Where to check your Delaware tax refund
Delaware has one official place to check your state income tax refund: the Delaware Department of Revenue website. You can look up the status of your return without logging in or creating an account — you only need your Social Security number and the exact refund amount you expect to receive.
Go to dnrec.delaware.gov/revenue and find the "Where's My Refund?" tool. This tool shows you whether your return has been received, is being processed, has been approved, or has been sent out. The information updates once per day, usually overnight.
You can also call the Delaware Division of Revenue at 302-577-8660 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time). Have your Social Security number and expected refund amount ready when you call.
Key Takeaways
- Delaware's "Where's My Refund?" tool on the Department of Revenue website is the fastest way to check your status without waiting on hold.
- You need your Social Security number and the exact refund amount to look up your return status online.
- Refunds typically take 4 to 6 weeks from the date Delaware receives your return, though this varies depending on whether you filed electronically or by mail.
- If you filed by mail, add 1 to 2 weeks to account for processing time before your return enters the system.
- Direct deposit refunds arrive faster than paper checks, usually within 3 to 5 business days after approval.
How long Delaware takes to process refunds
The timeline depends on how you filed. If you filed electronically through a tax software or tax professional, Delaware usually processes your return within 4 to 6 weeks from the date they receive it. If you mailed a paper return, add 1 to 2 weeks for the mail to arrive and be scanned into the system before processing begins.
Direct deposit is faster than a paper check. Once your return is approved, a direct deposit refund reaches your bank account within 3 to 5 business days. A paper check takes 7 to 10 business days after approval, and that is before mail delivery time.
Delays happen when Delaware needs more information from you — for example, if your return has math errors, missing information, or a mismatch between what you reported and what employers or financial institutions reported to the state. The "Where's My Refund?" tool will tell you if your return is held for review.
What to do if your refund is delayed
First, check the "Where's My Refund?" tool to see the current status. If it says your return is being reviewed or held, Delaware is asking for something. The tool may show what is needed, or you may receive a letter in the mail within a few days explaining what documents or information to send.
If your return has been approved but you have not received the money after the expected timeframe, call 302-577-8660. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the date you filed ready. The Division of Revenue can tell you whether the refund was sent by check or direct deposit and, if by check, whether it has been cashed.
If you filed by mail and it has been more than 8 weeks since you mailed your return, call to confirm it was received. Mail can be lost, and calling early is faster than waiting.
Refunds when you owe Delaware taxes or child support
Delaware will hold your refund if you owe state income taxes from a prior year or if you owe child support. The state uses refunds to pay down these debts before sending you the remainder. This is called offset.
If your refund is offset, the "Where's My Refund?" tool will show that status, or you will receive a notice in the mail. The notice explains how much was taken and why. If you believe the offset is wrong — for example, if you already paid the debt — you can contact the Division of Revenue to dispute it, but this process takes additional time.
If you owe child support, the offset goes to the Delaware Division of Child Support Enforcement. You can contact them at 302-577-4863 to ask about the status of your case and whether the offset has been applied.
What information you need to check your status
Have these two pieces of information ready before you use the "Where's My Refund?" tool:
- Your Social Security number (the primary filer's number if you filed jointly)
- The exact refund amount shown on your tax return — this must match exactly, including cents
If you do not remember the exact amount, look at your copy of the return you filed or the confirmation email you received from your tax software. If you filed through a tax professional, they can tell you the amount. Do not guess — the tool will not find your return if the amount is off by even one dollar.
Direct deposit versus paper check refunds
Direct deposit is faster and more reliable. If you chose direct deposit on your return, your refund goes to the bank account you listed within 3 to 5 business days after approval. There is no risk of the check being lost in the mail.
Paper checks take longer and carry risk. After approval, Delaware mails the check, which takes 7 to 10 business days. Then the check travels through the postal system, which adds another 3 to 7 days depending on where you live. Checks can also be lost or delayed by the post office.
If you filed for a paper check refund and it has been more than 3 weeks since approval, call 302-577-8660 to ask whether the check was mailed and to request a replacement if it was lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my federal and Delaware refund status in the same place?
No. Federal refunds are tracked through the IRS website at irs.gov, and Delaware refunds are tracked through the Delaware Department of Revenue. You need to check each one separately using the tool or phone number for each state.
What if the "Where's My Refund?" tool says it cannot find my return?
This usually means your return has not been received or scanned into the system yet. If you filed electronically, wait 24 to 48 hours and try again. If you mailed your return, wait 2 to 3 weeks for it to arrive and be processed. If more time has passed, call 302-577-8660 to confirm the return was received.
Can I get my refund faster if I call instead of using the online tool?
No. Calling gives you the same information as the online tool, but it does not speed up processing. The online tool is usually faster because you do not wait on hold. Call only if the tool is not working or if you need to report a lost check.
What happens if I filed jointly but only have one Social Security number?
Use the primary filer's Social Security number — the one listed first on your return. The tool searches by that number and will show the status of the joint return.
Is there a way to change my refund from a paper check to direct deposit after I file?
No. Once you file, you cannot change the refund method. If you chose a paper check and want direct deposit instead, you would need to file an amended return, which delays your refund further. For future years, choose direct deposit when you file to speed up the process.