Where to check your Virginia refund status
The Virginia Department of Taxation runs a refund tracker on their website at tax.virginia.gov. You can check the status of your state refund there without logging into an account — you just need your Social Security number and the amount you expect to receive.
The tracker updates once a day, usually overnight. If you filed your return recently, it may take a few days before the system shows any status at all. The page will tell you whether your return is still being processed, approved, or already sent out.
You can also call the Virginia Department of Taxation at 804-367-8031 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern time). A representative can look up your status by phone if you have your Social Security number and filing information ready.
Key Takeaways
- Visit tax.virginia.gov and use the refund tracker tool with your Social Security number and expected refund amount to check status anytime.
- The tracker updates once daily and may not show anything for several days after you file, which is normal.
- If your refund is delayed beyond the normal timeframe, the tracker will usually show a reason — such as a missing document or an issue that needs correction.
- You can call 804-367-8031 during business hours if you prefer to speak with someone or need help understanding what the tracker is showing.
- Direct deposit refunds typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days after approval; paper checks take longer.
How long Virginia refunds normally take
The time from filing to receiving your refund depends on how you file and how you want the money delivered. If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, Virginia typically processes your refund within 7 to 10 business days after the return is approved. Paper checks take longer — usually 2 to 3 weeks after approval.
If you file a paper return by mail, the Department of Taxation needs time to receive it, scan it, and enter the information into their system before processing even begins. This can add 2 to 4 weeks to the timeline. Electronic filing is faster because the information goes directly into their system.
The busiest time for the Department of Taxation is March and April, when most people file. If you file during this period, expect processing to take longer than the standard timeframe.
What to do if your refund is delayed
If your refund has not arrived within the normal timeframe, the refund tracker should show you why. Common reasons include a missing document (like a W-2 or 1099), an error on your return that needs correction, or a mismatch between information on your return and what the IRS reported.
If the tracker shows a specific issue, follow the instructions it provides. Usually this means mailing a document to the Department of Taxation or calling to provide missing information. The tracker will tell you the address to send documents to and what information you need to include.
If the tracker shows no status at all after two weeks, or if it shows a status but you do not understand what it means, call 804-367-8031. The department can tell you exactly where your return is in the process and what you need to do next.
Refund status when you file jointly or claim dependents
If you filed a joint return with a spouse, either of you can check the status using your own Social Security number. The tracker will show the same information regardless of which spouse looks it up.
If you claimed dependents or other credits, the Department of Taxation may need extra time to verify that information, especially if the IRS is also reviewing your federal return. This can add a week or two to processing time. The refund tracker will show whether your return is being reviewed for this reason.
Direct deposit versus paper check
When you filed your return, you chose whether to receive your refund by direct deposit (into a bank account) or by paper check mailed to your address. The refund tracker shows which method you selected.
Direct deposit is faster and more reliable — the money goes straight into your account and you do not have to worry about a check getting lost in the mail. If you chose direct deposit, make sure the bank account information on your return is correct. If the account number or routing number is wrong, the refund will be rejected and the Department of Taxation will have to send you a paper check instead, which adds several weeks.
If you chose a paper check and it has been more than three weeks since approval, you can call 804-367-8031 to ask whether the check has been mailed or if there is a problem with your address on file.
What information you need to check your status
To use the online refund tracker, have these two pieces of information ready: your Social Security number and the amount of the refund you expect to receive. The amount should match what you calculated on your return — if you are not sure, check your copy of the return you filed.
If you are calling instead of using the online tracker, the representative may also ask for your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), the tax year you are asking about, and the date you filed. Having your return in front of you makes the call faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I check my refund status if I filed electronically but do not have a confirmation number?
Yes. The online tracker does not require a confirmation number — only your Social Security number and expected refund amount. If you filed through a tax software or a tax preparer, you can still use the tracker the same way.
What does it mean if the tracker says my return is "under review"?
It means the Department of Taxation is checking something on your return — usually a credit you claimed, income you reported, or information that does not match what the IRS reported. This is normal and does not mean there is a problem. The review typically takes one to two weeks, and the tracker will update when it is complete.
If I filed my federal return late, will my Virginia refund be delayed?
Not necessarily. Virginia processes state returns separately from federal returns. However, if the IRS has not yet processed your federal return, Virginia may wait to see what the IRS reports before finalizing your state refund. The tracker will show if this is happening.
Can I change my refund to direct deposit if I originally chose a paper check?
No, you cannot change the delivery method after you file. If you chose a paper check and want direct deposit instead, you would need to file an amended return, which takes additional time. For future years, you can choose direct deposit when you file.
What should I do if the tracker shows an error on my return?
The tracker will provide specific instructions for correcting the error — usually either mailing a document or calling to provide information by phone. Follow those instructions exactly and include any reference numbers the tracker gives you. Keep a record of what you sent and when you sent it.