The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) generally processes and mails or electronically deposits tax refunds within three weeks of receiving the tax filing. Most tax filings are delayed due to preventable errors or lack of follow-up from the taxpayer when requested. Sometimes, a refund will be delayed due to refund-offsets, a legal collections process. Here are some tips you can use to avoid refund delays:

  1. Filing electronically can drastically reduce the error rate when filing your taxes and speed up processing. See if you qualify to file your federal and state taxes for free through INfreefile.
  2. If you are using pap. er forms:
    1. Include all forms and in the correct order. Do not staple or clip any of the information together.
    2. Sign and date the tax filing. If you are filing jointly, be sure both spouses sign.
    3. Include your phone number on the tax filing. DOR can often help resolve an issue quickly with a phone call.
    4. Write the taxpayer or taxpayers’ tax ID number on checks for payment
    5. Mail your tax filings to the correct address. Federal tax forms must be mailed to the IRS and Indiana tax forms to DOR. There are separate addresses for tax filings that require payment and tax filings that claim a refund. Follow the directions contained in the tax booklet.
  1. Complete the identity verification quiz as soon as possible. This year, DOR will once again implement the Identity Protection Program to protect Hoosier taxpayer identities and refunds. Those selected to complete an Identity Confirmation Quiz will receive a letter in the mail from DOR, not a phone call or email. The quiz is taken on a secure website or over the phone and contains four short questions, which only the person asked to complete the quiz would be able to answer. DOR will continue processing your tax filing once the quiz is completed accurately and before the due date on the letter. If the quiz letter is not completed accurately or on time, processing will be delayed for further analysis.
  2. Update your address with DOR. Some types of mail, depending on the contents, are unable to be forwarded by the post office. It is important DOR has the correct address on file to send your refund, Identity Confirmation Quiz letter, or to request for more information.
  3. Refund amounts may be offset due to the taxpayer’s outstanding liabilities. Common offsets include outstanding payments due to DOR, another state agency, or the IRS; liens; and unpaid tuition or fees to an Indiana college or university. All claims against the refund must be resolved before a refund check can be processed for any remaining amount.

We advise waiting at least four weeks from the date of transmission before contacting the department to inquire about the status of a tax refund. Taxpayers may inquire about the status of their state refund online or by calling DOR’s Automated Refund Line at 317-233-4018.