Where to check your Arkansas tax refund status
The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration runs the state tax system. To track your refund, you go directly to their website at dfa.arkansas.gov and use their refund tracker tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount you expect.
The tracker tells you whether your return has been received, is being processed, has been approved, or has been sent out. It updates every few business days, not in real time. If your return was mailed in, allow extra time for it to reach the office before the tracker will show it.
You can also call the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration at 501-682-7000 during business hours. Have your Social Security number and expected refund amount ready. The phone line can sometimes have long wait times during peak tax season (February through April).
Key Takeaways
- The Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website at dfa.arkansas.gov has a refund tracker that shows whether your return is received, processing, approved, or sent.
- You need your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount to use the online tracker.
- The tracker updates every few business days, so checking daily will not show new information.
- If you filed by mail, wait at least two weeks before checking the tracker, since the office needs time to receive and scan your return.
- You can call 501-682-7000 to speak with someone, though wait times are longest from February through April.
How long Arkansas refunds typically take
If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit to your bank account, your refund usually arrives within 21 days of the state accepting your return. If you chose a paper check by mail, add another 7 to 10 business days after approval for the check to reach you.
The timeline depends on when you filed and whether there are any issues with your return. Returns filed in January and early February move faster because the office is less busy. Returns filed in March and April can take longer because the volume is much higher. If the state needs more information from you—for example, to verify income or dependents—the process stops until you respond.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If the tracker shows your return was approved more than 21 days ago and you chose direct deposit, but the money has not arrived in your bank account, contact your bank first. Sometimes a refund is sent but does not post to your account right away, or there may be a problem with the account number on your return.
If your bank confirms they have not received the deposit, call the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration at 501-682-7000. Have your Social Security number, the date you filed, and the amount of your refund ready. They can check whether the refund was actually sent and, if so, where it went.
If you filed by mail and your check has not arrived more than 30 days after approval, the office may need to reissue it. The department can put a stop on the original check and send a new one, but this takes additional time.
Choosing direct deposit versus a paper check
When you file your Arkansas state return, you choose how you want your refund. Direct deposit means the state sends the money straight to your bank account. A paper check means the state mails you a physical check.
Direct deposit is faster—usually 21 days or less from approval. It is also safer because there is no check to lose in the mail. To use direct deposit, you need a bank account and you must provide your routing number and account number on your return. Make sure these numbers are correct, because if they are wrong, the refund may go to the wrong account or be returned to the state.
A paper check takes longer but does not require a bank account. If you do not have a bank account, a paper check is your only option. If you do have an account but prefer a check, that is fine—just know it will take longer to receive.
What information you need to track your refund
To use the Arkansas refund tracker, gather these three pieces of information before you start:
- Your Social Security number (the main filer's number if you filed jointly)
- Your filing status as it appears on your return (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or may have access to widow/widower)
- The exact refund amount you claimed on your return
If you do not remember the refund amount, look at your copy of the return you filed, or check your email if you filed electronically—most tax software sends a confirmation with the refund amount. If you filed by mail and do not have a copy, you can call the department and they can look it up for you.
If you filed a joint return with a spouse
If you and your spouse filed a joint return, only one Social Security number is needed to track the refund—use the primary filer's number (usually the person listed first on the return). The tracker will show the status of the entire joint refund, not separate amounts for each person.
If you and your spouse are separated or divorced and filed jointly by mistake, or if there is a dispute about who should receive the refund, contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration directly. These situations require manual review and cannot be handled through the online tracker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I track my refund if I filed through a tax preparation company?
Yes. The Arkansas tracker works the same way regardless of whether you filed yourself or used a tax preparer. You still use your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. The tax preparer does not have a separate tracking system for Arkansas refunds.
What does it mean if the tracker says my return is still being processed after 30 days?
It usually means the state is reviewing your return for accuracy or needs more information from you. Check your mail and email for any letters or messages from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration asking for documents or clarification. If you see nothing, call 501-682-7000 to find out what is holding up your return.
If I made a mistake on my return, can I still track my refund?
Yes, you can track it while it is being processed. However, if you discover an error after you file, you may need to file an amended return. Contact the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration to ask whether an amendment is necessary or whether they will correct it during processing.
What if the tracker shows my refund was sent but I never received it?
If you chose direct deposit, contact your bank to confirm the deposit did not arrive. If you chose a paper check, wait 10 business days from the approval date, then contact the department to report it missing. They can issue a replacement check, but it takes additional time.