The date appears in the upper right corner of your check, next to the check number
The date on a tax refund check is printed in the top right area of the check, usually just to the left of the check number. It shows when the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued the check — not when you filed your return or when the IRS processed it. This date matters because it tells you when the check entered the mail system and helps you track whether your check arrived on time.
The date format is always month/day/year, written as numbers. For example, a check dated 03/15/2024 was issued on March 15, 2024. The Treasury prints this date when the check is created at the Bureau of the Fiscal Service facility, which is the federal office that actually prints and mails all IRS refund checks.
If you have not received your check yet, the date tells you how long it has been in transit. The IRS typically allows 7 to 10 business days for a mailed check to arrive after the Treasury issues it, though delivery can take longer depending on your location and mail volume.
Key Takeaways
- The check date appears in the upper right corner of the check, printed as month/day/year.
- This date shows when the Treasury issued the check, not when the IRS approved your refund.
- You should expect the check to arrive within 7 to 10 business days after the printed date, though it may take longer.
- The check date helps you determine whether a missing check is delayed in the mail or lost.
- If your check does not arrive within two weeks of the printed date, you can report it to the IRS using the Where's My Refund tool or by calling 1-800-829-1040.
How to read the check date correctly
The date sits in the blank space at the top right of the check, above the check number. Look for a line of numbers printed in the standard check format — the date comes first, then the check number. Both are printed in the same area and in the same style of type.
The month always comes first, then the day, then the four-digit year. A check dated 07/22/2024 was issued on July 22, 2024. Do not confuse this with the date you receive the check in the mail, which will be several days later.
If the date is hard to read because of ink smudging or fading, you can also find the issue date through the IRS Where's My Refund tool online. That tool shows the date the check was mailed, which matches the date printed on the check itself.
What the check date tells you about delivery time
The Treasury aims to deliver refund checks within 7 to 10 business days after the printed date. This timeline assumes normal mail service and does not include weekends or federal holidays. A check dated Monday, March 18, 2024, should arrive by the following Monday or Tuesday at the latest, though some checks take longer depending on distance and mail volume.
If you live in a rural area or far from a major mail distribution center, your check may take closer to 10 business days or slightly longer. Urban and suburban addresses typically receive checks faster. Weather, mail volume spikes, and postal service delays can also push delivery beyond the standard window.
After 10 business days from the printed date, if the check has not arrived, it may be lost in the mail. At that point, you should report it to the IRS so they can issue a replacement check or send the refund by direct deposit instead.
Reporting a missing check using the date
The check date is one of the pieces of information the IRS needs to investigate a missing refund check. Before you report it, wait at least 10 business days after the printed date. Checking too early will not speed up delivery and may result in duplicate checks if the original arrives later.
To report a missing check, use the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount. The tool will show the date the check was mailed. If that date was more than 10 business days ago and you still have not received it, the tool will give you the option to report it missing and request a replacement.
You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report a missing check. Have your Social Security number, the check date, and the refund amount ready. The IRS representative can confirm the date the check was issued and start a trace to locate it or issue a replacement.
Differences between the check date and other dates on your refund
Your tax refund involves several different dates, and it is easy to confuse them. The check date is when the Treasury printed and mailed the check. The approval date is when the IRS finished processing your return and approved the refund — this date is shown in the Where's My Refund tool but not printed on the check itself. The received date is when the check arrives in your mailbox.
The approval date usually comes 3 to 5 weeks before the check date, depending on how complex your return was and whether the IRS needed to verify any information. The check date is always later than the approval date because the IRS must send the refund information to the Treasury, which then prints and mails the physical checks in batches.
If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, there is no check date at all — instead, the IRS deposits the money directly into your bank account, usually within 3 to 5 business days of approval. Direct deposit is faster and more reliable than mailed checks.
What to do if the check date is unclear or missing
If the date on your check is smudged, faded, or otherwise hard to read, do not assume the check is invalid. The check is still good — the date is just for your reference and tracking. You can still deposit or cash the check at your bank.
If you need to know the exact date for tracking purposes, log into the IRS Where's My Refund tool using your Social Security number and filing status. The tool will show you the exact date the check was mailed, even if the printed date on the check itself is illegible.
If you received a check with no date printed on it at all, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. This is extremely rare, but if it happens, the IRS can confirm the issue date and help you verify the check is legitimate before you deposit it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I wait after the check date before reporting it missing?
Wait at least 10 business days after the printed date. This gives the check time to travel through the mail system. If it has not arrived by then, use the Where's My Refund tool or call 1-800-829-1040 to report it.
Can I deposit a check if the date is hard to read?
Yes. The check is still valid even if the date is faded or smudged. Your bank will accept it. If you need to know the exact date for your records, check the IRS Where's My Refund tool.
Is the check date the same as the date I should receive it?
No. The check date is when the Treasury mailed it. You should receive it 7 to 10 business days later, though it may take longer depending on your location and mail volume.
What if the check date is in the future?
This should not happen. If you see a future date on a check, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to verify the check is legitimate before depositing it.
Can I cash a check after a certain amount of time has passed since the date?
Tax refund checks do not expire. You can cash or deposit a check years after the printed date. However, if a check is very old and you have not cashed it, contact the IRS to confirm it is still valid.