Feeling that anticipation for your Mississippi state tax refund after filing with TurboTax? You're not alone! Many taxpayers eagerly await their refunds, and knowing how to track it can ease the wait. While TurboTax helps you file, the actual refund processing is handled by the Mississippi Department of Revenue (MDOR). This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly how to track your Mississippi state tax refund, even after you've used TurboTax.
Understanding the Refund Process: TurboTax and the MDOR
Before we dive into the steps, it's important to understand the roles involved.
TurboTax's Role: TurboTax is your tax preparation software. It helps you prepare your tax return accurately and then electronically files it (e-files) with the relevant tax authorities – in this case, both the IRS for your federal return and the Mississippi Department of Revenue for your state return. Once your return is accepted by the tax authority (meaning they've received it and it passed initial checks), TurboTax's job in the filing process is largely complete.
Mississippi Department of Revenue's Role: The MDOR is the state agency responsible for processing your Mississippi tax return, reviewing it for accuracy, and ultimately issuing your refund. They have their own systems for tracking refund statuses.
Now, let's get down to tracking that refund!
A Step-by-Step Guide to Tracking Your Mississippi State Tax Refund
Step 1: Confirm Your Return Was Accepted by the MDOR (The Crucial First Check!)
Before you can track your refund, you need to ensure your Mississippi state tax return was successfully accepted by the Mississippi Department of Revenue. This is a common point of confusion, as "accepted by TurboTax" is different from "accepted by the state."
1.1 Check Your TurboTax Account:
Log in to your TurboTax account.
Navigate to your "Tax Home" or "My Returns" section.
Look for the e-file status of your Mississippi state return. It should clearly state "Accepted" (not "Pending" or "Rejected"). If it's "Pending," it means the MDOR hasn't processed it yet, or there might be an issue. If it's "Rejected," you'll need to address the reason for rejection and refile.
Make a note of your exact Mississippi state refund amount. You'll need this information for the next steps.
1.2 Allow for Processing Time: Even after acceptance by the MDOR, it takes time for their system to update and reflect your refund status. Generally, it's advised to wait at least 10 business days after your e-filed return was accepted before checking the MDOR's refund status tool.
Step 2: Head Directly to the Mississippi Department of Revenue (MDOR) Refund Status Tool
This is where you'll get the most accurate and up-to-date information on your state refund. TurboTax will direct you here, but it's good to know the direct link.
2.1 Access the MDOR Website: Open your web browser and go to the official Mississippi Department of Revenue website's refund status checker. The direct link is typically:
https://tap.dor.ms.gov/?link=RefundStatus 2.2 Gather Your Required Information: To check your refund status on the MDOR website, you will typically need the following:
ID Type: This will usually be your Social Security Number (SSN).
Social Security Number: Enter the SSN of the primary taxpayer on the return.
Anticipated Refund Amount: This is why you noted it in Step 1.1! Enter the whole dollar amount (e.g., if your refund is $543.21, enter 543).
2.3 Submit Your Query: After entering the required information, click the "Search" or "Submit" button.
Step 3: Interpreting Your Refund Status
Once you submit your information, the MDOR system will display your refund status. Here's what some common statuses might mean:
Return Received: This means the MDOR has your return, and it's in their processing queue. Patience is key here.
Refund Approved: Great news! Your refund has been approved, and it's now awaiting issuance.
Refund Sent/Issued: Your refund has been sent! If you opted for direct deposit, it should arrive in your bank account within a few business days. If you chose a paper check, it's been mailed out.
Review/Audit: Sometimes, a return might be flagged for a closer look. This could be for various reasons (e.g., potential errors, identity verification, or random selection). If this happens, the MDOR will typically send you a letter requesting additional information or clarification. Respond promptly to any requests.
No Information Found/Check Back Later: If you receive this message, it usually means either:
You haven't waited long enough since your return was accepted (go back to Step 1.2!).
There was a typo in the information you entered. Double-check your SSN and refund amount.
There might be a significant delay, and you may need to contact the MDOR directly (see Step 4).
Step 4: What if There's a Delay or You Can't Find Your Status?
While e-filing and direct deposit are the fastest ways to get a refund, delays can happen.
4.1 Common Reasons for Delays:
Mailing a paper return: Paper returns naturally take much longer to process than e-filed ones.
Errors on your return: Math errors, incorrect Social Security numbers, or missing information can cause delays.
Identity theft protection: The MDOR implements security measures to protect taxpayers from identity theft, which can sometimes lead to additional review.
Returns selected for review: Some returns are randomly selected for further scrutiny.
Prior year liabilities: If you owe taxes from a previous year, your current refund may be held or offset.
Unpaid debts: Refunds can be offset to pay other government debts (e.g., child support, student loans, unemployment overpayments).
4.2 Contacting the Mississippi Department of Revenue: If you've waited beyond the recommended timeframes (at least 10 business days for e-filed, and at least 6-8 weeks for paper-filed returns), and you still can't get clear information online, it's time to contact the MDOR directly.
Automated Refund Line: You can usually call their automated refund line for status updates. A common number for the MDOR automated refund line is (601) 923-7801.
General Taxpayer Assistance: For more specific questions or if the automated line doesn't help, you can try their general taxpayer assistance line. The general number for the Mississippi Department of Revenue is (601) 923-7700. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak tax season.
Have your information ready: When you call, have your SSN, filing status, refund amount, and the date you filed readily available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Your Mississippi State Tax Refund
How to check my Mississippi state tax refund status online?
You can check your Mississippi state tax refund status online by visiting the Mississippi Department of Revenue's Refund Status page at
How to find my Mississippi state refund amount for tracking?
Your exact Mississippi state refund amount can be found on the copy of your state tax return that TurboTax generated for you. Log into your TurboTax account and access your filed return.
How to track my Mississippi state tax refund if I filed a paper return?
If you filed a paper return, you should allow at least 6-8 weeks before attempting to track your refund, as paper returns take significantly longer to process. You can then use the MDOR's online tool or call their automated refund line.
How to know if my Mississippi state tax return was accepted by the MDOR?
You can check the e-file status of your Mississippi state return within your TurboTax account. It should show "Accepted" for Mississippi. This indicates the MDOR has received your return.
How to get my Mississippi state tax refund faster?
The fastest way to receive your Mississippi state tax refund is to e-file your return and choose direct deposit. This typically leads to refunds being issued within 21 days of acceptance.
How to contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue about my refund?
You can contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue's automated refund line at (601) 923-7801. For general inquiries, you can call (601) 923-7700.
How to resolve a delay in my Mississippi state tax refund?
If your refund is delayed, check the MDOR's online status tool for any messages. If it indicates a review or request for information, respond promptly. Otherwise, contact the MDOR directly after the recommended waiting periods.
How to get a replacement for a lost or stolen Mississippi state refund check?
If your Mississippi state refund check is lost or stolen, you will need to contact the Mississippi Department of Revenue's Individual Income Tax Division in writing to request a tracer. Allow 8-10 weeks for this process.
How to check the status of an amended Mississippi state tax return refund?
Amended Mississippi state tax returns take approximately 8 to 10 weeks to process. There isn't a separate online tool specifically for amended returns; you might need to contact the MDOR directly if it goes beyond this timeframe.
How to ensure my Mississippi state tax refund is directly deposited?
When filing with TurboTax, select the direct deposit option for your Mississippi state refund and ensure you enter the correct bank routing and account numbers. The MDOR also provides information on direct deposit on their website.