Delaware Tax Refund Status – Eligibility, Delay Reasons, What if delayed?

Delaware’s tax refund deadline is April 30, 2024. Form 2868 allows an extension if filed by April 15, providing an additional six months until October 15 for taxpayers to submit their personal income tax returns, easing the burden for those unable to meet the initial deadline.

Delaware Tax Refund Status

Delaware Tax Refund Status

Filing after April 15th without an extension may result in penalties if taxes are owed. To track the status of a tax refund in Delaware, taxpayers can visit the Delaware Division of Revenue website and use the “Check Return Status” button. 

They will need to input their Social Security number or ITIN and the exact amount of their expected refund in whole dollars. The deadline for filing a tax refund in Delaware is April 30th, 2024, for personal income tax returns.

How to check the Delaware Tax Refund Status?

Steps to check your Delaware tax refund status online:

  • Visit the Delaware Division of Revenue’s online portal for checking refund status at https://tax.delaware.gov/rptp/portal/individual/checkrefundstatus.
  • On the “Check Return Status’ ‘ page, you’ll have to enter your Social Security number without any hyphens or spaces, Select the year you filed your tax return for and enter the exact amount of your expected refund (in whole dollars).
  • Submit and view your status: Click the “Check Status” button. 

Whether your return has been received and accepted by the Division of Revenue. If your refund has been issued and the estimated timeframe for receiving it. Any potential issues or delays with processing your return.

Delaware Tax Refund Eligibility 

Determining Delaware tax refund eligibility involves two key aspects: filing requirements and tax liability.

Filing Requirements: To be eligible for a Delaware tax refund, you must first meet the following filing requirements:

  • You must have been a resident of Delaware for any part of the tax year. This includes individuals who maintain a place of abode in Delaware and spend more than 183 days in the state during the year.
  • You must have had taxable income from sources within Delaware, such as wages, salaries, interest, or dividends.
  • You do not need to file a Delaware tax return if your income falls below the following thresholds for the 2023 tax year (subject to change for future years):
    • Single: Under age 60: $9,400; Age 60 to 64: $12,200; Over age 65 or Blind: $14,700; Over age 65 and Blind: $17,200.
    • Married Filing Separately on Separate Returns or Separately on Combined Returns: The same thresholds apply as for single filers.

Tax Liability: Even if you meet the filing requirements, you won’t receive a refund unless you overpaid your Delaware state income tax. This can occur due to several factors:

  • Withholding: If your employer withheld too much Delaware income tax from your paycheck throughout the year, you’ll get a refund for the excess amount.
  • Deductions and credits: Claiming deductions and credits on your tax return can reduce your taxable income, potentially resulting in a refund if you overpaid throughout the year.

Common reasons for delays in receiving a Delaware Tax Refund

The Delaware Division of Revenue aims to process and issue refunds within 8 weeks of receiving your return. This timeframe is an estimate and may not be a guarantee, especially for complex returns or those requiring further verification.

Several common reasons can lead to delays in receiving your Delaware tax refund:

  • Filing method: Electronically filed returns are generally processed faster than paper-filed returns. You can expect 3 days to wait before checking the status for an e-filed return and 3-4 weeks for a paper-filed one.
  • Return complexity: Simpler returns with straightforward income and standard deductions are processed quicker compared to those with multiple income sources, self-employment income, or numerous deductions and credits.
  • Verification and audits: If your return raises any red flags or needs additional verification, it will take longer for processing. In extreme cases, an audit might further delay the refund.
  • High filing volumes: Peak filing seasons can lead to backlogs and longer processing times for all taxpayers.
  • Technical issues: Occasional system maintenance or technical issues with the Division of Revenue might temporarily delay processing.

What to do if your refund is delayed?

Here’s what you can do if yours is taking longer than expected:

Contact the Division of Revenue if necessary:

  • If the expected timeframe has passed and your status remains unclear, contact the Division of Revenue.
  • You can call the Public Service Office at 1-866-276-2353 or 1-302-577-8200 (local).
  • Alternatively, you can use the “Ask DOR” function on their website: https://revenue.delaware.gov/.

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