How to check the status of your Delaware tax refund

Delaware's Division of Revenue runs a refund tracker called MyDElawareTaxes that shows you exactly where your refund is in the process. You can check it online at mydtax.delaware.gov, or call the Division of Revenue at 302-577-8660 during business hours. Have your Social Security number and the amount of the refund you expect ready when you call.

The tracker will tell you one of four things: your return is still being processed, your refund has been approved and is being prepared for payment, your refund has been sent, or there is a problem with your return that needs your attention. If the tracker shows your refund was sent more than two weeks ago and you have not received it, contact the Division of Revenue directly—they can investigate whether the payment was lost in the mail or sent to the wrong account.

Key Takeaways

  • Check your refund status through MyDElawareTaxes at mydtax.delaware.gov or by calling 302-577-8660.
  • Most Delaware refunds arrive within 4 to 6 weeks from the date your return was received, but this varies depending on whether you filed electronically or by mail.
  • If you chose direct deposit, your refund typically arrives faster than a paper check, usually within 2 to 3 weeks after approval.
  • If your refund shows as sent but you have not received it after two weeks, the Division of Revenue can trace the payment and reissue it if necessary.

How long Delaware refunds typically take

The timeline depends on how you filed and how you requested your refund. If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, you can expect your refund in 2 to 3 weeks after the Division of Revenue approves your return. If you filed electronically but requested a paper check, add another week or two—the state has to print and mail it.

If you mailed in a paper return, the Division of Revenue needs time to receive it, open it, and enter the information into their system before processing even begins. Paper returns typically take 4 to 6 weeks from the date received. During tax season (January through April), processing times can stretch longer because the Division of Revenue handles a much higher volume.

What to do if your refund is delayed

First, confirm that the Division of Revenue actually received your return. If you mailed it, you can ask for a receipt or confirmation. If you filed electronically, your tax software should have given you a confirmation number—keep that. Then check MyDElawareTaxes to see what stage your return is in.

Common reasons for delays include math errors on your return, missing information (like a Social Security number or signature), or a mismatch between what you reported and what the IRS reported. The Division of Revenue will send you a notice by mail if there is a problem. If you receive a notice, respond as quickly as possible—delays in responding can push your refund back several more weeks.

If your return shows as approved and your refund shows as sent, but you have not received it after two weeks, call 302-577-8660 and ask them to trace the payment. They can tell you whether it was sent to the correct bank account or address, and they can reissue the refund if it was lost.

Direct deposit versus paper check

Direct deposit is faster and more reliable. If you chose direct deposit on your return, the Division of Revenue sends the money straight to your bank account once your return is approved. This usually takes 2 to 3 weeks total. The money lands in your account within one or two business days after the state sends it.

A paper check takes longer because the state has to print it, mail it, and then you have to receive it and deposit it yourself. From approval to the check arriving in your mailbox typically takes 3 to 4 weeks. If you did not choose direct deposit when you filed, you cannot change it now—you have to wait for the check or contact the Division of Revenue to see if they can update your account before the refund is processed.

If your refund was sent to the wrong account or address

If you chose direct deposit but the money went to the wrong bank account, call the Division of Revenue at 302-577-8660 as soon as you realize the mistake. They can sometimes stop the payment before it clears and redirect it to the correct account. If the payment already went through, your bank may be able to recover it, but this depends on your bank's policies and how quickly you report it.

If a paper check was sent to an old address and you have moved, contact the Division of Revenue with your new address. They can reissue the check. If you receive a check that was sent to your old address, you can deposit it if your name is on it, but it is faster to call and ask them to send a new one to your current address.

Amended returns and refund delays

If you filed an amended return (Form 1040-X or Delaware's equivalent), your refund will take longer. The Division of Revenue has to process both your original return and your amended return, then calculate the difference. Amended returns typically take 8 to 12 weeks from the date received, sometimes longer if there are questions about the changes you made.

You can still check the status of an amended return through MyDElawareTaxes, but the tracker may not update as frequently as it does for original returns. If you have not heard anything after 12 weeks, call the Division of Revenue to confirm they received it and ask where it stands in the queue.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, calling will not speed up processing. The Division of Revenue processes returns in the order they were received. Calling is useful only if your return has a problem, your refund is lost, or you need to update your account information before the refund is sent.

What if I filed jointly with my spouse and we are separated?

If the refund was sent to a joint account and you are no longer married or no longer have access to that account, contact the Division of Revenue immediately. They may be able to reissue the refund to a different account, but you will need to provide documentation of your separation or divorce.

Do I have to do anything if my refund is taking longer than expected?

Check MyDElawareTaxes first to see if there is a problem with your return. If the tracker shows your return is still being processed and it has been less than 6 weeks, you can wait. If it has been more than 6 weeks and the tracker shows no progress, call 302-577-8660 to ask what is holding it up.

What happens if I never receive my refund?

If your refund shows as sent in MyDElawareTaxes but you have not received it after two weeks, call the Division of Revenue and ask them to trace it. They can confirm whether it was sent to the correct address or account and reissue it if it was lost. Keep a record of when you called and who you spoke to.