Where’s My Refund: Missouri

The “Where’s My Refund?” tool provided by the Missouri Department of Revenue is an online service that allows taxpayers to check the status of their state tax refunds. This tool offers real-time updates on the progress of your refund, from the time your return is received until the refund is issued. Using this service can help alleviate the anxiety of waiting for your refund and provide clarity on any issues that may need to be resolved. To check the status of your Missouri refund using Missouri’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool, you will need the following information:

• Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
• Filing Status: This could be Single, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, or Qualifying Widow(er).
• Exact Refund Amount: This is the amount of refund you expect based on your tax return.

How to Use the Missouri “Where’s My Refund?” Tool?

Follow these steps to use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool and check the status of your refund:

1. Visit the Missouri Department of Revenue Website: Go to the official DOR website at https://dor.mo.gov.
2. Navigate to the “Where’s My Refund?” Page: On the homepage, look for the “Check Your Refund Status” link or directly access the “Where’s My Refund?” page.
3. Enter Your Information: You will be prompted to enter your SSN or ITIN, filing status, and the exact refund amount. Make sure the information you provide matches what you submitted on your tax return.
4. Submit Your Inquiry: After entering the required information, click the “Submit” button to check your refund status.
5. Review Your Refund Status: The tool will provide you with the current status of your refund. It may indicate that your return is being processed, your refund has been approved, or your refund has been issued. If there are any issues or additional information needed, the tool will provide instructions on how to resolve them.

Understanding the Different Refund Status Messages

When you use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, you may see various status messages. Here’s what they mean:

• Return Received: Your tax return has been received and is being processed. This is the initial stage where your return is being reviewed.
• Refund Approved: Your refund has been approved, and the DOR is preparing to issue your refund. This stage usually occurs after your return has been processed without any issues.
• Refund Issued: Your refund has been sent either via direct deposit or paper check, depending on the method you selected when you filed your return.
• Additional Information Needed: There may be an issue with your return, such as missing information or discrepancies. Follow the instructions provided to resolve any issues.

Common Issues and How to Resolve Them

If you encounter issues with your refund status, here are some common problems and solutions:

• Incorrect Information: Ensure the information you enter in the “Where’s My Refund?” tool matches exactly what you submitted on your tax return.
• Processing Delays: Sometimes, returns may take longer to process due to additional reviews or a high volume of filings. Check the status regularly for updates.
• Identity Verification: If there is a potential identity issue, the DOR may require additional verification. Follow the instructions provided to verify your identity.
• Amended Returns: If you filed an amended return, it will take longer to process. Use the tool to check the status, but be aware that amended returns can take several weeks to process.