Where to check the status of your Delaware state refund

Delaware's Division of Revenue runs a tool called MyDElawareServices that shows you where your refund is in the process. You can check it online at mydel.delaware.gov without needing to call or visit an office.

To use it, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the exact refund amount from your tax return. The tool tells you whether your refund has been received, is being processed, or has been sent. If it has been sent, you will see the date it was mailed or deposited.

If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, your refund typically arrives within 10 to 21 days after the Division of Revenue accepts your return. If you chose a paper check, allow an additional week or two for mail delivery.

Key Takeaways

  • MyDElawareServices at mydel.delaware.gov is the official place to check your refund status without waiting on hold.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and the refund amount from your return to look up your status.
  • Direct deposit refunds usually arrive 10 to 21 days after the Division of Revenue accepts your return.
  • Paper checks take longer because they must be printed and mailed, so add one to two weeks to the processing time.
  • If your refund does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Division of Revenue directly rather than waiting.

What to do if your refund is delayed

If you have checked MyDElawareServices and your refund shows as sent but you have not received it after the expected time, contact the Division of Revenue. You can reach them at 302-577-8660 during business hours, Monday through Friday.

Have your tax return information ready when you call: your filing status, the year you filed, and the refund amount. The Division of Revenue can tell you whether the check was cashed, whether the direct deposit was rejected by your bank, or whether there was an error in the address or account number you provided.

If your check was lost in the mail, the Division of Revenue can issue a replacement. If your direct deposit failed, they can help you correct the account information and resend it.

Why your refund might be taking longer

Some returns take longer to process than others. The Division of Revenue may need to verify information on your return, which can add days or weeks. This happens most often when you claim certain credits, report self-employment income, or have income from multiple sources.

If you made a mistake on your return — such as a mismatched Social Security number or an incorrect filing status — the Division of Revenue will contact you before processing your refund. Check your mail and email for any notices asking you to correct information.

During tax season (January through April), the Division of Revenue processes thousands of returns, so delays are common even for straightforward returns. Checking MyDElawareServices regularly will show you whether your return is still being reviewed or has moved to the next stage.

How to avoid refund problems when you file

The fastest way to receive your refund is to file electronically and choose direct deposit. Paper returns take longer to process because they must be scanned and entered into the system by hand, which creates more chances for errors.

When you file, double-check that your Social Security number, date of birth, and bank account information are correct. A single digit wrong in your account number will cause the direct deposit to fail, and you will have to wait for a replacement check instead.

If you are claiming credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Delaware Tax Credit for Low-Income Individuals, make sure you have the right forms and that all income figures match your W-2s or 1099s. Mismatches trigger a manual review, which delays your refund.

What happens if you never filed a return

If you think you should have received a refund but never filed a Delaware state return, you may still be able to claim it. Delaware allows you to file a return for prior years, though there are time limits.

Contact the Division of Revenue at 302-577-8660 to ask whether you can still file for the year in question. They can tell you what documents you will need and whether any refund is still available. The sooner you file, the sooner you can receive any refund you are owed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it usually take to get a Delaware state refund?

Direct deposit refunds typically arrive 10 to 21 days after the Division of Revenue accepts your return. Paper checks take an additional one to two weeks for printing and mail delivery. During busy tax season, processing may take longer.

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

Calling will not speed up processing, but it can help if your refund is delayed or lost. The Division of Revenue can tell you the exact status and whether there is a problem holding up your refund. Use MyDElawareServices first to check the status yourself.

What if the Division of Revenue says my refund was sent but I never got it?

If a check was mailed, it may have been lost or sent to an old address. If direct deposit was sent, your bank may have rejected it. Contact the Division of Revenue and they can issue a replacement check or resend the direct deposit with corrected information.

Do I need to file a Delaware return if I only work in another state?

It depends on where you live and how much income you earned. Contact the Division of Revenue or speak with a tax preparer to find out whether you owe Delaware tax. If you do not owe tax but had money withheld, you may be owed a refund.