How to find your Missouri state tax refund

Missouri's Department of Revenue runs a refund tracker you can access online without logging in. Go to dor.mo.gov, find the "Where's My Refund?" tool, and enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool shows you whether the state has received your return, is processing it, has issued the refund, or if there is a problem holding it up.

The tracker updates every business day and is the fastest way to get a real answer. If you filed by mail, expect a longer delay before the state even receives it — typically two to three weeks from the postmark date. If you filed electronically, the state usually has your return within 24 hours.

If the tracker shows no record of your return at all after three weeks from when you mailed it, or two business days after you e-filed, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue directly at 573-751-3505 or through their website contact form. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the date you filed ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Missouri's "Where's My Refund?" tool at dor.mo.gov is free and does not require a login — you only need your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.
  • The tracker updates every business day and shows whether your return has been received, is being processed, has been approved, or is delayed for a specific reason.
  • Paper returns take two to three weeks to arrive at the state after you mail them; e-filed returns usually appear in the system within 24 hours.
  • If your return does not show up after the expected timeframe, call the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-751-3505 with your filing details ready.

How long Missouri takes to process refunds

Missouri aims to issue refunds within 21 days of receiving your return if you e-filed and chose direct deposit. If you chose a paper check, add another 7 to 10 business days for mailing. These are target timelines, not guarantees — some refunds move faster, and some take longer depending on whether the return has errors or requires manual review.

Returns that trigger a manual review — for example, if you claimed a large credit, reported self-employment income, or the return has inconsistencies — can take 30 to 60 days or longer. The "Where's My Refund?" tool will tell you if your return is in manual review and sometimes why.

If you have not received your refund within 60 days of e-filing or 90 days of mailing a paper return, the state considers it delayed. At that point, contact the Department of Revenue to find out what is holding it.

What to do if your refund is delayed or missing

First, check the "Where's My Refund?" tool again. If it shows your refund was issued but you have not received it, the problem is usually in the mail or with your bank. If you chose direct deposit, check your bank account to see if the deposit went to the wrong account — this happens when you changed banks or made a typo on your return.

If the tool shows your return is still being processed after 60 days, or if it shows an error code or message, call 573-751-3505. Have your Social Security number, filing status, the date you filed, and the refund amount ready. The Department of Revenue can tell you exactly what is causing the delay and what you need to do next.

If you filed a paper return and the tool shows no record of it after three weeks, the return may have been lost in the mail. You can file an amended return (Form MO-1040-X) or contact the Department of Revenue to report the missing return and ask them to search for it.

Direct deposit versus paper check refunds

Missouri refunds come faster by direct deposit than by check. Direct deposit typically arrives 7 to 10 days after the state approves your return; a paper check takes an additional 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail. If you chose direct deposit on your return, the state deposits the money into the bank account you listed.

If you chose a paper check and the state has issued it, you can expect it to arrive within 10 business days. If more than 10 business days have passed since the "Where's My Refund?" tool showed your refund was issued, the check may have been lost or delayed by the postal service. Contact the Department of Revenue to request a replacement check or to have the refund reissued by direct deposit instead.

If you moved or changed your bank account

If you moved after filing your return, the state will still send your refund to the address on your return. If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, the refund goes to the bank account you listed, regardless of your mailing address. If you chose a paper check and have moved, the check may be delayed or returned to the state.

If you changed banks after filing, a direct deposit refund may go to your old account. Check with your old bank to see if the deposit arrived there. If it did, ask the old bank to transfer it to your new account, or contact the new bank to see if they can retrieve it.

If your refund was sent to an old address or old bank account and you have not received it, contact the Missouri Department of Revenue at 573-751-3505. They can issue a replacement refund by direct deposit to your current account or by check to your current address.

What the refund tracker status messages mean

The "Where's My Refund?" tool shows different messages depending on where your return is in the process. "Return received" means the state has your return but has not started processing it yet. "Return accepted" means the state has reviewed it and found no errors. "Refund approved" means the state has approved the refund amount and is preparing to send it. "Refund issued" means the money has been sent — either deposited into your bank account or mailed as a check.

If the tool shows an error message or a code, it usually means the state found a problem with your return — a missing form, an inconsistency, or a math error. The tool may explain what the problem is. If it does not, or if you do not understand the message, call 573-751-3505 to ask what needs to be fixed and how to fix it.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Missouri's "Where's My Refund?" tool requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount. If you filed jointly, use the primary filer's Social Security number. If you do not have access to the refund amount, call the Department of Revenue at 573-751-3505 and they can look it up for you.

What if the refund tracker says my refund was issued but I never got it?

If you chose direct deposit, check your bank account — the deposit may have gone to an old account if you changed banks. If you chose a paper check, wait 10 business days from the issue date; if it still has not arrived, contact the Department of Revenue to request a replacement. Bring proof of your address and the original filing date.

How do I know if my return is being audited?

The "Where's My Refund?" tool will show your return is in manual review if the state is examining it. The tool may explain why. If you receive a letter from the Missouri Department of Revenue, it will detail what they are reviewing and what documents they need from you. Respond to the letter within the timeframe it gives.

Can I get my refund faster if I call the Department of Revenue?

No. Calling does not speed up processing. However, calling is the right step if your return is delayed, lost, or stuck with an error. The Department of Revenue can tell you what the problem is and what you need to do to fix it.

What if I filed my return but Missouri says they never received it?

If you e-filed, check your email for a confirmation receipt — the state sends one within 24 hours of receiving your return. If you did not get a receipt, your return may not have been transmitted. If you mailed a paper return and it has been more than three weeks, the return may have been lost. Contact the Department of Revenue at 573-751-3505 to report it and ask them to search for it.