Where to check your refund status
The Mississippi Department of Revenue runs a refund tracker on its website. Go to dor.ms.gov, find the "Refund Status" tool (usually listed under "Individual Income Tax" or "Taxes"), and enter your Social Security number and the refund amount you expect. The tool tells you whether your return has been received, is being processed, has been approved, or has been sent out.
This is the only official source for your refund status. The tool updates once a day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in the same day will not show new information. If you filed electronically, the Department of Revenue typically receives your return within two to three business days. If you mailed a paper return, allow two to three weeks for it to arrive and be entered into their system before the tracker will show anything.
You can also call the Mississippi Department of Revenue at 601-923-7000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time) and speak to someone who can look up your refund status by phone. Have your Social Security number and expected refund amount ready.
Key Takeaways
- The Mississippi Department of Revenue refund tracker at dor.ms.gov is the official place to check your refund status using your Social Security number and expected refund amount.
- The tracker updates once per day, so checking it multiple times in one day will not show new information.
- Electronic returns typically appear in the system within two to three business days; mailed returns take two to three weeks to be entered.
- You can also call 601-923-7000 during business hours to have someone look up your status over the phone.
- Once approved, refunds are usually sent by mail within two to four weeks, or faster if you chose direct deposit.
How long refunds typically take
The timeline depends on how you filed and how you want to receive your money. If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, the Department of Revenue usually sends your refund to your bank within two to four weeks after your return is approved. Direct deposit is the fastest method because the money goes straight into your account without mail delays.
If you filed electronically but chose a paper check, expect four to six weeks from approval to the check arriving in your mailbox. If you mailed a paper return, add two to three weeks to the front of that timeline for the Department of Revenue to receive and process it before they even begin calculating your refund.
The Department of Revenue does not send refunds in installments or partial payments. You receive the full amount at once, either by direct deposit or by check.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If the tracker shows your return is still being processed after six weeks, or if it shows "approved" but you have not received your money after the expected timeframe, contact the Department of Revenue directly. Call 601-923-7000 and have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. They can tell you whether there is a problem with your return, whether your bank rejected the direct deposit, or whether your check was mailed but lost.
Common reasons for delays include math errors on your return, missing information (like a dependent's Social Security number), or a mismatch between the name and Social Security number you provided. The Department of Revenue will contact you by mail if they find an error, so check your mailbox regularly. If you moved recently, make sure your address is current with the post office.
If the tracker shows your return was approved and direct deposit was selected, but you do not see the money in your account after four weeks, contact your bank. The Department of Revenue may have sent the deposit, but your bank could have rejected it if the account number or routing number was incorrect on your return.
Checking your refund if you filed jointly
If you filed a joint return with a spouse, either spouse can use the refund tracker with their own Social Security number and the expected refund amount. The tracker does not distinguish between spouses — it shows the status of the entire joint return. If you and your spouse filed separately, you will each need to check your own refund using your individual Social Security numbers.
If you are waiting for a joint refund and one spouse has a tax debt (such as unpaid child support or a prior-year tax balance), Mississippi may offset part of the refund to pay that debt. The Department of Revenue will send a notice by mail explaining any offset. This is separate from the refund status tracker and will not show up in the online tool.
Direct deposit versus check: which arrives faster
Direct deposit is consistently faster. If you chose direct deposit on your return, the Department of Revenue sends the refund electronically to your bank, which usually posts it within one to three business days of the transfer. The entire process from approval to money in your account typically takes two to four weeks.
A paper check takes longer because it must be printed, mailed, and delivered by the postal service. Even after the Department of Revenue approves your return and prints the check, you are waiting for mail delivery, which adds one to two weeks. Total time from approval to having the check in hand is usually four to six weeks.
If you did not choose direct deposit on your original return, you cannot change it retroactively. You will receive a check. If you want direct deposit for future refunds, you can set it up when you file next year.
What information you need to check your status
To use the online refund tracker, you need two pieces of information: your Social Security number (or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number if you do not have an SSN) and the expected refund amount as shown on your return. The amount must match exactly — if you enter $1,200 but your return shows $1,201, the tracker will not find your refund.
If you do not remember the exact amount, check your copy of the return you filed, or look at your filing confirmation email if you filed electronically. If you filed by mail and do not have a copy, call the Department of Revenue at 601-923-7000 and they can tell you the amount so you can use the tracker.
Do not enter your name or address into the tracker — it only asks for your Social Security number and refund amount. If a website asks for more personal information, it is not the official Department of Revenue tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my refund status if I filed with a tax preparer or accountant?
Yes. You can use the official Department of Revenue tracker yourself using your Social Security number and expected refund amount. Your tax preparer may also be able to check the status for you if you gave them permission to represent you on your return. Ask them directly — they have access to the same tracker you do.
What does it mean if the tracker says my return is "under review"?
It means the Department of Revenue is checking your return for errors or inconsistencies before approving it. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the complexity of your return and the current workload. You do not need to do anything — the Department of Revenue will contact you by mail if they need more information from you.
Will I get a refund if I owe Mississippi taxes from a previous year?
Not necessarily. If you owe back taxes, child support, or other debts to the state, Mississippi can use your refund to pay those debts before sending you anything. The Department of Revenue will send you a notice by mail explaining any offset. This happens after your return is approved, so the tracker may show "approved" even though you will not receive the full amount.
How do I know if my refund was sent by direct deposit or check?
Check your original return. The form you filed shows which method you selected. If you filed electronically, your confirmation email should also state whether you chose direct deposit or check. If you are unsure, call the Department of Revenue at 601-923-7000 and they can tell you which method was used.
Can I cancel my refund or change how I receive it after I file?
No. Once you file your return, you cannot cancel the refund or change the delivery method. If you chose direct deposit, you will receive it by direct deposit. If you chose a check, you will receive a check. You can only change the method on next year's return.