Where to check your Delaware refund
Delaware processes tax refunds through the Division of Revenue, which is part of the Delaware Department of Finance. You can check the status of your state refund in two ways: online through the Division of Revenue website, or by calling their refund hotline.
The online tool is faster if you have your Social Security number and the exact refund amount you expect. The phone line works if you prefer to speak with someone, though wait times vary depending on the time of year — they are longest during tax season (February through April).
Do not confuse your Delaware state refund with your federal refund. The IRS handles federal refunds separately, and you will need to check the IRS website or use the IRS2Go app for that status. This guide covers Delaware state refunds only.
Key Takeaways
- Check your Delaware refund status online at the Division of Revenue website using your Social Security number and expected refund amount.
- The refund hotline is available by phone if you do not have internet access or prefer speaking with a representative.
- Processing times vary, but most Delaware refunds are issued within four to six weeks of the Division of Revenue receiving your return.
- If your refund is delayed beyond the normal timeframe, contact the Division of Revenue directly with your tax year and filing status.
How long Delaware takes to process refunds
Delaware typically issues refunds within four to six weeks after the Division of Revenue receives your return. The clock starts when your return arrives at the processing center, not when you file it — so if you file early in January, you may see your refund by mid-February. If you file in mid-April, expect it closer to late May or early June.
The timeline depends partly on how you filed. Returns submitted electronically usually process faster than paper returns. If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child and Dependent Care Credit, the Division of Revenue may hold your refund longer to verify those credits — this can add two to three weeks.
Direct deposit refunds arrive faster than checks mailed to your address. If you chose direct deposit on your return, the money typically lands in your bank account within a few business days of the Division of Revenue issuing it. Mailed checks take an additional five to ten business days depending on postal delivery.
What to do if your refund is taking longer than expected
If more than six weeks have passed since you filed and the online status tool shows no update, contact the Division of Revenue directly. Have your Social Security number, tax year, and filing status ready. You can reach them by phone during business hours, or you can mail a written inquiry to the Division of Revenue office in Dover.
Common reasons for delays include math errors on your return, missing information (such as a missing signature or incomplete address), or a mismatch between the name and Social Security number on your return and the Division of Revenue's records. The Division of Revenue will contact you by mail if they find a problem, so check your mailbox regularly during the processing window.
If you filed a paper return and it has been more than eight weeks, there is a small chance it was lost in the mail or misplaced during processing. In that case, the Division of Revenue can search their records and issue a replacement refund or a check in your name.
Direct deposit versus mailed checks
Choosing direct deposit on your return speeds up the refund process by several days. The Division of Revenue deposits the money directly into the bank account you listed on your return, usually within three to five business days after issuing the refund. You do not have to wait for mail delivery or worry about a check being lost.
If you chose to receive a mailed check instead, the Division of Revenue prints and mails it to the address on your return. Delivery takes five to ten business days depending on where you live in Delaware and the postal service's current volume. During tax season, postal delays can add extra time.
If you did not choose direct deposit and want to switch for next year, you can update your banking information when you file your next return. There is no way to change the payment method for a refund that is already being processed.
What the online status tool tells you
The Division of Revenue's online tool shows one of several statuses: "Return Received," "Return Under Review," "Refund Approved," or "Refund Issued." Each status tells you where your return is in the processing pipeline.
"Return Received" means the Division of Revenue has your return but has not yet reviewed it for accuracy. "Return Under Review" means they are checking for errors or verifying information you provided. "Refund Approved" means they have finished reviewing and the refund is being prepared for payment. "Refund Issued" means the money has been sent — either deposited into your bank account or mailed as a check.
The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. If you check multiple times in the same day, you will see the same status. Checking more frequently does not speed up processing.
If your return was rejected or returned
Occasionally the Division of Revenue rejects a return before processing it — usually because of a missing signature, an illegible Social Security number, or a math error. If this happens, they mail a notice to your address explaining what is wrong and what you need to do to fix it.
You will need to correct the error and resubmit your return. The Division of Revenue will process the corrected return as a new filing, which restarts the four- to six-week timeline. If you are close to a refund important date or need the money quickly, correct and resubmit as soon as you receive the notice.
If you filed electronically and the Division of Revenue rejected your return, you will receive an email or phone call with details. If you filed on paper, the notice arrives by mail. Do not ignore these notices — your refund will not be issued until you resubmit a corrected return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my federal and state refund status in the same place?
No. The IRS handles federal refunds and Delaware's Division of Revenue handles state refunds. You must check each separately. Use the IRS website or IRS2Go app for federal status, and the Division of Revenue website for your Delaware state refund.
What if the online tool says my refund was issued but I have not received it?
If direct deposit was chosen, the money should arrive in your bank account within three to five business days of the "Refund Issued" status. If more than five business days have passed, contact your bank to confirm the account number on file is correct. If a check was mailed, allow ten business days from the "Refund Issued" date before contacting the Division of Revenue.
Do I need to do anything to get my refund, or does it happen automatically?
Your refund is issued automatically once the Division of Revenue finishes processing your return. You do not need to take any action unless they contact you about an error or missing information. straightforward wait for the money to arrive in your account or mailbox.
What if I filed my return late — does that delay my refund?
Filing late does not change how long the Division of Revenue takes to process your return once they receive it. The four- to six-week timeline applies regardless of when you file. However, filing after the important date may result in penalties or interest if you owe taxes, so check the current filing important date before submitting.
Can I get my refund faster if I pay a fee?
No. The Division of Revenue does not offer expedited processing for any fee. All refunds are processed in the order they are received, and the standard timeline applies to everyone. The only way to speed up payment is to choose direct deposit instead of a mailed check.