You can now request a 2025 Wage Tax refund online, choose direct deposit, and get a status update the same day! The City’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool makes tracking refunds super easy. It’ll tell you when you can expect your refund check in the mail, or if we need more information to process your petition.

The Department of Revenue usually issues Wage Tax refunds within six to eight weeks, but it may take longer during peak season or if the petition requires additional review. But if you choose direct deposit, we’ll deposit your funds into your bank account within five (5) days after approval. Read on to find out more!

Track it online, don’t wait in line

Although we have paper versions of the 2025 petitions available on our website, we encourage you to use the online forms instead. It ensures fewer errors and faster processing. You don’t need a username or password to submit a petition or track its status electronically.

Once you submit your petition online, you should see the status change within 24 to 48 hours. There’s no need to call the Department of Revenue.

Paper petitioners should wait up to 30 days before checking “Where’s My Refund?” for status updates.

How do I find the tracker?

You can find the “Where’s My Refund” tool on the Philadelphia Tax Center’s home page under “Refunds.” Use it to check the status of any refunds issued by the Department of Revenue. You can access it 24/7, and it’s easy to use.

How do I get started?

To use the tracker, you’ll need your Social Security Number (SSN). You must also include the exact refund amount, including cents. Follow these steps:

• Visit tax-services.phila.gov and select “Where’s My Refund” in the “Refunds” panel.
• For Wage Tax refunds, choose “No” on the “Check the status of your refund” screen (in answer to the question, “Was the refund request for Real Estate Tax, Licenses and Inspections Abatement Invoice, or Commercial Trash Fees?”)
• When you enter your information and select “Search,” a “Refund Status” box appears on the right side of the screen. It’ll have the latest updates on your submission.

What does the status mean?

The tracker displays refund progress in five phases:

1. Submission review – confirming receipt of your petition. When you check your refund status after submitting it online, you’ll get this update.
2. More information requested – you’ll see this status if your petition is missing the required details.
3. Rejected – we may deny a refund request for different reasons. If we deny your petition, we will provide the reason through the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
4. Approved – this means we’ve completed our review and approved your refund request.
5. Check Issued – means your refund check was mailed to your address. Petitioners who choose to get their refunds by check will see this status. Please make sure we have your correct mailing address.