You can deposit a mailed tax refund check online through your bank's mobile app or website, but only if your bank offers remote deposit capture
Not every bank lets you deposit a check through your phone or computer. The feature is called remote deposit capture or mobile check deposit, and it is available at most large banks and credit unions, but not all. Before you try, log into your bank's app or website and look for a "deposit check" or "mobile deposit" option. If you do not see it, call your bank's customer service line to ask whether they offer it.
If your bank does offer mobile deposit, the process is straightforward: you photograph both the front and back of the check with your phone camera, enter the check amount, and submit it through the app. The bank processes the image and credits the funds to your account. Most banks hold mailed tax refund checks for one to five business days before the money is fully available, though some offer next-business-day availability for mobile deposits.
Key Takeaways
- Remote deposit capture is available at most major banks and credit unions, but you must check your specific bank's app or website to confirm the feature exists.
- To deposit a check online, photograph both sides clearly, make sure the check is endorsed on the back, and submit through your bank's mobile app or website.
- Most banks hold mobile-deposited checks for one to five business days, though some offer faster availability for tax refund checks specifically.
- If your bank does not offer mobile deposit, you can mail the check back to the IRS for reissuance, deposit it in person at a branch, or use an ATM if your bank has one.
What you need to do before photographing the check
Endorse the back of the check by signing your name on the back, just as you would if you were depositing it in person. Some banks also require you to write "For mobile deposit only" below your signature, though this is not universal—check your bank's instructions first.
Make sure the check is clean and the image will be clear. Photograph in good lighting so the bank can read the check number, routing number, account number, amount, date, and payee name. Both the front and back of the check must be visible and legible in your photos. If the image is blurry or cuts off part of the check, the bank will reject it and you will have to try again.
How long it takes for the money to show up
The timing depends on your bank and when you submit the deposit. If you deposit the check early in the business day, most banks process it the same day. The funds may be available immediately, or the bank may place a hold on the check for one to five business days while it clears.
Some banks offer faster clearing for tax refund checks or deposits over a certain amount. Call your bank or check the mobile deposit terms in your app to see what hold period applies to you. If you need the money urgently, ask whether your bank offers next-business-day availability for mobile deposits.
What happens if your bank does not offer mobile deposit
If you log into your bank's app and do not see a mobile deposit option, you have other choices. You can visit a branch in person and deposit the check at a teller window, which usually clears the same day. Many banks also have ATMs that accept check deposits—look for one at your bank's website or app to find the nearest location.
If you do not have a bank account or prefer not to use your bank, you can mail the check back to the IRS and request a replacement. Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or visit irs.gov to report the check as undeposited. The IRS will issue a new check, which typically arrives within two to four weeks.
Common reasons a mobile deposit fails
The most common reason a bank rejects a mobile deposit is that the image is too dark, blurry, or cuts off part of the check. Make sure you photograph the check in bright light and that all four corners and the entire text are visible in both photos. If the check is wrinkled or damaged, smooth it out before photographing.
Another reason for rejection is a missing or illegible endorsement on the back. Always sign the back of the check before submitting the photos. Some banks also reject deposits if the check amount does not match what you entered, so double-check the dollar amount on the check against what you typed into the app.
If the bank rejects your deposit, the app will usually tell you why. Read the rejection message carefully and try again with a clearer photo or corrected information. If the problem persists, contact your bank's customer service line—they can walk you through the process or deposit the check manually for you.
Protecting yourself when depositing a check online
Once you submit the mobile deposit, do not spend or throw away the physical check immediately. Wait until the bank confirms the deposit went through and the funds are in your account. This usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, depending on your bank.
After the deposit clears, write "DEPOSITED" across the front of the check and store it safely for at least 60 days. If a problem arises—for example, the bank says the deposit never arrived—you will have proof that you submitted it. After 60 days, you can shred the check or throw it away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I already deposited the check in person and then tried to deposit it online?
Do not submit a mobile deposit of a check you have already deposited. Depositing the same check twice is considered check fraud, even if it was accidental. If you deposited the check in person and then realized you could have used mobile deposit, do nothing—the in-person deposit is complete. If you submitted a mobile deposit and then deposited it in person by mistake, contact your bank immediately to report the duplicate deposit.
Can I deposit a tax refund check to someone else's account?
No. A check made out to you can only be deposited into an account in your name. If you want to give the money to someone else, deposit it into your own account first, then transfer the funds to them through your bank's transfer service or by writing them a personal check.
What if the check is damaged or torn?
If the check is torn but still legible, try photographing it for mobile deposit. If the bank rejects it, take the physical check to a bank branch and ask a teller to deposit it manually. If the check is so damaged that the amount or routing number cannot be read, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 and request a replacement check.
Do I need to do anything special if I deposit the check to a joint account?
No. If the check is made out to you and you are depositing it into a joint account that has your name on it, the process is the same as a single-name account. Both account holders can access the funds once the deposit clears.