If you’re a taxpayer in New Hampshire, checking the status of your tax refund and understanding the process can help ease any concerns you may have about delays or complications. While New Hampshire is unique in that it does not impose a state income tax on wages, there are still other types of taxes that residents and businesses pay, such as interest and dividends taxes, property taxes, and business taxes. If you’ve filed for a refund on any of these, you may want to know how to track it, what might be causing delays, and when it’s best to visit the New Hampshire Department of Revenue (DOR).
How to Check the Status of Your New Hampshire Refund?
Although New Hampshire doesn’t collect personal income tax, residents may still need to file taxes for interest and dividends or businesses for various state taxes. If you are expecting a refund, there are a few ways you can check the status:
- Visit the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (NHDRA) Website: The easiest way to check the status of your refund is through the NHDRA’s online portal. By accessing the “Where’s My Refund” feature, you can check your refund status for specific tax types. You will need your taxpayer ID, Social Security Number (SSN) or Employer Identification Number (EIN), and the tax year for which you filed.
- Contact the NHDRA by Phone: If you prefer, you can contact the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration directly via phone. The NHDRA has a dedicated customer service line that handles refund status inquiries. Be sure to have your tax information handy before calling to expedite the process.
- Check Through a Third-Party Service: Some tax preparation services or financial institutions that offer tax filing may also provide a way to check your refund status if they handled your return.
Why Is My New Hampshire Refund Taking So Long?
Several factors can cause delays in receiving your New Hampshire refund. Some common reasons include:
Incomplete or Inaccurate Tax Return: One of the most frequent causes of delays is the submission of incomplete or incorrect tax information. Double-check your return for missing forms, incorrect figures, or other mistakes that might trigger a review or audit.
Processing Times at the NHDRA: Even if your tax return was filed correctly, the Department of Revenue may still experience processing delays. During busy tax seasons, like March or April, the volume of returns submitted increases, leading to longer wait times for refund processing.
Errors in Direct Deposit Information: If you chose to receive your refund via direct deposit but entered incorrect banking information, your refund might be delayed. In some cases, the refund will be mailed instead, which can add further delays.
Additional Reviews or Audits: In certain cases, the NHDRA might decide to audit your tax return to ensure all information is accurate and legitimate. These audits typically take more time to process, leading to longer waits for your refund.
Mail Delays for Paper Returns: If you filed a paper return rather than filing electronically, your refund could take longer to process due to postal delays and manual processing times at the NHDRA.
When is the Best Time to Visit the New Hampshire DOR?
If you need to visit the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DOR) in person, timing can be crucial for a smooth experience. Here are some tips on the best times to visit:
During peak tax season, particularly around the April 15th filing deadline, the DOR offices experience significantly higher traffic. If possible, try to avoid visiting during this time. Early mornings, especially earlier in the tax season (January to February), may offer quicker service.
Mondays and Fridays tend to be busier days for the DOR, as people often try to resolve tax matters before or after the weekend. If you can, try visiting on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday when the office is typically less crowded.
The New Hampshire DOR follows state holiday schedules, and offices may be closed or have limited hours around these times. Be sure to check the DOR’s calendar before planning your visit.
Some issues may require more time to resolve, and the DOR does offer the option to schedule appointments for specific tax inquiries. Calling ahead or making an appointment online can save you time and ensure that someone is available to address your specific concerns.