How to check your Arkansas refund status online
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration runs a tool called Where's My Refund that shows the status of your state income tax refund. You can access it on the department's website without logging in — you only need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount you claimed on your return.
The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If you filed electronically, your refund typically appears in the system within 24 hours of acceptance. If you mailed a paper return, it takes longer for the department to receive and process it, so the refund may not show up for several weeks.
The Where's My Refund tool will tell you one of four things: your refund has been received and is being processed, your refund has been approved and is scheduled to be issued, your refund has been issued and shows the date it was sent, or there is a problem with your return that requires action from you.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your refund status on the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website using your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.
- Electronic returns show up in the system within 24 hours of acceptance; paper returns take several weeks to enter the system.
- The Where's My Refund tool updates once daily and will show whether your refund is being processed, approved, issued, or flagged for a problem.
- If your refund was issued by check, it typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after the issue date shown in the tool.
- If the tool shows a problem code, you will need to contact the department directly — the tool does not explain what went wrong or how to fix it.
What the refund status messages mean
When you enter your information into Where's My Refund, the tool displays a status message. "Return received and being processed" means the department has your return but has not yet reviewed it for accuracy or checked for issues. This is the first status most people see, and it can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on how many returns the department is processing.
"Return approved and refund scheduled" means the department has reviewed your return, found no problems, and calculated your refund amount. The tool will show the date your refund is scheduled to be issued — this is when the department sends the money out, not when it arrives in your account or mailbox. If you chose direct deposit, the money usually lands in your bank account within one to three business days after the issue date. If you chose a check, allow 7 to 10 business days for mail delivery.
"Refund issued" means the department has sent your money out. The tool shows the date it was issued and the method (direct deposit or check). At this point, the refund is no longer in the department's hands — if you do not receive it within the expected timeframe, you will need to contact your bank (for direct deposit) or the department (for a check).
What to do if the tool shows a problem code
If Where's My Refund displays an error code or a message saying your return cannot be processed, the tool will not explain what the problem is. Common reasons include a mismatch between the name or Social Security number on your return and what is in the department's records, a missing or illegible signature, income reported on your return that does not match what employers or financial institutions reported to the state, or a duplicate return filed under the same Social Security number.
You cannot resolve a problem through the Where's My Refund tool. You must contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration directly. Call their individual income tax section at 501-682-7250 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready. The department can tell you what the specific problem is and what documents or corrections you need to send.
If the problem is a signature or illegibility issue, you may be able to mail a corrected return or a signed statement. If the problem is a mismatch in reported income, you may need to file an amended return (Form AR1040-X) or provide documentation showing the correct amount. The department will tell you which step applies to your situation.
Refund timing for different filing methods
How fast your refund moves through the system depends on whether you filed electronically or by mail. Electronic returns are transmitted directly to the department's computer system and are usually accepted within 24 hours. Once accepted, your return enters the processing queue and typically appears in Where's My Refund within one business day.
Paper returns must be opened, scanned, and manually entered into the system by department staff. This process takes longer, especially during peak filing season (February through April). A paper return may not appear in Where's My Refund for two to four weeks after you mail it. Once it does appear, processing time is similar to electronic returns — usually another two to four weeks before approval.
After your refund is approved and issued, the final step depends on your payment method. Direct deposit is faster: the money typically arrives in your bank account within one to three business days. A check is slower: allow 7 to 10 business days for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver it, plus one to two days for your bank to process it once it arrives.
When to contact the department if your refund is delayed
If Where's My Refund shows your refund was issued more than 10 business days ago and you still have not received it, contact the department. For direct deposit refunds, call 501-682-7250 and have your bank account information ready — the department can verify whether the money was sent to the correct account. If the account information is wrong, the department may be able to issue a replacement check, though this adds another two to four weeks.
For check refunds, wait at least 10 business days after the issue date before calling. If the check has not arrived, the department can place a stop on the original check and issue a replacement. This process takes about two weeks. If you find the original check later, do not cash it — it will be invalid once the replacement is issued.
If Where's My Refund still shows "Return received and being processed" more than eight weeks after you filed, call the department. This is longer than normal and suggests your return may be stuck in a queue or flagged for review. The department can check the status manually and tell you what is causing the delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my refund status if I filed a joint return with my spouse?
Yes. Use either spouse's Social Security number, the filing status (married filing jointly), and the refund amount. The status will be the same regardless of which Social Security number you enter, because the return is processed as a single unit.
What if I filed electronically but Where's My Refund still shows nothing after two days?
Wait one more business day — the tool updates overnight and may not show your return immediately. If it still does not appear after three business days, call 501-682-7250 to confirm the department received your return. Bring your filing confirmation number from your tax software.
Can I change my refund from a check to direct deposit after I file?
No. Once you file, the payment method is locked in. If you filed for a check but want direct deposit instead, you would need to file an amended return, which delays your refund by several weeks. It is usually faster to wait for the check.
What happens if I owe taxes instead of getting a refund?
Where's My Refund only tracks refunds. If you owe taxes, you will not see a status in that tool. The department will send you a bill by mail, usually within four to six weeks of processing your return. Pay by the due date shown on the bill to avoid penalties and interest.
Does the department send a confirmation email when my refund is issued?
No. The department does not send automatic notifications. You must check Where's My Refund yourself or call the department to find out when your refund has been issued. Set a reminder to check the tool every week or two if you want to track progress.