.gov shows your refund status using your Social Security number and expected refund amount.
  • Electronically filed returns usually process within two to three weeks, while paper returns take six to eight weeks or longer.
  • The tool updates once daily and will show you whether your refund has been mailed or deposited to your bank account.
  • If the tool shows an error or your refund is delayed beyond the normal timeframe, you can contact the Maryland Department of Revenue directly.

What the refund status messages mean

When you check Where's My Refund, you will see one of several status messages. "Return received" means Maryland has your return but has not finished reviewing it yet. "Return approved" means the department has processed your return and approved your refund — it is being prepared to send out. "Refund issued" means the money has been sent, either by mail or direct deposit.

If you chose direct deposit when you filed, the refund goes to your bank account. This is faster than a mailed check — direct deposits usually arrive within one to two business days after the status changes to "refund issued." If you are getting a mailed check, allow seven to ten business days after the status changes.

Some returns show "under review" or "pending" for longer than expected. This usually means Maryland needs more information from you, found a discrepancy on your return, or is verifying something you reported. The tool may show a message telling you what is being reviewed, or you may need to contact the department.

If your refund is delayed or missing

If the Where's My Refund tool shows your refund was issued more than two weeks ago and you have not received it, the first step is to check your bank account carefully — sometimes deposits post under a slightly different name or date than expected. If you chose a mailed check, allow the full seven to ten business days before assuming it is lost.

If the tool still shows "return received" or "under review" after eight weeks for an electronic return or twelve weeks for a paper return, contact the Maryland Department of Revenue directly. You can call their refund hotline at 410-260-7801 during business hours, Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready when you call.

You can also mail a written inquiry to the Maryland Department of Revenue, Annapolis office, but this will take longer than a phone call. Include your name, Social Security number, the tax year you are asking about, and a copy of your filed return if you have it.

Why your refund might be taking longer

Several things can slow down your refund. If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child and Dependent Care Credit, Maryland is required by federal law to hold your refund until mid-February, even if everything else is processed. This is a federal rule, not something Maryland can skip.

If there is a mismatch between what you reported and what Maryland's records show — for example, your W-2 income does not match what your employer reported — the department will review your return before approving the refund. This can add two to four weeks. If you made a math error on your return, Maryland will correct it, but this also delays processing.

If you are claiming a refund while you owe money to Maryland for a previous year's taxes, child support, or student loans, the state may hold your refund to pay down that debt. The Where's My Refund tool may not always show this reason clearly, so if you know you owe something, call the department to ask.

Direct deposit versus mailed checks

When you file your Maryland return, you choose how to receive your refund. Direct deposit is faster and more reliable — the money goes straight to your bank account, and you do not have to worry about a check getting lost in the mail. If you chose direct deposit, make sure the account number and routing number you provided are correct. A wrong account number will cause the refund to bounce back, delaying it by several weeks.

If you chose a mailed check, the check is printed and mailed from Maryland's processing center. Checks typically take seven to ten business days to arrive after the status changes to "refund issued," but mail delivery times vary by location. If you live far from Annapolis or in a rural area, allow extra time.

If you did not choose direct deposit when you filed but want to change it now, you cannot — you will have to wait for the mailed check. For future tax years, you can set up direct deposit when you file.

What to do if the Where's My Refund tool is not working

The Where's My Refund tool sometimes goes offline for maintenance, usually during early morning hours or on weekends. If you cannot access it, try again a few hours later. If the tool is working but says it cannot find your return, double-check that you entered your information correctly — Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount must match exactly what is on your filed return.

If you are certain your information is correct and the tool still cannot find your return, your return may not have been received or processed yet. If you filed electronically, wait at least three business days. If you mailed a paper return, wait at least two weeks. If you still cannot find it after that, call the Maryland Department of Revenue at 410-260-7801.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to get a Maryland state refund?

Electronic returns usually process within two to three weeks if there are no issues. Paper returns take six to eight weeks or longer. If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit, Maryland holds all refunds until mid-February by federal law, regardless of filing method.

Can I check my refund status by phone?

You can call the Maryland Department of Revenue at 410-260-7801 during business hours, Monday through Friday. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The Where's My Refund tool online is usually faster if you can access it.

What if I filed electronically but the tool says it has not received my return?

Wait at least three business days after you filed — the tool does not update when ready. If three days have passed and the tool still cannot find your return, call 410-260-7801 to confirm the IRS received it. A filing confirmation from your tax software proves you sent it, but it does not may provide Maryland received it.

Can I get my refund faster if I choose direct deposit?

Yes. Direct deposit refunds arrive one to two business days after the status changes to "refund issued." Mailed checks take seven to ten business days. Both methods process at the same speed up to that point — the difference is only in delivery time.

What happens if my refund was issued but I never received it?

If direct deposit was sent, check your bank account carefully and wait two business days. If a check was mailed, wait ten business days from the issue date. If you still have not received it, call 410-260-7801 with your information. The department can issue a replacement check or investigate whether the original was lost.