You can cash a tax refund check at your own bank, most other banks, and many non-bank locations, but each has different rules about who can cash it and what you need to bring
A tax refund check from the IRS is a regular check, so the same cashing rules apply as they would to any other check. Your own bank will cash it with the fewest questions — usually just your ID and your account number. Other banks and check-cashing services will also cash it, but they may charge a fee, require you to have an account there, or ask for extra ID. The key difference is whether the check is made out to you alone or to multiple people, and whether you have the right ID with you.
The IRS mails refund checks to the address on file with your tax return. If you moved since you filed, the check may arrive at an old address. If that happens, you can contact the IRS to have it reissued, or if you receive it at the wrong address, you can endorse it and deposit it normally — the address on the check does not have to match your current address.
Key Takeaways
- Your own bank will cash your refund check with just your ID and account information, and will not charge you a fee.
- Other banks may cash it but often charge a fee of $5 to $15 and may require you to have an account with them.
- Check-cashing services and retailers like Walmart and Target will cash it for a fee, usually $2 to $10, and require a valid ID.
- If the check is made out to two people, both must be present to cash it at most locations, or you can deposit it to a joint account.
- You do not need to cash the check immediately — tax refund checks do not expire, though the IRS may stop honoring them after three years.
Cashing at your own bank costs nothing and takes minutes
If you have a checking or savings account, your bank will cash the refund check for free. Bring your ID and your debit card or account number. The teller will verify that the check is made out to you, check your ID against the name on the check, and deposit or cash it on the spot. Most banks process this instantly.
If you want to deposit it instead of cashing it for bills, that is usually faster and safer — you avoid carrying cash, and the deposit is recorded immediately. You can deposit by mobile app, at an ATM, or at a teller window. Mobile deposit typically clears within one to two business days.
Other banks will cash it but may charge a fee
Banks where you do not have an account will often cash a check, but they may charge a fee of $5 to $15. Some banks waive the fee if the check is drawn on their own bank (the IRS uses multiple banks to distribute refunds, so this varies). Call ahead to ask whether they charge and what ID they need.
Some banks require you to have an account with them before they will cash any check. If you do not have an account and the bank charges a fee, it is usually cheaper to use a check-cashing service or go to your own bank instead.
Check-cashing services and retailers offer faster alternatives to opening a bank account
Check-cashing stores, Walmart, Target, and some grocery stores will cash your refund check for a fee, usually $2 to $10 depending on the check amount. You need a valid government ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The process takes 5 to 10 minutes. These services are useful if you do not have a bank account or need cash immediately and your bank is closed.
Walmart and Target typically charge $3 for checks under $1,000 and $6 for checks $1,000 to $5,000. Check-cashing stores vary by location but often charge a percentage of the check amount, usually 1 to 3 percent. Call ahead to confirm the fee and whether they accept government checks.
If the check is made out to two people, both must be present to cash it
If your refund check is made out to you and a spouse or another person — which can happen if you filed a joint return or if a dependent is listed — most places require both people to be present with ID to cash it. Some banks and check-cashing services will allow one person to cash it if the other person has already endorsed it, but this is not may provide.
The safest route is to deposit the check into a joint account if you have one. If you do not have a joint account, both people should go to the bank or check-cashing service together. If one person cannot be present, you can contact the IRS to request a new check made out to one person only, though this adds time.
Tax refund checks do not expire, but the IRS stops honoring them after three years
Unlike some checks, a tax refund check does not have a printed expiration date. However, the IRS will not honor a refund check that is more than three years old. If your check is older than three years, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to request a new one.
If your check is less than three years old and a bank refuses to cash it because it is "stale," that is the bank's policy, not an IRS rule. You can try another bank or contact the IRS to request a replacement. There is no penalty for cashing an old refund check as long as it is within the three-year window.
What to do if you lost the check or it was damaged
If your refund check was lost, stolen, or damaged and you cannot cash it, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or visit irs.gov. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the year of the return ready. The IRS can tell you whether the check has been cashed and, if not, can issue a replacement. Replacements usually arrive within two to four weeks.
If someone else cashed your check without permission, report it to the IRS and to your local police. The IRS can investigate and may reissue the check to you. Keep a record of the check number and the date it was mailed to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a tax refund check at a bank where I do not have an account?
Yes, most banks will cash it, but many charge a fee of $5 to $15. Some banks waive the fee if the check is drawn on their bank. Call ahead to ask about fees and what ID you need to bring.
What if the check is made out to me and my spouse?
Both of you must usually be present with ID to cash it. Alternatively, you can deposit it into a joint account, or one person can endorse it and the other can cash it at some banks — but policies vary, so call ahead to confirm.
How long can I wait to cash a tax refund check?
There is no rush. The check does not expire, though the IRS will not honor it after three years. You can cash it whenever you need the money, as long as it is within that window.
What if I lost my refund check?
Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and tax year. They can tell you if it has been cashed and issue a replacement if it has not. Replacements take two to four weeks.
Is it cheaper to cash at a check-cashing store or a bank?
If you have a bank account, your own bank is free. If you do not, check-cashing stores usually charge $2 to $10, while other banks charge $5 to $15. Compare fees at places near you before deciding.