What should I do if my IRS refund check is stolen or never arrives?

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The IRS has established procedures to help taxpayers recover from refund theft, lost checks, or other issues that prevent you from receiving your expected refund. Here’s what you need to know and do:

1. Check Your Refund Status

Before taking any action, confirm the status of your refund:

• Use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” online tool or the IRS2Go mobile app to check if your refund has been issued.
• You can also call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954 to check the status.
• Wait at least 21 days after e-filing or six weeks after mailing your return before contacting the IRS by phone.

If the IRS system shows your refund was issued but you haven’t received it, your refund may have been lost, stolen, or misplaced.

2. Initiate a Refund Trace

If your refund check is missing or you suspect it has been stolen, you must initiate a refund trace. The process depends on your filing status:

• Single, Married Filing Separately, or Head of Household:
  • Call the IRS Refund Hotline at 800-829-1954 and use the automated system or speak with an IRS representative.
  • Alternatively, you can use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to begin a trace.
• Married Filing Jointly:
  • Taxpayers who elected married filing jointly status can submit Form 3911 in the same manner as above, except by calling the IRS, in which case they must speak directly with a live customer service representative.
• Businesses:
  • Business taxpayers can only submit Form 3911 through the mail, as there is currently no online option available for them.

3. What Happens After You Request a Trace?

The IRS will investigate the status of your refund.

• If the check was not cashed:
  • The IRS will cancel the original check and issue a replacement. This process can take up to six weeks.
• If the check was cashed:
  • The Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS) will send you a claim package, which will include a copy of the cashed check.
  • You must follow the instructions to complete and return the claim package. BFS will review your claim and the signature on the canceled check before determining whether they can issue you a replacement check.
• If your refund was supposed to be directly deposited but was diverted to the wrong account:
  • The IRS will attempt to recover the funds from the financial institution. If the bank returns the funds, the IRS will issue a paper check to the last known address on file.
  • If the bank does not return the funds, the IRS cannot compel the bank to do so, and you may need to pursue the matter as a civil issue with the bank or the account holder. However, you should still file Form 3911 to allow the IRS to attempt recovery.

4. Special Considerations for Theft or Stolen Tax Return Checks

• If you believe your refund was stolen from the mail or intercepted, follow the same process to initiate a refund trace.
• If you are a victim of identity theft or believe your refund was fraudulently claimed, contact the IRS immediately and consider filing Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
• The IRS and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service may only be able to reissue a replacement refund as a paper check, even if you originally requested direct deposit. This can increase the risk of further theft, so monitor your mail closely and consider using secure mail options if available.

5. How Long Does It Take?

• The process of tracing a lost or stolen refund and issuing a replacement can take several weeks or even months, especially if the original check was cashed and an investigation is required.
• If you do not receive your replacement check or if it is stolen again, you may need to submit Form 3911 multiple times. In some cases, taxpayers have had to wait up to 95 days or longer for resolution.

6. Additional Resources and Help

• If you experience financial hardship due to a missing or stolen refund, or if you are unable to resolve the issue with the IRS, you can contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) at 1-877-777-4778 for free assistance.
• Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs) can help if you meet income requirements.

7. Tips to Prevent Future Issues

• Always double-check your bank account and routing numbers before submitting your tax return to ensure accuracy.
• Opt for direct deposit whenever possible, as it is generally faster and more secure than receiving a paper check.
• If you move, update your address with the IRS to avoid mail delivery issues.

Summary:

If your IRS refund check is stolen or never arrives, act quickly to initiate a refund trace by contacting the IRS or submitting Form 3911. The IRS and BFS will investigate and, if appropriate, issue a replacement check. Be aware that the process can be lengthy, especially in cases of theft or if the check was cashed fraudulently. For additional help, contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service. Always verify your information to avoid issues with IRS lost checks and reduce the risk of refund theft.

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