Request a replacement check from the IRS or your state tax agency
If your mailed tax refund check never arrived, was lost, or was damaged, you can request a replacement. The IRS will reissue a federal refund check, and your state tax department will reissue a state refund check. You do not need to file a new tax return—you only need to report the missing check and ask for a replacement.
The process differs slightly between federal and state refunds, and the timeline for receiving a replacement check is typically longer than the original refund timeline. Before you request a reissue, confirm that the check was actually sent to you and that it has not arrived yet.
Key Takeaways
- Wait at least 60 days after the IRS says your refund was mailed before requesting a replacement federal check.
- Contact the IRS by phone at 800-829-1040 or through your online IRS account to report a missing federal refund check.
- For state refunds, contact your state tax department directly—each state has its own process and timeline for reissuing checks.
- A replacement check typically takes 4 to 12 weeks to arrive, depending on whether it is federal or state and how busy the agency is.
- If your check was cashed by someone else, report it as fraud to the IRS and file a police report.
Confirm the check status before requesting a reissue
The first step is to verify that the check was actually mailed and that enough time has passed for it to arrive. The IRS recommends waiting at least 60 days after the mailing date shown on your refund status before requesting a replacement. State tax departments have similar waiting periods, usually 30 to 60 days.
Check your refund status through the IRS website at irs.gov/refunds or by calling 800-829-1040. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount. The status tool will show you the date the check was mailed. If the status shows "mailed" and 60 days have passed, you can proceed with a reissue request.
For state refunds, go to your state tax department's website and use their refund status tool. Each state names this tool differently—some call it "Where's My Refund," others call it "Check Your Refund Status." Search "[your state] tax refund status" to find the right page.
Request a federal refund check reissue through the IRS
You have two ways to request a replacement federal check: by phone or through your IRS online account. Calling is faster if you need to speak to someone, but the online method creates a record you can reference later.
By phone: Call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. Tell the representative that your refund check did not arrive and you want to request a replacement. The IRS will verify your information and submit a reissue request. The representative will give you a confirmation number—write it down. A replacement check will be mailed to the address on your tax return, and it typically takes 4 to 12 weeks to arrive.
Through your IRS account: Log into your IRS online account at irs.gov/account. Go to the "Refunds" section and select the tax year in question. If the refund status shows "mailed," you should see an option to report the check as not received. Follow the prompts to request a replacement. You will receive a confirmation number by email.
If you filed jointly and both spouses need to sign off on the reissue, only one spouse needs to make the request. The IRS will reissue the check in both names as originally filed.
Request a state refund check reissue
Each state handles missing refund checks differently, so the process depends on where you filed. Most state tax departments have an online form or a phone number for reporting missing checks.
Start by visiting your state tax department's website. Look for a section called "Refunds," "Missing Check," or "Unclaimed Refunds." Some states let you submit a form online; others require you to call. A few states, including California and New York, let you request a replacement through their online account portals.
When you contact your state, have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. Tell them the check was mailed but never arrived. They will verify your information and submit a reissue request. A replacement state check typically takes 4 to 12 weeks to arrive, though some states are faster.
If you moved after filing your tax return, update your address with the state tax department before requesting a reissue. If you do not, the replacement check will go to your old address.
What to do if the check was cashed by someone else
If you discover that your refund check was cashed but you did not cash it, report it to the IRS immediately. This is considered check fraud, and the IRS takes it seriously.
Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and report that your refund check was fraudulently cashed. The IRS will investigate and may issue a replacement check or a refund by direct deposit. You will also need to file a police report with your local police department or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center if the fraud occurred online. Keep the police report number for your records.
Do not cash or deposit the replacement check if you later find the original. Contact the IRS to let them know, and they will handle the duplicate payment.
Timeline for receiving a replacement check
A replacement federal refund check typically takes 4 to 12 weeks to arrive after you request it. This is longer than the original refund timeline because the IRS must process your reissue request separately from the original refund cycle. State replacement checks follow a similar timeline, though some states are faster.
The exact timing depends on how busy the IRS or state tax department is at the time you request the reissue. Requests made during tax season (January through April) may take longer than requests made later in the year.
If you need your refund sooner, ask the IRS or state tax department whether they can issue the replacement by direct deposit instead of by check. Direct deposit is faster—usually 2 to 3 weeks—but not all agencies offer this option for reissues.
Track your replacement check after you request it
After you request a replacement check, the IRS or state tax department will give you a confirmation number. Write this number down and keep it with your tax records. You can use it to follow up if the replacement check does not arrive within the expected timeframe.
The IRS does not send status updates for replacement checks the way it does for original refunds. If your replacement check does not arrive within 12 weeks, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 with your confirmation number and ask for an update.
For state refunds, check your state tax department's website to see if they offer a tracking tool for replacement checks. If not, call the number on your state's tax forms and provide your confirmation number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait before requesting a replacement check?
Wait at least 60 days after the mailing date shown on your IRS refund status. For state refunds, wait 30 to 60 days depending on your state. If you request a replacement too early, the IRS or state may tell you to wait longer before processing your request.
Can I request a replacement check if I moved after filing?
Yes, but you must update your address with the IRS or state tax department before requesting the reissue. If you do not update your address, the replacement check will be mailed to the address on your original tax return. You can update your address by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 or through your state tax department's website.
What if I want the replacement as direct deposit instead of a check?
The IRS does not always offer direct deposit for replacement refunds, but you can ask when you call. Some state tax departments do offer this option. If they do, provide your bank account and routing number, and the replacement will be deposited instead of mailed.
Do I need to file an amended return to get a replacement check?
No. A missing or lost check does not require you to file an amended return. You only need to report the missing check and request a replacement through the IRS or state tax department.
What if the replacement check arrives damaged or is unreadable?
Do not try to deposit a damaged check. Contact the IRS or state tax department immediately with your confirmation number and explain that the replacement check arrived damaged. They will issue another replacement.