Is there a way to verify if my federal tax refund check has been cashed?

Verifying if a Federal Tax Refund Check Has Been Cashed

To verify if your federal tax refund check has been cashed, you can initiate a refund trace. Here are the steps you should follow:

Before Initiating 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 on your tax return for direct deposit refunds.

- If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), remember that the IRS cannot issue a refund before February 15.

Steps to Initiate a Refund Trace

1. Use "Where's My Refund?"

- Access "Where's My Refund?" on [IRS.gov] or use the IRS2Go mobile app to check the status of your refund.

- If the status shows the refund was issued but not received, you can start a refund trace through these tools.

2. Contact the IRS

- If you are unable to use the automated tools or if your filing status is married filing jointly, you will need to take additional steps.

- Call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954, or if you need to speak with an IRS employee, call 800-829-1040 during operational hours.

3. Complete Form 3911

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

After Initiating a Refund Trace

- If the check has not been cashed, you will receive a replacement check once the original is canceled.

- If the check has been cashed, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service will send you a claim package, which includes a copy of the cashed check. Follow the instructions to complete the claim package.

- The Bureau of the Fiscal Service will review your claim and the signature on the canceled check before determining whether they can issue a replacement check. This process can take up to six weeks.

Additional Information

- If you need to obtain a photocopy of your refund check due to a dispute over the proceeds, contact the IRS and speak to a representative for assistance.

- By law, the IRS cannot disclose information about someone else's refund without proper authorization.

Contact Information

- For further assistance, you can visit the [Taxpayer Advocate Service] or call 1-877-777-4778.

Please follow these steps to verify if your federal tax refund check has been cashed. If you encounter any issues or need further assistance, the IRS and the Taxpayer Advocate Service are available to help you through the process.

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Sources:

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

Refund inquiries | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-04

General procedural questions | Internal Revenue Service 2024-07-31

Refund Inquiries 2 | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-03

Topic no. 161, Returning an erroneous refund | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-03

Refund Inquiries | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-02

Withdraw an Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim 2024-07-31

Refund Inquiries 18 | Internal Revenue Service 2024-08-03

I Need Help Resolving My Balance Due | Taxpayer Advocate Service 2024-08-01