When the IRS will reissue your refund
The IRS will reissue your federal income tax refund if the original check was lost, stolen, or never arrived. You do not need to file an amended return or wait for the next tax year. The process starts with a phone call or an online search of your refund status, and reissue typically takes two to four weeks from the date the IRS approves your request.
State tax refunds follow a similar path but are handled by your state's tax agency, not the IRS. The steps and timelines vary by state, so you will need to contact your state revenue department separately if you are waiting for a state refund.
Key Takeaways
- Check your refund status on IRS.gov using the "Where's My Refund?" tool before reporting it missing, because the tool shows whether the check was delivered or is still processing.
- If the IRS shows the check was delivered but you never received it, file a Form 3911 (Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order) or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a reissue.
- The IRS can reissue a check or send the refund by direct deposit to your bank account instead, which is faster and more secure.
- State tax refunds are reissued through your state revenue department, not the IRS, and the process and timeline vary by state.
- If your refund check was cashed by someone else, you will need to file a police report and provide it to the IRS as part of your reissue request.
Check your refund status before reporting it missing
The IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov shows the current status of your federal refund in real time. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your tax return. The tool will tell you whether the refund is still being processed, has been approved and mailed, or has been delivered.
If the tool shows the refund was delivered more than a week ago and you have not received it, the check may have been lost in the mail or delivered to the wrong address. If the tool shows the refund is still processing, wait the full processing time before taking action — most refunds take 21 days from the date you filed, though some take longer if the return requires review.
Check the address on file with the IRS. If you moved after filing and did not update your address with the IRS, the check was mailed to your old address. In that case, contact the new resident or your local post office to see if the check can be recovered. If it cannot, proceed with a reissue request.
Request a reissue by phone or online
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a reissue. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS representative will verify your identity and confirm that the original check was not received. They will then issue a new check or offer to send the refund by direct deposit instead.
You can also file Form 3911 (Application for Taxpayer Assistance Order) by mail if you prefer not to call. Mail the form to the IRS address listed in the instructions, which varies by state. Include a brief explanation of why the refund was not received and whether you want a replacement check or direct deposit. The IRS will respond within 30 days, though reissue itself usually takes two to four weeks after approval.
Requesting direct deposit is faster and safer than a replacement check. If you choose direct deposit, have your bank routing number and account number ready. The IRS will deposit the refund directly into your account instead of mailing a check.
What to do if your refund check was cashed by someone else
If your refund check was stolen and cashed, file a police report first. You will need the report number or a copy of the report to give to the IRS. Call 1-800-829-1040 and explain that the check was stolen and cashed. Provide the police report information when asked.
The IRS will investigate the fraudulent check and issue a replacement. This process takes longer than a standard reissue — typically four to six weeks — because the IRS must confirm that the check was indeed cashed fraudulently and not by you. Do not cash or deposit the original check if you later receive it; contact the IRS immediately if this happens.
If the check was altered or forged, the bank that cashed it may also be liable. You can file a complaint with your state's banking regulator or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if the bank refuses to reverse the transaction.
Reissuing a state income tax refund
State tax refunds are handled by your state's revenue or taxation department, not the IRS. Each state has its own process and timeline for reissuing lost or stolen refunds. Most states have an online tool similar to the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool where you can check your state refund status.
Search "[your state] tax refund status" to find your state's tool. If the refund shows as delivered but you did not receive it, contact your state revenue department directly. The phone number is usually on your state's tax website. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount ready.
Some states allow you to request a reissue online through their website. Others require a phone call or a mailed form. A few states issue refunds by direct deposit only and do not mail checks, so confirm your state's method before assuming the check was lost.
Timeline and what to expect
A standard reissue takes two to four weeks from the date the IRS approves your request. If you request direct deposit instead of a check, the refund may arrive within one to two weeks. If the check was stolen and cashed, allow four to six weeks for the investigation and reissue.
The IRS will send you a letter confirming that a new check or direct deposit has been issued. Keep this letter for your records. If you do not receive the replacement refund within the stated timeframe, call the IRS again and reference your previous request.
State reissue timelines vary. Some states reissue within two weeks; others take four to six weeks. Check your state's website or call the state revenue department to learn the expected timeline for your state.
What happens if you find the original check after requesting a reissue
If the original check arrives after you have requested a reissue, do not cash or deposit it. Contact the IRS or your state revenue department immediately and let them know the original check was found. They will tell you whether to destroy the check or return it.
If you cash both the original check and the replacement, you will have received the refund twice. The IRS or your state will eventually discover this and send you a bill for the overpayment. It is simpler and faster to report the found check right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a reissued tax refund?
Federal refunds typically reissue within two to four weeks from approval. Direct deposit is faster than a mailed check. If the check was stolen and cashed, allow four to six weeks for investigation. State refunds vary by state; check your state revenue department's website for the expected timeline.
Can I request a reissue online or do I have to call?
You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or mail Form 3911. Some states allow online reissue requests through their tax website. Check your state's website first to see if an online option is available before calling.
Should I request a check or direct deposit for the reissue?
Direct deposit is faster and more secure. If you choose direct deposit, the refund usually arrives within one to two weeks. A mailed check takes two to four weeks and carries the risk of being lost or stolen again.
What if I moved after filing and the check was sent to my old address?
Contact the new resident or your local post office to see if the check can be recovered. If not, request a reissue. When you call the IRS, update your current address so future correspondence goes to the right place.
Do I need to file an amended return to get a reissue?
No. A reissue is not an amended return. You do not need to file any new forms or wait for the next tax year. Simply report the missing refund to the IRS or your state and request a replacement.