1. ​How long does it take to process my claim?
2. How do I find out the status of my claim?
3. How will my claim refund be received?
4. Why was my claim refund less than I was expecting?
5. Why did I get an email or letter requesting more information?
6. What if I do not provide the requested information?
7. How do I upload documents in response to the email or letter for more information?
8. My mailing address changed after filing my claim. What do I need to do?

1. How long does it take to process my claim?

   Claims are processed in the order received. Typically, it takes up to 12 weeks for your claim to be assigned for review. If your claim is approved, it takes 7-10 days to receive your payment.

2. How do I find out the status of my claim?

   Use the "Check Claim Status" button on our webpage for information on the status of your claim. You will need the claim number or the confirmation number and the zip code of the claimant's address on the claim.

3. How will my claim refund be received?

   Claim refunds will be issued from the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. If you request direct deposit, the transaction will appear in your account as "ACH: WI DEPT REVENUE – WISSTTAXRFD."

   If you did not request direct deposit, a paper check will be issued and mailed. Refund checks are only valid for one year. If uncashed, checks can be reissued only up to six years after the initial date of the check.

4. Why was my claim refund less than I was expecting?

   Wisconsin statutes authorizes the department to collect debt for Wisconsin state agencies, counties, municipalities, the federal government (including the IRS), other states and federally recognized tribes. Your Notice of Claim Refund will provide details about the debts owed to other government agencies. These offsets cannot be appealed to the department's Unclaimed Property Unit; however, you should contact the collecting agency regarding the offset if you have questions.

5. Why did I get an email or letter requesting more information?

   We need this information to continue the verification process.

6. What if I do not provide the requested information?

   If we do not receive the requested information or form, we cannot continue processing your claim. The claim will eventually time out. However, if you are able to provide the information later, you do not need to start a new claim. Simply submit the requested information and your claim will be Reopened.

7. How do I upload documents in response to the email or letter for more information?

   Click Submit Additional Claim Documents. This is the quickest way to get information to your claim. Attachments must be formatted as .BMP, .JPEG, .PDF, .PNG OR .TIF types, files are limited to 30 MB and cannot be password protected. You will need your claim number or your confirmation number. See Acceptable Documents and Submission Process for additional information.

8. My mailing address changed after filing my claim. What do I need to do?

   Submit documentation of your new mailing address. This document can be a copy of a mortgage statement, lease, utility bill, etc. We can then change the address on your claim and your refund check will be mailed to that address once your claim is approved.

Applicable Laws and Rules

This document provides statements or interpretations of the following laws and regulations enacted as of December 2, 2024: secs. 71.93, 71.935, 177.01, 177.0505, 177.0903 and 177.0905, Wis. Stats.

Laws enacted and in effect after this date, new administrative rules, and court decisions may change the interpretations in this document. Guidance issued prior to this date, that is contrary to the information in this document is superseded by this document, according to sec. 73.16(2)(a), Wis. Stats.

The department welcomes your input on our guidance. Submit comments on this guidance document.

Guidance Document Number: 100308

December 2​, 2024