Check your status
Use Where's My Refund? on MyTax Illinois from the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). The tool asks for your ID type (SSN or ITIN), the number (twice) and the requested refund amount from your IL-1040. It covers only the current tax year's original return; for an amended or prior-year refund, call 1 800 732-8866. It updates each business day.
Once IDOR has approved your refund, the Illinois Comptroller pays it. You can then follow it in the Comptroller's Find Your Illinois Tax Refund system with your Social Security number and first and last name.
How long an Illinois refund takes
| Situation | What IDOR says |
|---|---|
| E-filed return | Refund can be expected around four weeks after filing |
| Paper return | May take more than eight weeks after filing |
| Direct deposit, once released | Up to two business days to reach your account |
| Paper check, once released | Up to 10 business days to arrive by mail |
| Refund amount changed | A notice explaining why within 7 to 10 business days |
IDOR says refund time frames vary and it can only give a projected time frame, not an exact date. A date from your tax preparer or software is not a guarantee.
What the status messages mean
Where's My Refund? tells you whether IDOR received your return, whether it is being processed or finished, the time frame to expect your direct deposit or check, whether your return resulted in no refund, and whether a notice was sent about a change.
- A date for your refund has not been determined: IDOR has approved the refund and sent it to the Comptroller, and is waiting for the payment details back. IDOR says this usually takes 24 to 48 hours.
Why your Illinois refund is late or smaller
- An identity verification letter (LTR-425-C, LTR-425-D or LTR-425-Q). Respond on MyTax Illinois without an account: take a quiz, enter a code or attach documents, as your letter says. If you didn't file the return, say so through the Identity Verification Code link. If you miss the due date, IDOR asks for one photo ID and one document with your name and address, within 60 days of the date of the letter.
- Errors or missing documents, such as W-2s, 1099s or required schedules. IDOR notifies you of an error and what to do.
- Your reply to a notice is worked in the order received.
- A check instead of direct deposit. IDOR mails a check if it couldn't verify your bank details, it's your first Form IL-1040, your bank refused the deposit or the bank is outside the United States.
- A smaller refund. You get a notice within 7 to 10 business days explaining the difference and how to disagree.
If your refund is late
Calling won't speed it up: IDOR says its phone staff don't process returns. For other questions, call 1 800 732-8866 or 217 782-3336, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If your check was mailed more than 10 days ago and hasn't arrived, or it was lost, call the Comptroller's Office at 1-800-877-8078. If your refund isn't paid within 90 days after the due date, IDOR pays interest. 2025 Illinois returns were due April 15, 2026.
Illinois and the new federal deductions
The Illinois Department of Revenue has not stated yet whether the federal deductions for overtime, tips, seniors and car loan interest change your Illinois return. Check IDOR's guidance for the year you are filing. Compare every state in our state-by-state tips and overtime tracker.
Your federal refund is separate
The IRS pays your federal refund on its own schedule. Track it with IRS Where's My Refund, see the week-by-week IRS refund schedule, or estimate your date with the refund date calculator. To see how big your federal refund should be, try the tax refund calculator.
Common questions
How long does an Illinois tax refund take? The Illinois Department of Revenue says refunds from e-filed returns can be expected around four weeks after filing, and paper returns may take more than eight weeks. Some refunds take longer because of filing errors or security measures.
What does Illinois Where's My Refund mean by a date has not been determined? IDOR has approved your refund and sent it to the Comptroller to be paid. Until the Comptroller sends back the payment details, IDOR can't give a date. IDOR says this usually takes 24 to 48 hours.
I got an Illinois identity verification letter. What do I do? Respond on MyTax Illinois without creating an account: take the quiz, enter the code or attach documents, as your letter says. The letters are LTR-425-C, LTR-425-D and LTR-425-Q.
Does Illinois tax tips and overtime? The Illinois Department of Revenue has not stated yet whether the federal tips and overtime deductions change the Illinois return.
Updated November 7, 2026. Sources: Illinois Department of Revenue, "Where's My Refund?" (tax.illinois.gov/individuals/refunds.html), "How do I check the status of my individual income tax refund?", "Identity Verification Letters Information", "Letters and Notices for Individual Income Tax", "Taxpayer Assistance" and the 2025 Form IL-1040 Instructions; Illinois Comptroller, "Find Your IL Tax Refund" (all checked November 7, 2026). Timelines are the state's own published guidance; your refund can take longer if your return needs review.