4 Things To Do If You Lost Your Tax Refund Check

DNY59 / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

Lose your tax refund check? Don’t panic — there are steps you can take to track it down and request a replacement.

According to the IRS, most tax refunds are issued within 21 days to eight weeks after your return is received. The exact timing depends on how you filed — electronically or by mail — and whether you opted for direct deposit or a paper check. Here’s what to do if you lost your tax refund check.

Also here’s what to do if you’re still waiting on an old tax refund.

Double Check Your Records

Before reaching out to the IRS, double-check that you provided accurate information on your return. Verify your bank account details if you’re expecting a direct deposit or confirm your mailing address if you’re waiting for a paper check. You can also check with your bank to make sure there are no mistakes on their end.

Initiate a Refund Trace

If you lost your refund check, the IRS recommends initiating what is called a refund trace. 

You can do this through the IRS Where’s My Refund tool or the IRS2Go mobile app

To check the status of your refund, you’ll need:

• Your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number
• Your filing status
• The exact refund amount on your tax return

Contact the IRS

You can also call the IRS. Call 800-829-1954 to use their automated system or call 800-829-1040 to speak directly with an agent. If you filed a married filing jointly return, the IRS says you must download and submit Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, to initiate the replacement process.

Form 3911 is used to provide information that the IRS needs to trace the loss of an issued refund check. You can find the correct mailing address or fax number on the IRS website.

Wait for Verification and Refund Check Replacement

The IRS will investigate and begin the refund replacement process. Your claim is processed in one of two ways:

• Your check wasn’t cashed: Once the original check is canceled, the IRS will send a replacement check.
• Your check was cashed: The Bureau of Labor Statistics will send a claim package that includes a copy of the cashed check. Follow the instructions and complete the claim package. The BFS will review the claim and signature on the check to determine whether it can issue a replacement check.

The investigation and refund replacement process can take up to six weeks. A missing direct deposit could take longer. The IRS says a direct deposit refund trace can take 90 to 120 days.

Share This Article: