Check your refund status through the Virginia Department of Taxation website
The Virginia Department of Taxation runs a refund tracker on its website where you can see the status of your state tax return. Go to tax.virginia.gov, find the "Where's My Refund?" tool, and enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount you expect. The tool updates every few days and will tell you whether your return is still being processed, approved, or sent out.
If you filed electronically, the tracker usually shows activity within 24 hours of the Department receiving your return. If you mailed a paper return, allow 2 to 3 weeks before checking, since mail processing takes longer. The tracker will display one of four statuses: received, under review, approved, or issued.
You do not need to create an account or log in to use the tracker. It works on any device with internet access, and you can check as often as you want — checking multiple times does not slow down your refund.
Key Takeaways
- The Virginia Department of Taxation's "Where's My Refund?" tool is the official source for refund status and updates every few days.
- Electronic returns show up in the tracker within 24 hours; paper returns take 2 to 3 weeks before you can track them.
- Most refunds are issued within 21 days of approval, but timing depends on whether you chose direct deposit or a mailed check.
- If your refund is delayed beyond the expected timeframe, contact the Department of Taxation directly at 804-367-8031.
- A refund offset — when the state keeps your refund to cover unpaid taxes, child support, or other debts — will show in the tracker with an explanation.
What the four refund statuses mean
Received means the Department of Taxation has your return in its system but has not started reviewing it yet. This status typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks for electronic returns and 3 to 4 weeks for paper returns.
Under review means a Department employee is checking your return for errors, missing information, or inconsistencies with other records. This step can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. If the Department finds a problem, it will mail you a notice asking for more information or explaining a change to your refund amount.
Approved means the Department has finished reviewing your return and your refund has been calculated. The refund is now in the queue to be issued. This status usually lasts 1 to 5 business days.
Issued means your refund has been sent out. If you chose direct deposit, the money should land in your bank account within 1 to 3 business days after the issued date. If you chose a mailed check, allow 7 to 10 business days for it to arrive.
Typical timeline from filing to receiving your refund
| Filing Method | Time to Appear in Tracker | Time in "Under Review" | Time from Approved to Received |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic filing | 24 hours | 5 to 21 days | 1 to 3 days (direct deposit) or 7 to 10 days (check) |
| Paper return by mail | 2 to 3 weeks | 7 to 21 days | 1 to 3 days (direct deposit) or 7 to 10 days (check) |
These timelines are typical but not may provide. During tax season (January through April), processing can take longer because the Department handles a higher volume of returns. Returns filed after April 15 usually move faster.
Why your refund might be delayed
The most common reason for a delay is missing or incorrect information on your return. If you made an error with your Social Security number, filing status, or income figures, the Department will catch it during review and send you a notice by mail. You will need to respond with corrected information or documentation before the refund can be issued.
A refund offset is another reason for delay. If you owe back taxes to Virginia, child support, student loan debt to the state, or have an unpaid court fine, the Department can hold your refund to pay down that debt. The "Where's My Refund?" tracker will show an offset status and explain which debt is being collected. You can contact the Department at 804-367-8031 to learn more about the offset or dispute it if you believe it is wrong.
If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit, the Department may hold your return for additional review. Federal law requires this verification step, which can add 1 to 2 weeks to processing time.
What to do if your refund is missing or very late
If your refund shows as "issued" but you have not received it after the expected timeframe, contact the Virginia Department of Taxation at 804-367-8031. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The Department can confirm whether the refund was mailed or deposited and, if mailed, can issue a replacement check if the original was lost.
If your refund shows as "under review" but more than 21 days have passed since you filed, call the same number. A representative can look into your specific return and tell you what is holding it up. Bring documentation with you if you have it — proof of income, a copy of your return, or any notices the Department sent you.
If you filed electronically and the tracker shows no activity after 24 hours, double-check that you entered your information correctly in the tracker. A wrong Social Security number or filing status will return no results. If your information is correct and still shows nothing, contact the Department to confirm they received your return.
Direct deposit versus mailed check
When you filed your return, you chose how to receive your refund: direct deposit to a bank account or a mailed check. Direct deposit is faster — typically 1 to 3 business days after the Department issues your refund. A mailed check takes 7 to 10 business days and depends on mail delivery speed in your area.
If you chose direct deposit but the money does not arrive within 3 business days of the "issued" date, contact your bank first. Ask them to confirm they received the deposit and whether it is pending or rejected. If your bank rejected the deposit (for example, because the account was closed), the Department will mail you a check instead, which adds another 7 to 10 days.
You cannot change your refund method after you file. If you want to switch from a mailed check to direct deposit for next year, you will need to file your next return with the new banking information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my refund was offset?
The "Where's My Refund?" tracker will show an "offset" status with an explanation of which debt was collected. You will also receive a notice in the mail from the Virginia Department of Taxation or the agency that collected the debt (such as the Department of Social Services for child support). If you believe the offset is wrong, contact the Department of Taxation at 804-367-8031.
Can I get my refund faster if I call the Department?
No. Calling does not speed up processing. The Department processes returns in the order they are received, and calling will not move yours to the front of the queue. Calling is useful only if your refund is significantly delayed or if you need to report a missing refund that was already issued.
What if I filed a joint return with my spouse and we are now separated?
If both names are on the return, the refund will be issued to the address on file. If you and your spouse disagree about who should receive the refund, contact the Department of Taxation at 804-367-8031. You may need to provide a court order or written agreement to split the refund. This process can delay your refund by several weeks.
My refund amount seems wrong. What should I do?
If the tracker shows an approved refund amount that does not match what you calculated, do not panic — the Department may have found an error or adjustment on your return. Wait for the mailed notice explaining the change, which usually arrives within a week of the approval. If you disagree with the adjustment, you can file a protest with the Department within one year of the notice date.
Can I file an amended return if I made a mistake?
Yes. File Form 760-X (Amended Individual Income Tax Return) with the Virginia Department of Taxation. Mail it to the address listed on the form. Processing an amended return takes 8 to 12 weeks, and if you are owed a larger refund, it will be issued after the Department approves the amendment. If you owe more tax, you will receive a bill.