How to check your Missouri tax refund status right now
Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and use the Where's My Refund tool. 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 every business day and will tell you whether your refund is still being processed, approved, or already sent out.
If you filed electronically, your refund status updates faster than paper returns. The department processes e-filed returns in about 21 days under normal conditions, though some take longer if the return needs manual review.
You can also call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-751-3505 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your Social Security number and return information ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- The Missouri Department of Revenue's Where's My Refund tool is the fastest way to check status — it updates every business day and requires your SSN, filing status, and refund amount.
- E-filed returns typically process in about 21 days, while paper returns take longer and may require manual handling.
- If your refund shows as approved but hasn't arrived after the expected timeframe, contact the department directly rather than waiting.
- Refunds are sent by check or direct deposit depending on what you chose when you filed — direct deposit arrives faster than mail.
How long Missouri refunds actually take
The timeline depends on how you filed and how you want your money. If you chose direct deposit on your return and filed electronically, expect your refund within 21 days of the department receiving your return. If you chose a check by mail, add another 7 to 10 business days after the refund is approved for the check to arrive through the postal service.
Paper returns take longer. The department processes them manually, which can add 2 to 4 weeks to the timeline. If your return needs verification — missing information, math errors, or anything that triggers a manual review — add another 2 to 4 weeks.
During tax season (January through April), processing times can stretch because the department handles a much higher volume. If you filed in March or April, expect the longer end of these ranges.
What to do if your refund is delayed
First, check the Where's My Refund tool to see the current status. If it shows your refund was approved and sent out more than 21 days ago (for direct deposit) or more than 30 days ago (for checks), contact the department. The refund may have been lost in the mail or there may be a problem with your bank account information.
When you call 573-751-3505, have ready: your Social Security number, the tax year you're asking about, your filing status, and the refund amount. The representative can tell you the exact date your refund was issued and whether it was sent by check or direct deposit. If it was a check, they can issue a replacement. If it was direct deposit, they can help you figure out whether the money went to the wrong account.
If you moved after filing, the check may have gone to your old address. Contact the post office to see if they can forward it, or call the department to request a replacement check sent to your current address.
Reasons your Missouri refund might be taking longer
The most common reason is that your return needs verification. The department may ask for proof of income, proof of dependents, or documentation of deductions you claimed. If this happens, they'll send you a letter explaining what they need. Respond within 30 days to avoid delays.
Math errors on your return also trigger manual review. If you reported income that doesn't match what your employer or bank reported to the IRS, the state will catch it and may need to adjust your refund. This adds time but is not your fault — it's part of the verification process.
If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit, your return may be held for additional review. These credits are audited more often, so the department takes extra time to verify them before releasing your refund.
Outstanding debts can also delay a refund. If you owe back child support, student loans in default, or other state debts, Missouri may intercept your refund to pay those obligations. The department will send you a notice if this happens.
Direct deposit versus check — which arrives faster
Direct deposit is faster. Money sent to your bank account typically arrives within 21 days of approval. A check sent by mail takes 7 to 10 business days after approval, and that's assuming the postal service doesn't delay it.
If you didn't choose direct deposit when you filed, you can't change it now. You have to wait for the check. However, if the check doesn't arrive within 30 days of the approval date shown in Where's My Refund, call the department and request a replacement check or ask if they can issue a direct deposit instead.
Direct deposit also eliminates the risk of a check getting lost or stolen in the mail. If you're filing next year, choosing direct deposit will speed things up.
What the Where's My Refund tool actually tells you
The tool shows four possible statuses: Return Received (the department has your return but hasn't finished processing it), Return Approved (processing is complete and your refund has been authorized), Refund Issued (the money has been sent to your bank or the check has been mailed), or No Information (the return hasn't been received yet or there's a problem).
If you see "No Information" more than a week after you filed electronically, or more than two weeks after you mailed a paper return, contact the department. Your return may not have been received, or there may be an issue with how you entered your information in the tool.
The tool also shows the date your refund was issued and the method (direct deposit or check). Use this date to calculate when you should expect the money. If the date has passed and you haven't received it, that's when to call.
If you filed jointly and only one spouse has received their refund
This sometimes happens when direct deposit information is incomplete or incorrect for one spouse. Check the Where's My Refund tool using both Social Security numbers. One may show "Refund Issued" while the other shows "Return Approved" — meaning one refund was sent but the other is still being processed.
Call the department and explain that you filed jointly but only one refund has arrived. They can check whether the second refund was issued to the wrong account, is still in processing, or encountered a problem. Have both Social Security numbers and the joint return information ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my Missouri refund faster if I call the department?
No. Calling doesn't speed up processing — it only tells you the current status. The department processes returns in the order they're received, and calling won't move you up in the queue. However, if your refund is already approved and issued but hasn't arrived, calling can help you track it down or request a replacement.
What if the Where's My Refund tool says my refund was issued but I haven't received it after 30 days?
Contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-751-3505. If it was direct deposit, the money may have gone to an old bank account. If it was a check, it may have been lost in the mail. The department can issue a replacement or help you locate the original payment.
Does Missouri refund money go to the same account I used to file my return?
Only if you chose direct deposit and entered your bank account information on your return. If you chose a check, the money is mailed to the address on your return. If you chose direct deposit but entered the wrong account number, the refund may be rejected and sent as a check instead — the department will send you a notice.
Why does the Where's My Refund tool say "No Information" when I know I filed?
This usually means the return hasn't been received yet, or you entered incorrect information in the tool. Double-check that you're using the exact Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount from your return. If those are correct and you filed more than two weeks ago, contact the department — your return may not have been received.
Can I get my Missouri refund as a direct deposit if I filed for a check?
No, you can't change the payment method after filing. However, if your check hasn't arrived within 30 days of approval, you can call the department and ask whether they can issue a direct deposit to your bank account instead of reissuing a check.