Request a replacement check through 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 an amended return or wait for the original check to show up — you can start the replacement process as soon as you know the check is missing.

The method you use depends on whether you are tracking a federal refund, a state refund, or both. Federal replacements go through the IRS directly. State replacements go through your state's tax agency. Each has its own timeline and process, and you will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the amount of the refund you are expecting.

Key Takeaways

  • Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or use Where's My Refund on IRS.gov to request a federal refund check replacement; the IRS will reissue within two to four weeks.
  • For state refunds, contact your state tax department directly — each state has its own phone line and online tool, and timelines vary by state.
  • Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready before you call or submit a request online.
  • If your check was lost in the mail, wait at least 21 days after the IRS says it was mailed before requesting a replacement.
  • A replacement check will be mailed to the address on file with the IRS or state agency unless you update it first.

How to request a federal refund check replacement

Start by checking the status of your original check using Where's My Refund on IRS.gov. This tool shows you the exact date the IRS mailed your check. If that date has passed and you have not received it, you can request a replacement. The IRS recommends waiting at least 21 days after the mailed date before requesting a replacement, since mail delivery can take time.

Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the refund amount ready. The IRS representative will verify your information and issue a replacement check. The new check will be mailed to the address on your tax return unless you provide a different address.

The replacement check typically arrives within two to four weeks. The IRS will give you a confirmation number when you call — write this down. If you do not receive the replacement check within that timeframe, call back with your confirmation number and ask for a status update.

How to request a state refund check replacement

Each state tax department handles replacements on its own schedule and through its own process. Some states allow you to request a replacement online through their tax portal; others require a phone call. A few states use a form that you mail in.

Find your state's tax department contact information by searching "[your state] tax refund replacement" or visiting your state's official tax website. When you contact them, have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. Ask specifically whether they can reissue the check or whether you need to wait longer before requesting a replacement.

State replacement timelines vary widely. Some states reissue within one to two weeks; others take four to six weeks. Ask for a confirmation number or reference number when you submit your request, and note the date you contacted them. If you do not receive the replacement check within the timeframe they give you, follow up with that reference number.

What to do if your check was damaged or partially destroyed

If you received your check but it was torn, water-damaged, or otherwise unreadable, you can still deposit it at most banks. Many banks will accept a damaged check if the amount and account information are still visible. Try depositing it first before requesting a replacement.

If the bank refuses the damaged check, contact the IRS or your state tax department and explain that the check is damaged. They will issue a replacement. You may be asked to return the damaged check or provide a photo of it, depending on the agency's policy. Keep the damaged check until the replacement arrives, in case you need to prove you received the original.

What happens if you find the original check after requesting a replacement

If your original check arrives after you have already requested a replacement, do not deposit or cash both checks. Contact the IRS or your state tax department immediately and tell them the original check arrived. They will put a stop on the replacement check if it has not been mailed yet, or they will ask you to return the replacement once it arrives.

Depositing both checks is considered fraud and can result in penalties, interest charges, and a demand to repay the duplicate amount. If you accidentally deposit both, contact the IRS or state agency right away to report the error.

Updating your mailing address before requesting a replacement

If you have moved since you filed your tax return, update your address with the IRS or your state tax department before requesting a replacement check. The replacement will be mailed to whatever address is on file, so if you do not update it, the check may go to your old address.

To update your address with the IRS, call 800-829-1040 or use the address change form on IRS.gov. For your state, contact your state tax department and ask how to update your address. Make the change before you request the replacement check, not after.

What to do if the replacement check does not arrive

If you have waited the full timeframe the IRS or state agency gave you and the replacement check still has not arrived, call them back with your confirmation number. Ask them to verify that the check was actually mailed and to the correct address. Sometimes a check is lost a second time, and the agency will issue another replacement.

If the agency says the check was mailed but you still have not received it after an additional 21 days, ask about alternative payment methods. Some agencies can issue a replacement by direct deposit instead of mailing a check, which is faster and more reliable. You will need to provide your bank account and routing number.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before requesting a replacement check?

Wait at least 21 days after the IRS or state agency says the check was mailed. Mail delivery can take time, and checks sometimes arrive late. If you request a replacement too early, you may end up with two checks arriving at different times.

Can I request a replacement check online?

The IRS does not have an online form to request a replacement check — you must call 800-829-1040. Many states allow online requests through their tax portal or website. Check your state's tax department website to see if they offer an online option.

Will the replacement check go to my new address if I moved?

No. The replacement check will be mailed to the address on file with the IRS or state agency. Update your address before requesting the replacement, or the check will go to your old address and you will have to request another replacement.

What if I lost the check after I received it?

Contact the IRS or state tax department and explain that you received the check but lost it. They will issue a replacement. You may need to sign a statement saying you did not deposit or cash the original check. The replacement process is the same as for a check that never arrived.

Can I get the refund by direct deposit instead of a mailed check?

If the replacement check is taking too long, ask the IRS or state agency whether they can reissue by direct deposit instead. You will need to provide your bank account and routing number. Direct deposit is faster than mailing and eliminates the risk of the check being lost again.