Check your refund status through the Missouri Department of Revenue

The Missouri Department of Revenue runs a refund tracker on its website where you can see the status of your state tax return. You will need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount you expect. The tracker updates every 24 hours, so checking multiple times on the same day will show the same information.

Go to the Missouri Department of Revenue website and select "Where's My Refund?" from the main menu. Enter your information exactly as it appears on your tax return. The system will tell you whether your return is still being processed, has been approved, or has been sent to your bank or mailed as a check.

If you filed electronically, your refund typically arrives within 21 days of approval. If you filed on paper, processing takes longer — usually 4 to 8 weeks from the date the Department receives your return. The tracker will show you which stage your return is in.

Key Takeaways

  • The Missouri Department of Revenue's "Where's My Refund?" tool shows your return status and updates every 24 hours.
  • Electronic returns are usually processed within 21 days of approval; paper returns take 4 to 8 weeks from receipt.
  • Refunds are sent by direct deposit to the bank account you listed on your return, or by check if you did not provide banking information.
  • If your refund is delayed beyond the normal timeframe, contact the Department of Revenue directly — delays often mean the return needs correction or verification.

What happens after your return is approved

Once the Department of Revenue approves your return, it sends your refund in one of two ways. If you provided a bank account number on your tax return, the refund goes by direct deposit to that account. Direct deposit typically arrives within 3 to 5 business days after approval. If you did not provide banking information, the Department mails a paper check, which takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive after approval.

The "Where's My Refund?" tracker will tell you which method the Department is using. If it shows "approved" but you have not received the money after the expected timeframe, check that the bank account information on your return was correct. Typos in routing numbers or account numbers cause deposits to fail, and the Department will then mail a check instead — which adds another week or two to the timeline.

Why your Missouri refund might be delayed

The most common reason for a delay is a mismatch between information on your return and information the Department has on file. This includes your name, Social Security number, filing status, or income reported by your employer or bank. The Department catches these mismatches during processing and may need you to verify the correct information before it can approve your return.

Other delays happen when you claim a credit the Department needs to verify — such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or a dependent credit. The Department may request documents like birth certificates, Social Security cards, or proof of residency. If your return shows a refund larger than expected, the Department often holds it for additional review to prevent fraud.

If the tracker shows your return is still being processed after 8 weeks (for paper returns) or 3 weeks (for electronic returns), contact the Missouri Department of Revenue. Have your Social Security number and return information ready. The Department can tell you whether your return needs additional documents or whether there is an error that needs correction.

How to contact the Missouri Department of Revenue about your refund

The Missouri Department of Revenue has a phone line for tax questions and refund status. Call 573-751-3505 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount you expect ready when you call.

You can also mail a written inquiry to the Missouri Department of Revenue, Income Tax Section, P.O. Box 3300, Jefferson City, MO 65105. Include your name, Social Security number, the tax year in question, and a brief description of your issue. Written inquiries typically take 2 to 3 weeks to receive a response.

The Department also has a contact form on its website where you can submit questions about your specific return. Responses to online inquiries usually come within 5 to 7 business days, though during tax season (January through April) responses may take longer.

What to do if you never received your refund

If the tracker shows your refund was approved and sent, but you have not received it after the expected timeframe, first check your bank account to see if it was deposited under a different date than you expected. Banks sometimes process deposits on weekends or holidays, so the arrival date may be later than the approval date.

If you chose direct deposit and the money never arrived, contact your bank to ask whether the deposit was rejected. Provide the bank with the refund amount and the date the Department says it was sent. The bank can tell you whether there was a problem with the account number or routing number. If the deposit was rejected, the Department will mail a check instead — ask your bank for the rejection notice, which you may need to show the Department.

If you chose a mailed check and never received it, wait 10 business days after the approval date before contacting the Department. Checks can take longer to arrive depending on mail delivery in your area. If 10 business days have passed, call the Department of Revenue and report the missing check. They can issue a replacement check or, in some cases, send the refund by direct deposit if you provide a bank account.

Unclaimed refunds and the Missouri State Treasurer

If your refund was sent but you never cashed the check, or if the Department sent it to an old address and you never received it, the money may have gone to the Missouri State Treasurer's unclaimed property program. This happens automatically if a check is not cashed within a certain period.

You can search for unclaimed property through the Missouri State Treasurer's website. Go to the unclaimed property search tool and enter your name. If your refund check is listed, you can file a claim to have the money sent to you. The process is free and does not require a fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a Missouri state tax refund?

Electronic returns are usually processed within 21 days of approval, then sent by direct deposit (3 to 5 business days) or check (7 to 10 business days). Paper returns take 4 to 8 weeks from the date the Department receives them, plus the time for delivery after approval. The "Where's My Refund?" tracker shows which stage your return is in.

Can I check my refund status without my Social Security number?

No. The "Where's My Refund?" tool requires your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount to pull up your return information. This is a security measure to protect your tax information. If you do not remember your expected refund amount, check a copy of your return or contact the Department of Revenue.

What should I do if the tracker says my refund was sent but I never received it?

First, check your bank account to confirm the deposit did not arrive on a different date. If you chose direct deposit and the money never appeared, contact your bank to ask if the deposit was rejected. If you chose a mailed check, wait 10 business days after approval before contacting the Department. They can issue a replacement or send it by direct deposit instead.

Does Missouri offer refund advance loans?

The Missouri Department of Revenue does not offer refund advance loans. Some tax preparation companies offer these loans, but they charge fees and interest. You can track your refund for free through the Department's website instead of paying for a loan.

What if I made a mistake on my Missouri tax return?

If you filed electronically and realize you made a mistake before the Department approves your return, contact the Department when ready — they may be able to stop processing and let you file an amended return. If your return has already been approved, you will need to file an amended return (Form MO-1040-X) after you receive your refund. The Department will then send you a new refund or bill you for additional tax owed.