The Virginia Department of Taxation runs the official refund tracker

Virginia's refund tracker is on the Virginia Department of Taxation website at tax.virginia.gov. Once you're there, look for "Where's My Refund?" — it's usually on the homepage or under a section labeled "Refunds" or "Tax Information." You'll need your Social Security number and the exact refund amount you're expecting to check your status.

The tracker updates once per week, usually on Thursdays. If you filed your return less than a week ago, the tracker may not show your refund yet. The system can take up to 21 days to process a return after the Department receives it, though many refunds move faster.

If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, your refund typically arrives within 10 to 21 days from the date the Department approves your return. If you chose a paper check, add another 7 to 10 days for mailing time after approval.

Key Takeaways

  • The Virginia Department of Taxation's "Where's My Refund?" tool is the only official way to check your state refund status, found at tax.virginia.gov.
  • The tracker updates once per week on Thursdays, so checking daily will not show new information.
  • You need your Social Security number and the refund amount to search, and the system may not show your refund for up to a week after you file.
  • Direct deposit refunds usually arrive within 10 to 21 days of approval; paper checks take an additional 7 to 10 days for delivery.

What information you need to use the tracker

Before you go to the tracker, gather two pieces of information: your Social Security number and the exact dollar amount of the refund you're expecting. The amount should match what you calculated on your tax return — if you're unsure, check the copy you filed or the confirmation email the Department sent you after filing.

If you filed a joint return with a spouse, you can use either spouse's Social Security number. The tracker will show the same refund status either way.

Why your refund might not appear in the tracker yet

The most common reason a refund doesn't show up is timing. The Department processes returns in batches, and the tracker updates only once per week. If you filed on a Tuesday, for example, your return might not appear in the tracker until the following Thursday or later.

Returns filed on paper take longer to enter the system than electronically filed returns. A paper return can take two to three weeks just to be scanned and entered into the Department's computer system before processing begins.

If you filed an amended return (Form 760-X), the tracker will not show that separately. The Department processes amended returns after the original return, so your refund status may change once the amendment is processed.

What each refund status message means

When you search the tracker, you'll see one of several messages. "Return received" means the Department has your return but hasn't started processing it yet — this is normal and can last several days. "Return approved" means the Department has reviewed your return and found no issues; your refund is now being prepared for payment.

"Refund issued" means the Department has sent your refund. If you chose direct deposit, this message appears a few days before the money hits your bank account. If you chose a paper check, the check is in the mail.

If you see "Return under review," the Department is asking questions about something on your return — usually income, deductions, or credits. You'll receive a letter in the mail explaining what they need. Do not ignore this letter; respond within the important date it gives you.

What to do if your refund is delayed

If your refund shows "Return received" but more than two weeks have passed since you filed, check that you filed correctly. Common delays come from mismatched names (your return name must match your Social Security card), wrong Social Security numbers, or math errors on the return itself.

If the tracker shows "Refund issued" but you haven't received the money after the expected timeframe, contact your bank first. Sometimes a deposit is delayed on the bank's end, not the Department's. If your bank confirms they haven't received it, call the Virginia Department of Taxation at 804-367-8031.

If you filed by mail and it's been more than three weeks with no status update in the tracker, your return may still be in the scanning queue. Call the Department to confirm they received it.

Direct deposit versus paper check refunds

When you filed your return, you chose how to receive your refund. Direct deposit is faster — money goes straight to your bank account, usually within 10 to 21 days of approval. You need to provide your bank's routing number and your account number, and the Department will not charge you a fee.

A paper check takes longer because it has to be printed, mailed, and delivered. After the Department approves your return, allow 7 to 10 additional days for the check to arrive. If you chose a paper check and now want direct deposit instead, you cannot change it after filing — you'll have to wait for the check or contact the Department to discuss other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I check my refund status by phone?

Yes. Call the Virginia Department of Taxation at 804-367-8031 during business hours. Have your Social Security number and refund amount ready. The phone line can be busy during tax season, so the website tracker is usually faster.

What if the tracker says my refund was issued but I never got it?

Contact your bank first to confirm the deposit didn't arrive on their end. If your bank has no record, call the Department of Taxation at 804-367-8031 with your Social Security number and refund amount. They can tell you whether the refund was sent and help you trace it.

How long does it take to process an amended return?

Amended returns take longer than original returns because they're processed after the original. Allow an additional 8 to 12 weeks from the date you file the amendment. The tracker will not show the amendment separately; it updates your original refund status once the amendment is processed.

Can I get my refund faster if I pay a fee?

No. The Virginia Department of Taxation does not offer expedited processing for an additional fee. The timeframe is the same for all refunds. Some tax preparation companies offer refund advances, but those are loans, not the actual refund, and they charge interest.

What if I made a mistake on my return?

If you notice an error before the Department processes your return, file an amended return (Form 760-X) as soon as possible. If the Department has already processed your return and issued a refund, you cannot undo it — you'll have to file the amendment and wait for the corrected refund. If you owe money instead, the Department will contact you.