How to check your Minnesota tax refund status right now
The Minnesota Department of Revenue runs a refund tracker on their website that shows you exactly where your return stands. Go to taxes.state.mn.us, find the "Where's My Refund?" tool, and enter your Social Security number and the refund amount you expect. The tool updates every business day and tells you whether the state is still processing your return, has approved it, or has sent it out.
If you filed electronically, the state typically processes your return within 10 to 14 business days. If you mailed a paper return, add another 2 to 3 weeks to that timeline. The refund tracker will show you the exact date the state issued your refund — but that is not the same as the date it arrives in your account or mailbox.
You can also call the Minnesota Department of Revenue refund line at 651-296-3781 or 1-800-657-3769. Have your Social Security number and the amount you are expecting ready. The wait time varies, but calling early in the week or early in the morning usually means a shorter hold.
Key Takeaways
- The Minnesota Department of Revenue's "Where's My Refund?" tool on taxes.state.mn.us updates every business day and shows whether your return is processing, approved, or sent.
- Electronic returns typically take 10 to 14 business days; paper returns take 3 to 4 weeks from the date the state receives them.
- The refund tracker shows the date the state issued your refund, but delivery takes an additional 3 to 5 business days for direct deposit or 7 to 10 days for a check.
- If your refund does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Department of Revenue at 651-296-3781 to confirm the status before assuming it is lost.
Direct deposit versus check delivery times
Minnesota offers two ways to receive your refund: direct deposit to your bank account or a paper check mailed to your address. Direct deposit is faster. Once the state approves your return and sends the refund, the money usually lands in your account within 3 to 5 business days. A check takes longer — typically 7 to 10 business days after the state issues it, depending on mail delivery.
When you filed your return, you chose which method you wanted. If you chose direct deposit, make sure the routing number and account number you provided are correct. A single digit wrong will cause the deposit to fail, and the state will mail a check instead — which adds another week or more to your wait.
If you are unsure which method you selected, the refund tracker will tell you. It shows "Direct Deposit" or "Check" next to the issue date. If it says check and you expected direct deposit, contact the Department of Revenue to confirm whether a deposit failed or if you selected the wrong method on your return.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If the refund tracker shows your return was approved and issued more than 10 business days ago, and the money has not arrived, start by checking your bank account carefully. Sometimes a deposit posts under a different date than expected, or it may have gone to a different account if you have multiple accounts at the same bank.
If you chose direct deposit and the money never arrived, call your bank first. Give them the date the state issued the refund and ask them to search for any failed deposit attempts. Banks can see rejected deposits that do not show up in your account. If your bank found a failed deposit, they can tell you why — usually a bad account number or routing number — and you will need to contact the Department of Revenue to request a check instead.
If you chose a check and it has not arrived after 10 business days, contact the Department of Revenue. They can confirm the mailing address they have on file and, if necessary, issue a replacement check. Replacement checks take another 7 to 10 business days.
Why your Minnesota refund might be held or delayed
The state holds some returns for additional review before issuing a refund. Common reasons include a mismatch between the income reported on your return and what employers or financial institutions reported to the state, a missing or incorrect Social Security number, or a claim for a refund that is larger than expected based on your income. These holds are not penalties — they are verification steps.
If your return is held, the refund tracker will show a message saying the state is reviewing it. The review usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. You do not need to do anything unless the state contacts you asking for more information. If they do contact you, they will call or mail a letter to the address on your return.
Returns filed close to the deadline (May 17 for 2024 returns) also process more slowly because the Department of Revenue receives a surge of filings in the final weeks. If you filed in April or May, expect your refund to take closer to 3 to 4 weeks rather than 10 to 14 days.
Refunds for amended returns and prior-year taxes
If you filed an amended return to correct a mistake on an earlier return, your refund will take longer. The state processes amended returns separately from original returns, and the timeline is typically 6 to 8 weeks from the date you filed the amendment. The refund tracker will show the status of your amended return if you enter the correct information.
If you are owed a refund for a tax year from more than one year ago, the state may have already issued it. Check the refund tracker for prior years by filing a new search with the earlier tax year's information. If the tracker shows a refund was issued years ago but you never received it, contact the Department of Revenue — the state may be holding an unclaimed refund for you.
What information you need to check your refund status
To use the "Where's My Refund?" tool, you will need your Social Security number and the amount of the refund you are expecting. The amount should match what you calculated on your return — not an estimate, but the actual number from line 24 of Form MN-1040 (or the equivalent line on whatever form you filed).
If you do not remember the exact amount, look at a copy of your return or the confirmation email you received when you filed electronically. If you filed on paper and do not have a copy, you can request one from the Department of Revenue, but that adds time. The refund tracker is most useful when you have the exact amount ready.
If you are checking the status for a spouse or dependent, you will need their Social Security number and the refund amount from their individual return. You cannot check someone else's refund status without their Social Security number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my refund was sent to the wrong bank account?
Call your bank and give them the date the state issued the refund. Ask them to search for any rejected or failed deposits from the Minnesota Department of Revenue. If they find a failed deposit, they can tell you why — usually an incorrect routing or account number. Contact the Department of Revenue at 651-296-3781 to request a check instead.
Can I get my refund faster if I call the Department of Revenue?
No. Calling does not speed up processing. The refund tracker and the phone line show you the same information about where your return stands. Calling is useful only if your refund is delayed beyond the expected timeframe or if you need to report a failed deposit.
What if the refund tracker says my return is still processing but it has been more than 14 days?
Call the Department of Revenue at 651-296-3781. Your return may be on hold for verification, or there may be an error in the system. The phone line can tell you whether additional information is needed or whether your return is stuck for another reason.
Do I need to do anything if my refund is held for review?
No, unless the state contacts you. If they need more information, they will mail a letter or call the phone number on your return. Do not contact them first — the review process works on its own timeline, and calling does not move it along.
Can I change my refund from a check to direct deposit after I have filed?
No. Once you file, the delivery method is locked in. If you chose a check and want direct deposit instead, you will have to wait for the check to arrive, deposit it yourself, and then request a refund of the refund — which is not practical. For future years, choose direct deposit when you file to avoid the wait.