Report the theft to the IRS first, then to your bank and local police
If your tax refund check was stolen or went missing in the mail, you need to contact the IRS before anyone else can cash it. The IRS can stop payment on the original check and issue a replacement. This step matters because a stolen check can be altered or deposited into someone else's account, and the sooner you report it, the sooner the IRS can prevent that.
You will also need to report the theft to your bank (if the check was deposited into your account and then stolen) and to local police. The police report creates a record that helps if the check was cashed fraudulently, and your bank needs to know so they can monitor your account for unauthorized activity.
The timeline matters: the longer you wait, the more likely someone has already cashed the check. If you notice the check is missing within a few days of when it should have arrived, you have a better chance of stopping payment before it clears.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the IRS when ready by calling 1-800-829-1040 or using the IRS website to report the missing or stolen check and request a replacement.
- The IRS can stop payment on the original check within a few days, but only if you report it before someone cashes it.
- File a police report with your local police department to create an official record of the theft, which you may need later if fraud occurred.
- Contact your bank right away if the check was supposed to be deposited into your account, so they can watch for unauthorized deposits and help you dispute any fraudulent transactions.
- Keep the case number from your police report and the reference number from the IRS for your records, as you will need them if the check was cashed by someone else.
How to contact the IRS about a missing or stolen check
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, the amount of the refund, and the date you expected to receive the check ready. The IRS representative will verify your identity and put a stop on the original check.
If you cannot reach the IRS by phone, you can also report a missing check through the IRS website at irs.gov. Look for the "Where's My Refund?" tool, which lets you check the status of your refund and report problems. You can also mail Form 3911 (process for Taxpayer information Order) to the IRS address for your state, though this takes longer than calling.
When you call, ask the IRS representative for a reference number and write it down. This number tracks your case and you will need it if you have to follow up later. The IRS will tell you how long it takes to issue a replacement check — this usually ranges from two to four weeks after they stop payment on the original.
What happens after you report the check to the IRS
Once the IRS stops payment on the original check, that check cannot be cashed by anyone, even if someone has already tried to deposit it. The bank that receives it will reject it. The IRS will then issue a replacement check, which will be mailed to the address on file with your tax return.
If you moved since you filed your return, contact the IRS before they mail the replacement so you can update your address. You can do this by calling 1-800-829-1040 or by using the IRS website. A replacement check sent to an old address can also go missing.
The replacement check will have a different check number than the original. Keep track of when it arrives so you can report it if this one also goes missing. Some people choose to have their refund deposited directly into their bank account instead of receiving a check — if this happens to you again, you can ask the IRS about direct deposit for future refunds.
Filing a police report for a stolen check
Contact your local police department's non-emergency line (not 911, unless the theft just happened and you are in when ready danger). Tell them a tax refund check was stolen or went missing. They will take a report and give you a case number.
You do not need to have the check in hand to file a report — the fact that it is missing or was stolen is enough. The police report creates an official record that the theft occurred, which matters if someone later tries to cash the check. If the check was already cashed by someone else, the police report helps prove you did not authorize it.
Bring your tax return, the IRS reference number, and any documentation about when you expected the check to arrive. The police will ask for the check amount and the date it went missing. Keep a copy of the police report for your records.
Notifying your bank if the check was supposed to be deposited
If you set up direct deposit for your refund and the check never arrived in your account, contact your bank when ready. Tell them the refund check is missing and ask them to watch your account for any unauthorized deposits or withdrawals. Some banks can place a temporary hold on your account to prevent fraud.
If someone deposited a stolen check into your account without your permission, your bank can help you dispute the transaction. This process is called a chargeback, and it reverses the deposit so the money comes back out of your account. Your bank will investigate and contact the bank where the check was deposited.
Ask your bank for a written confirmation that you reported the missing check. This creates a record that you notified them on a specific date, which helps if there are questions later about unauthorized activity on your account.
What to do if the stolen check was already cashed
If you discover that someone cashed the stolen check, the IRS will still issue a replacement to you. The person who cashed the check committed fraud, and the bank that accepted it may pursue them. Your job is to make sure the IRS knows the original check was fraudulently cashed so they do not hold up your replacement.
When you call the IRS, tell them the check has already been cashed. Provide the case number from your police report. The IRS will note this in your file and will not delay your replacement because of the fraudulent deposit.
The bank that accepted the fraudulent check will eventually discover the problem when the IRS stops payment. They will investigate and may contact you as the account holder. Cooperate with their investigation and provide copies of your police report and IRS reference number. Do not try to recover the money yourself — let the bank and the IRS handle it.
Preventing check theft in the future
The safest way to receive a tax refund is through direct deposit into your bank account. Direct deposit means the IRS sends the money electronically instead of mailing a check. The money arrives in your account in about one week, and there is no check to steal from the mail.
To set up direct deposit, provide your bank account number and routing number when you file your tax return. You can also change your refund method on the IRS website if you filed already but have not received your check yet.
If you must receive a check, consider having it mailed to your bank instead of your home address. Some banks offer this service, and it reduces the time the check sits in the mail. Ask your bank whether they accept refund checks mailed directly to them.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a replacement check after I report it stolen?
The IRS usually issues a replacement check within two to four weeks after you report the original as missing or stolen. The check is then mailed to your address, so add another week or two for delivery. In total, expect four to six weeks from the date you call the IRS.
Can I get my refund as a direct deposit instead of a replacement check?
Yes. When you call the IRS to report the missing check, ask if you can have the replacement deposited directly into your bank account instead. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. This is faster and safer than waiting for a check to arrive by mail.
What if someone already cashed the stolen check before I reported it?
The IRS will still send you a replacement check. The bank that accepted the fraudulent check will eventually discover the problem when the IRS stops payment and will investigate. You are not responsible for the money that was fraudulently cashed — the bank and the IRS will sort it out.
Do I need a police report to get a replacement check from the IRS?
No. The IRS does not require a police report to issue a replacement check. However, filing a police report creates an official record of the theft, which helps if the check was cashed fraudulently and you need to dispute it later with your bank.
What if my replacement check also goes missing?
Call the IRS again and report it. They can issue a second replacement. If checks keep going missing, ask the IRS about having future refunds deposited directly into your bank account, or ask if the check can be mailed to your bank instead of your home address.