Mail your refund inquiry to the IRS service center that handles your state
The IRS does not have a single mailing address for refund requests. Instead, you send your letter to one of ten regional service centers based on where you live. Sending it to the wrong address delays your request by weeks or months because the mail gets forwarded or returned.
Your state determines which service center processes your mail. For example, if you live in California, you mail to Fresno. If you live in New York, you mail to Andover, Massachusetts. The IRS publishes the full list on its website under "Where to File" — the same list used for mailing tax returns.
You need this address before you write anything. Do not guess or use an address you remember from a previous year, because the IRS reorganizes these centers periodically.
Key Takeaways
- The correct mailing address depends on your state, and using the wrong address adds weeks to processing time.
- Find your state's service center address on the IRS website under "Where to File" or in the instructions that came with your tax form.
- Include your name, Social Security number, tax year, and a brief explanation of why you are writing in your letter.
- Mail your letter certified with return receipt so you have proof the IRS received it.
- The IRS typically responds to mailed inquiries within 30 days, though complex cases can take longer.
How to find the correct service center for your state
Go to IRS.gov and search for "Where to File." The page lists all fifty states and their corresponding service centers. Write down the full mailing address — street, city, state, and ZIP code — exactly as shown. Do not abbreviate or rearrange anything.
If you filed a paper return, the instructions that came with your form also list the service center address for your state. This is reliable and does not require internet access.
If you are unsure which state to use, use the state where you lived on December 31 of the tax year you are asking about. If you moved during the year, use your year-end address.
What information to include in your letter
Write a short, clear letter on plain paper. Start with your full name, current mailing address, and Social Security number. On the next line, write the tax year you are asking about — for example, "Tax Year 2023."
In the body of the letter, state why you are writing. If your refund has not arrived, write the date you filed and the amount you expected. If you are asking about the status of a refund, mention whether you filed electronically or by mail. If you are reporting a lost or stolen check, include the check number if you have it.
Keep the letter to one page. The IRS does not need a long explanation — just the facts. Sign and date the letter before you mail it.
How to mail your letter safely
Use certified mail with return receipt requested. This costs a few dollars more than regular mail but gives you proof that the IRS received your letter. Write down the tracking number and keep it with your tax records.
Do not send cash, a personal check, or a credit card number in the mail. The IRS will never ask you to send payment through the mail to resolve a refund question.
Mail your letter during business days, not on weekends or holidays. The IRS processes mail more slowly during holiday periods, so avoid mailing in late December or early January if you can.
How long the IRS takes to respond
The IRS typically responds to mailed inquiries within 30 days of receiving your letter. If your case is straightforward — for example, you are asking where a refund check is — you may hear back in two to three weeks. If the IRS needs to research your account or pull records, it can take six to eight weeks.
Do not call the IRS to ask if they received your letter. The IRS phone lines are often busy, and staff cannot look up individual mailed inquiries quickly. Wait the full 30 days before you follow up.
If you do not hear back after 30 days, send a second letter to the same address. Include a copy of your first letter and note that this is a follow-up. Use certified mail again.
What to do if you need a response faster
Mailed inquiries are slower than phone calls or online tools. If you need an answer quickly, try calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 before you mail a letter. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the amount of your expected refund ready.
You can also check your refund status online using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. This tool updates every 24 hours and shows whether your refund has been processed, approved, or sent. It works for refunds filed electronically or by mail.
If you filed by mail and your return is still being processed, the online tool may not show your information yet. In that case, waiting to mail your inquiry is often faster than calling, because the IRS can search your file once they receive your letter.
Service center addresses by region
| Region | States | Mailing Address |
|---|---|---|
| Andover | Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont | Internal Revenue Service, Andover, MA 05501 |
| Atlanta | Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee | Internal Revenue Service, Atlanta, GA 30308 |
| Austin | Oklahoma, Texas | Internal Revenue Service, Austin, TX 73301 |
| Fresno | California, Hawaii, Nevada | Internal Revenue Service, Fresno, CA 93650 |
| Kansas City | Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming | Internal Revenue Service, Kansas City, MO 64999 |
| Memphis | Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin | Internal Revenue Service, Memphis, TN 37501 |
| Philadelphia | Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia | Internal Revenue Service, Philadelphia, PA 19255 |
| Phoenix | Arizona, New Mexico (some areas), Nevada (some areas) | Internal Revenue Service, Phoenix, AZ 85004 |
| Seattle | Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington | Internal Revenue Service, Seattle, WA 98174 |
| Ogden | Utah (some areas), Wyoming (some areas) | Internal Revenue Service, Ogden, UT 84201 |
This table is a reference only. Always confirm your state's correct service center on IRS.gov before mailing, because the IRS updates these addresses periodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I email my refund question to the IRS instead of mailing a letter?
The IRS does not accept email inquiries about refunds. You can only reach them by phone, mail, or through their online tools. If you want to avoid mailing, call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours, though wait times are often long.
What if I do not know my Social Security number or filing status?
Write down whatever information you do have — your name, address, and the tax year. The IRS can look up your account using your name and address alone, though it may take longer. Do not leave the letter blank or guess at a number.
Should I include copies of my tax return or receipts with my letter?
No. Send only your letter. If the IRS needs supporting documents, they will ask you for them in their response. Sending extra papers slows down processing and can get lost in the mail.
What if my refund check arrived damaged or torn?
Do not try to cash a damaged check. Mail it back to the service center along with a letter explaining what happened. Include your name, Social Security number, and the check amount. The IRS will issue a replacement check.
How do I know if my letter actually arrived at the IRS?
Use certified mail with return receipt. The post office will send you a receipt showing the date the IRS signed for your letter. Keep this receipt with your tax records as proof you mailed your inquiry.