How to check your Missouri tax refund status online
The Missouri Department of Revenue runs a tool called Where's My Refund? that shows you the status of your state tax refund. You can check it on the department's website without logging in — you only need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.
Go to dor.mo.gov, find the "Where's My Refund?" link under the tax section, and enter those three pieces of information. The tool updates every 24 hours and will tell you whether your refund is still being processed, approved, or already sent out. If it has been mailed or deposited, you will see the date it left the department.
The tool works for both paper and electronic returns. If you filed electronically, you can usually check status within 24 hours of filing. Paper returns take longer to scan and enter the system — typically three to five business days before they show up in the tool at all.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri's Where's My Refund? tool shows status within 24 hours of updates and requires only your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.
- Electronic returns appear in the tracking system within 24 hours; paper returns take three to five business days to enter the system.
- Standard processing takes 21 days from the date the department receives your return, though some returns process faster.
- If your refund does not arrive within the stated timeframe, contact the department's refund line at 573-751-3505 with your return information ready.
- Direct deposit refunds arrive faster than mailed checks, typically within 10 to 14 days once approved.
How long Missouri refunds typically take
Missouri aims to process refunds within 21 days of receiving your return. That clock starts when the department actually receives and scans your return, not when you mail it or hit submit. For electronic returns filed through a tax software or tax professional, the 21-day window usually begins within one business day of filing.
Direct deposit refunds move faster than paper checks. Once your return is approved, a direct deposit refund typically arrives in your bank account within 10 to 14 days. A mailed check takes longer — usually 14 to 21 days after approval, depending on mail delivery time in your area.
Some returns process in fewer than 21 days, especially if they are straightforward with no errors or missing information. Returns that trigger a review — for example, because of a math error or a mismatch with W-2 data — will take longer. The Where's My Refund? tool will show you if your return is under review.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If the Where's My Refund? tool shows your return is still processing after 21 days, or if it shows no status at all, call the Missouri Department of Revenue refund line at 573-751-3505. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The department can tell you whether your return is in queue, under review, or held up for a specific reason.
Common reasons for delays include a mismatch between your return and your W-2 or 1099 forms, a missing signature, an illegible return (especially on paper), or a name or Social Security number that does not match IRS records. If the department identifies a problem, they will tell you what documents or information they need and how to send it.
If you filed a paper return and it has been more than five business days since you mailed it, the department may not have received it yet. Ask whether they have a record of your return in their system. If not, you may need to file again or provide proof of mailing.
Direct deposit versus mailed checks
Choosing direct deposit when you file speeds up your refund significantly. Direct deposit refunds arrive in 10 to 14 days once approved, while mailed checks take 14 to 21 days. You do not need a special bank account — any checking or savings account works, and the deposit is free.
To set up direct deposit, you need your bank's routing number and your account number. Both appear on a blank check from your account. If you are filing electronically through tax software or a tax professional, you can enter this information during the filing process. If you are filing a paper return, you must fill in the direct deposit section of the form.
If you chose a mailed check and want to change to direct deposit, you cannot do so after filing. You would have to wait for the check to arrive, then file an amended return if needed. For future years, direct deposit is the faster option.
Understanding refund status messages
The Where's My Refund? tool shows one of several status messages. "Return received" means the department has your return but has not started processing it yet — this is normal for the first few days. "Return approved" means the department has reviewed it, found no issues, and is preparing to send your refund. "Refund sent" means the money has left the department and is on its way to you by direct deposit or mail.
If the tool shows "Return under review," the department is checking something on your return — usually a discrepancy with IRS data or a calculation issue. This does not mean you did anything wrong; it just means processing will take longer. The department will contact you if they need more information.
If you see "Return rejected" or "Return not found," the department either did not receive your return or it could not be processed. Call 573-751-3505 to find out what happened and what to do next.
Tracking a paper check by mail
Once the Where's My Refund? tool shows your refund has been sent by mail, you can expect it to arrive within 14 to 21 days depending on your location. Missouri does not provide tracking numbers for mailed refund checks the way the IRS does for federal refunds.
If you have not received your check after 21 days from the "refund sent" date shown in the tool, contact the department at 573-751-3505. They can confirm the check was mailed and may be able to issue a replacement if it was lost. Have your return information and the date shown in the tool ready.
Checks are mailed from Jefferson City. If you live in a rural area or your mail is slow, add a few extra days to the estimate. If you moved after filing, the check will go to the address on your return, so update your address with the post office if you have recently relocated.
What information you need to check your status
To use Where's My Refund?, gather three pieces of information before you log in. First, your Social Security number — the one on the return you filed. Second, your filing status from that return (single, married filing jointly, head of household, and so on). Third, the exact refund amount shown on your return.
If you are not sure of the refund amount, check your filed return or the confirmation email or receipt you received when you filed. The amount must match exactly — if you enter $1,500 but your return shows $1,501, the tool will not find it.
If you filed jointly with a spouse, use the Social Security number of the person whose name appears first on the return. If you filed through a tax professional or software, your confirmation receipt will have all three pieces of information you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my refund status if I filed through a tax professional?
Yes. Use the same Where's My Refund? tool on dor.mo.gov with your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. The tool does not distinguish between returns filed by individuals and those filed by professionals — it tracks all Missouri returns the same way.
What if the Where's My Refund? tool says my refund was sent but I have not received it?
Wait 21 days from the "refund sent" date before assuming it is lost. Mail delivery varies by location. If 21 days have passed, call 573-751-3505 with your return information. The department can confirm the check was mailed and issue a replacement if needed.
Do I need to create an account to check my refund status?
No. The Where's My Refund? tool on dor.mo.gov works without logging in. You only need your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. No account or password is required.
How often does the Where's My Refund? tool update?
The tool updates every 24 hours with new status information. Checking multiple times in a single day will show the same status. If your return is processing normally, you may see no change for several days, then jump from "received" to "approved" to "sent" over a few days.
Can I get my refund faster if I call the department?
No. Calling does not speed up processing. The department processes returns in the order they are received. Calling is only useful if your refund is delayed beyond the normal timeframe or if the tool shows an error or review status and you need to know what information is needed.