Where to check your refund status
The Maryland Department of Revenue has a single tool to check your refund: the Where's My Refund page on their website at marylandtaxes.gov. You enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount you expect, and the system tells you whether your return is still being processed, approved, or sent out.
This is the only official Maryland tool. You do not need to call, visit an office, or use a third-party website. The state updates this tracker every business day, so checking on a Monday will show you the same information as checking on Friday morning — there is no advantage to checking more often.
You will need three pieces of information to use it: your Social Security number, your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact dollar amount of the refund shown on your tax return. If you filed electronically, you should have received a confirmation email with these details. If you filed on paper, look at the return itself.
Key Takeaways
- The Maryland Department of Revenue's Where's My Refund tool at marylandtaxes.gov is the only official way to track your state refund.
- You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return to check your status.
- The tracker updates every business day and shows whether your return is processing, approved, or sent to your bank or address.
- Maryland typically issues refunds within 30 days of approving your return, though paper returns take longer than electronic ones.
- If your refund does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the Department of Revenue directly — do not wait.
How long Maryland takes to process refunds
The timeline depends on how you filed. If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, Maryland usually approves your return and sends the money to your bank within 21 days. If you filed electronically but asked for a check, add another 7 to 10 days for mailing. If you filed on paper, add at least two weeks to any of those timelines because the return has to be scanned and entered into the system by hand.
These are typical timelines, not guarantees. Returns with errors, missing information, or that trigger additional review take longer. The Where's My Refund tool will show you if your return is held up — it will say "processing" rather than moving to "approved."
If your return was approved more than 30 days ago and you have not received the money, or if the tracker shows "approved" but your bank has not received a deposit after two weeks, contact the Department of Revenue at 410-260-7980. Have your return and Social Security number ready.
What the tracker status messages mean
The Where's My Refund tool shows one of three statuses. "Return received" means Maryland has your return but has not started reviewing it yet. This is normal for the first few days after you file. "Processing" means the state is checking your return for errors and verifying the information you provided. "Approved" means your return passed review and the refund has been sent — either to your bank (if you chose direct deposit) or to the address on your return (if you requested a check).
If the tool shows "approved" but you do not see a deposit or check within the timeframe listed above, the money may be delayed in transit. Contact the Department of Revenue to confirm the refund was actually sent and to ask them to investigate if it was not.
If the tool shows "processing" for more than 30 days, your return may have an issue. The tracker does not always explain what the problem is, so call the Department of Revenue at 410-260-7980 and ask them to review your specific return.
If your refund is taking longer than expected
Start by checking the Where's My Refund tool again to see the current status. If it still shows "processing" after 30 days, or if it shows "approved" but you have not received the money after the expected timeframe, contact the Department of Revenue. Call 410-260-7980 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready.
Common reasons for delays include a mismatch between the name on your return and the name on your bank account (if you chose direct deposit), a missing or incorrect routing number, or an error in your return that the state caught during review. The Department of Revenue can tell you which one applies to you and what to do next.
If you filed on paper and it has been more than 60 days since you mailed it, ask the Department of Revenue whether they received it. Paper returns can be lost in the mail or delayed in the scanning queue. If yours was not received, you may need to file again or provide proof of mailing.
Direct deposit versus check refunds
If you chose direct deposit on your return, Maryland sends the refund to your bank account. This is faster — typically 21 days from approval — and more reliable because there is no mail delay. You need to provide your routing number and account number on your return, and they must match the account at your bank exactly.
If you chose a check, Maryland mails it to the address on your return. This takes longer because of mail time, usually 7 to 10 days after the state approves your return. The check is mailed from Annapolis, so add a few extra days if you live far away. If you move after filing but before receiving the check, contact the Department of Revenue and ask them to reissue it to your new address.
You cannot change your choice after you file. If you asked for a check but now want direct deposit, or vice versa, you have to wait for the refund to arrive, then contact the Department of Revenue if there is a problem.
What to do if the tracker shows an error or problem
If the Where's My Refund tool says your return has an error or is being reviewed for a specific reason, the message should explain what the issue is. Common problems include a missing signature, a math error, or a mismatch between your return and information the state has on file (like your W-2 from your employer).
If the message is unclear, or if you disagree with what it says, call the Department of Revenue at 410-260-7980. They can pull up your return and explain exactly what they found. If you need to correct something, they will tell you how — sometimes you can do it by phone, sometimes you need to file an amended return.
Do not ignore a message that says your return is under review. The state will not release your refund until the issue is resolved. The sooner you contact them, the sooner they can move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my refund status on my phone?
Yes. The Where's My Refund page at marylandtaxes.gov works on phones and tablets. You enter the same information — Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount — and get the same status update. Bookmark the page so you can check it easily.
What if I filed jointly with my spouse — whose Social Security number do I use?
Use either one. The tracker accepts the Social Security number of either spouse on a joint return. The filing status must be "married filing jointly" and the refund amount must be the total amount on the return.
How do I know if my refund was sent to the right bank account?
Once the tracker shows "approved," call your bank and ask if a deposit from the Maryland Department of Revenue is pending. If it is, it will arrive within a few business days. If it is not pending after two weeks, contact the Department of Revenue at 410-260-7980 and ask them to confirm the routing and account number they have on file.
What if I never received my refund check in the mail?
Wait 14 days after the tracker shows "approved" to account for mail time. If it still has not arrived, contact the Department of Revenue at 410-260-7980 and ask them to reissue the check. They can mail a replacement or, in some cases, send the refund by direct deposit instead if you provide your bank information.
Can I get my refund faster if I pay a fee?
No. Maryland does not offer expedited refunds for a fee. The timeline depends on how you filed and how long the state takes to review your return. Direct deposit is the fastest option available at no extra cost.