Where to check your refund status
The Missouri Department of Revenue runs a refund tracker on its website. Go to dor.mo.gov, find the "Refunds" section, and look for the link labeled "Where's My Refund?" You'll need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight.
The tracker tells you whether your return has been received, is being processed, has been approved, or has been sent to your bank. It does not show a specific dollar amount — only the status stage. If your return was mailed on paper, processing takes longer than if you filed electronically, and the tracker may not show movement for several weeks after you file.
You can also call the Missouri Department of Revenue refund hotline at 573-751-3505. Have your Social Security number and filing status ready. Wait times are shortest early in the morning and mid-week. The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.
Key Takeaways
- The Missouri Department of Revenue's "Where's My Refund?" tool on dor.mo.gov is the official way to check your refund status using your Social Security number and filing status.
- The refund tracker updates once per day and shows which processing stage your return is in, but does not display the refund amount.
- Paper returns take significantly longer to process than electronic returns, and the tracker may show no movement for several weeks after filing.
- If you filed electronically, your refund typically arrives within 21 days of approval; if you chose direct deposit, it arrives faster than a paper check.
- The Department of Revenue refund hotline at 573-751-3505 can answer questions about your specific return during business hours.
How long Missouri refunds typically take
The timeline depends on how you filed and how you want your refund. If you filed your return electronically and chose direct deposit to your bank account, the Department of Revenue aims to process and send your refund within 21 days of approval. Direct deposit is the fastest method because no physical check has to be printed and mailed.
If you chose a paper check by mail, add 5 to 10 business days after approval for the check to arrive, depending on postal service speed. If you filed a paper return by mail, the Department of Revenue must first receive it, then scan and process it — this can add 4 to 8 weeks before processing even begins. Paper returns filed in person at a Department of Revenue office move faster than mailed returns.
During tax season (January through April), processing times are longer because the department handles a much higher volume. A return filed in May or June typically processes faster than one filed in March, even if both are electronic.
What to do if your refund is delayed
First, confirm that the Department of Revenue actually received your return. Use the "Where's My Refund?" tool or call 573-751-3505. If the tool shows no status at all, your return may not have arrived yet. If you mailed it, allow at least two weeks from the date you mailed it before assuming it is lost.
If your return shows as received but has not moved to "approved" status after 30 days, contact the department by phone. Have your return in front of you so you can answer questions about your filing status, income, and any credits you claimed. The department may need you to verify information or provide additional documents.
If your refund was approved and sent but you have not received it after the expected timeframe, the department can issue a replacement check or reissue the direct deposit. Call the refund hotline with your bank account information (if direct deposit was used) or your mailing address. The department will research whether the payment was sent and, if so, where it went.
Why your refund might be held or reduced
The Missouri Department of Revenue may hold your refund if you owe money to the state in other areas. This includes unpaid income taxes from previous years, outstanding child support obligations, or debts to state agencies. The department uses a process called "offset" to take your refund and explore it to what you owe. You will receive a notice in the mail explaining the offset and which debt it was applied to.
Your refund can also be reduced if you claimed a credit you were not may have access to to, or if you reported income incorrectly. The department catches these issues during processing and adjusts your refund downward. If this happens, you will receive a letter explaining the change and how much your refund was reduced.
If you disagree with an offset or a reduction, you have the right to dispute it. The notice you receive will include instructions for filing an appeal or requesting a hearing. You must act within the timeframe stated in the notice — typically 30 days.
Direct deposit versus paper check
Direct deposit is faster and more reliable than a paper check. When you choose direct deposit on your tax return, the Department of Revenue sends your refund electronically to your bank account. The money typically arrives within 21 days of approval. You do not have to worry about the check being lost in the mail or delayed by postal service issues.
A paper check takes longer because it must be printed, inserted into an envelope, and mailed to your address. The postal service then delivers it, which can take 5 to 10 business days depending on where you live. If the check is lost or stolen, you must request a replacement, which adds another 2 to 4 weeks.
When you file your next return, you can choose direct deposit by providing your bank account number and routing number on the return form. If you do not have a bank account, some credit unions and online banks offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fees.
What information you need to track your refund
To use the "Where's My Refund?" tool, you need three pieces of information: your Social Security number, your filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, or head of household), and the exact refund amount shown on your return. The refund amount is the number at the bottom of your return form — the total you expect to receive.
If you filed electronically through a tax software program or a tax preparer, you should have received a confirmation email with your filing information. If you filed a paper return, keep a copy for your records. The refund amount is printed on the return you signed and mailed.
If you do not have the exact refund amount, you can still call the refund hotline. The representative can look up your return using your Social Security number and filing status, though this takes longer than using the online tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track my refund if I filed with a tax preparer or software?
Yes. The refund belongs to you, and the Department of Revenue's tracker works the same way regardless of who prepared your return. Use your Social Security number and filing status on dor.mo.gov. Some tax software programs also offer their own tracking tools, but the official Missouri tracker is the most reliable source.
What does it mean if the tracker says "approved" but I haven't received my money?
Approved means the department has processed your return and authorized the refund. If you chose direct deposit, the money should arrive within a few business days. If you chose a paper check, allow 5 to 10 business days for delivery. If more time has passed, call 573-751-3505 to confirm the refund was actually sent.
Can I get my refund faster if I pay someone to rush it?
No. The Department of Revenue processes all returns in the order they are received, regardless of how much you pay anyone. Tax refund advance companies offer loans against your expected refund, but these come with fees and interest. The official tracker and direct deposit are the fastest free methods.
What if I moved after I filed my return?
If you chose direct deposit, your refund goes to your bank account regardless of where you live. If you chose a paper check and have moved, contact the Department of Revenue at 573-751-3505 with your new address before your refund is mailed. If the check was already sent to your old address, you may be able to have it reissued.
Does the refund tracker show how much I'm getting back?
No. The tracker only shows the processing status — received, processing, approved, or sent. It does not display the refund amount. You can see your refund amount on your original return or by calling the refund hotline.