I lost my refund check. How do I get a new one?

Requesting a Replacement for a Lost Tax Refund Check

Steps to Request a Replacement Check

1. Verify Refund Status

  - Before initiating a refund trace, use the "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app to check the status of your refund. This tool is updated once every 24 hours, usually overnight.

2. Initiate a Refund Trace

  - If the "Where's My Refund?" tool indicates that the IRS issued your refund but you haven't received it, you may start a refund trace.

  - For single, married filing separate, or head of household filers:

    - Call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954 and use the automated system or speak with an IRS employee.

    - Alternatively, use the "Where's My Refund?" tool or the IRS2Go mobile app and follow the prompts to begin a refund trace.

  - For married filing jointly filers:

    - You must complete [Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund], and mail it to the IRS address where you would normally file a paper tax return.

3. Complete Form 3911

  - Download and fill out [Form 3911] if you filed a married filing jointly return and cannot initiate a trace using the automated systems.

  - Provide your current name(s), taxpayer identification number, and address on the form.

  - Both spouses must sign the form if it was a joint return.

4. Mail or Fax Form 3911

  - Find the appropriate state mailing address or fax number provided in the instructions for Form 3911.

  - Mail or fax the completed form to the IRS.

5. Wait for the IRS to Process Your Request

  - If the original check wasn't cashed, you'll receive a replacement check once the original check is canceled.

  - If the refund check was cashed, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) will send you a claim package that includes a copy of the cashed check. Follow the instructions for completing the claim package. BFS will review your claim and the signature on the canceled check before determining whether they can issue a replacement check. This review can take up to six weeks.

6. Contact for Further Assistance

  - If you need additional help, you can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service by visiting [www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov] or calling 1-877-777-4778.

Additional Information

- Timing for Tracing Refunds

 - Direct deposit refunds are generally issued within 21 days after receiving your tax return. If you don’t receive your deposit within five days after the 21 days have passed, you can request a refund trace.

 - Paper check refunds should be received within six weeks of mailing your tax return. If not, you can request a refund trace.

- Before Requesting a Refund Trace

 - Ensure there are no errors on your tax return and that the full processing time for a refund has passed.

 - Double-check the bank account information provided to the IRS for direct deposit refunds.

- Special Considerations

 - The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act may affect the timing of refunds for returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).

Remember to destroy any expired checks you may have and to cash the replacement check promptly upon receipt. If you have moved since filing your return, update your address with the IRS to ensure you receive your replacement check.

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Sources:

Refund Inquiries | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-02

Lost or Stolen Refund | Taxpayer Advocate Service 2024-08-03

Refund inquiries | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-04

About Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund 2024-08-03

Understanding your CP237A notice | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-01

Lost or Misplaced Your EIN? | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-04

Form 3911 Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-01

Individual Taxpayer Identification Number | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-03

Refunds | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-03