Yes, you can get a tax refund check reissued, but the IRS needs proof the original check was never cashed
If your mailed tax refund check never arrived, was lost, or was damaged, the IRS will issue a replacement. The process is straightforward but takes time—you'll need to wait at least 120 days after the IRS mailed the original check before requesting a reissue, and the replacement itself takes another 4 to 6 weeks to arrive by mail.
The IRS tracks which checks have been cashed and which haven't. If your original check was deposited or cashed, they cannot issue a second one—you would need to contact your bank instead. But if the check genuinely never cleared, the IRS can stop payment on it and send you a new one.
Key Takeaways
- You must wait at least 120 days after the IRS mailed your original check before requesting a replacement, because the IRS needs time to confirm it was never cashed.
- The fastest way to request a reissue is by phone: call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready.
- If you cannot reach the IRS by phone, you can mail Form 3911 (process for IRS information) to the address listed in your tax return instructions, but this adds 2 to 3 weeks to the timeline.
- The replacement check will be mailed to the address on file with the IRS, so update your address before requesting a reissue if you have moved.
- If the original check was actually cashed by someone else, that is check fraud, and you should report it to the IRS and file a police report.
How to request a reissue by phone
Calling the IRS is the fastest route. Have ready: your Social Security number (or ITIN), your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your tax return. The IRS representative will confirm that the original check has not been cashed, then issue a replacement on the spot.
Call 800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Wait times are typically shorter earlier in the day and outside the main tax season (after April). When you reach a representative, explain that your refund check was lost or never arrived and ask them to reissue it. They will pull up your account, verify the check status, and process the replacement when ready.
The new check will be mailed within 4 to 6 weeks. The IRS will mail it to the address on file with your return, so if you have moved since filing, update your address with the IRS before calling. You can do this by calling the same number or by mailing Form 8822-B (Change of Address) to the IRS.
How to request a reissue by mail
If you cannot reach the IRS by phone, you can request a reissue in writing using Form 3911. read it from IRS.gov or request it by phone. Fill in your name, Social Security number, the tax year, and the refund amount. In the "Reason for process" section, select "Check not received" or "Check lost or destroyed."
Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed in your tax return instructions for your state. Include a copy of your tax return (the first page is usually enough). Do not send the original return.
Processing by mail takes longer—typically 4 to 6 weeks for the IRS to receive and process your form, plus another 4 to 6 weeks for the replacement check to arrive. This means you are looking at 8 to 12 weeks total from the date you mail the form. If you are in a time-sensitive situation, phone is the better option.
The 120-day waiting period and why it matters
The IRS requires you to wait at least 120 days after the original check was mailed before requesting a reissue. This waiting period exists because checks can take time to clear, and the IRS needs to confirm that the original check has not been deposited or cashed.
You can find the date the IRS mailed your check by logging into your IRS account at IRS.gov (using your Social Security number and filing information) or by calling 800-829-1040. Look for "Where's My Refund?" on the IRS website—it will show the mailing date and current status of your check.
If you call before 120 days have passed, the IRS will tell you to wait. There is no exception to this rule, even if you are certain the check was lost. The 120-day window protects both you and the IRS from issuing duplicate payments.
What to do if the original check was cashed by someone else
If you discover that your refund check was cashed but you did not cash it, that is check fraud. Contact the IRS when ready at 800-829-1040 and report the fraudulent check. Have the check number ready if you can find it (it may appear in your IRS account or in your mail records).
The IRS will investigate and may be able to recover the funds or issue a replacement. You should also file a report with your local police department and consider filing a complaint with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at postalinspectors.uspis.gov if you believe the check was stolen from your mailbox.
If the check was cashed at a bank or check-cashing service, that institution has a record of who deposited it. The police report gives you documentation to share with the bank and the IRS as they investigate.
Updating your address before requesting a reissue
The replacement check will be mailed to the address the IRS has on file. If you have moved since filing your tax return, update your address before requesting the reissue, or the new check will go to your old address and you will be back where you started.
Update your address online at IRS.gov using your IRS account, by phone at 800-829-1040, or by mailing Form 8822-B to the IRS. If you update by mail, do it at least two weeks before you request the reissue to give the IRS time to process the change.
Timeline and what to expect
| Step | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Wait for 120 days after original check mailed | 120 days (required) |
| Call IRS or mail Form 3911 | Same day (phone) or 1–2 days (mail) |
| IRS processes request (phone) | when ready |
| IRS processes request (mail) | 4–6 weeks |
| Replacement check arrives | 4–6 weeks after processing |
| Total time (phone route) | 120 days + 4–6 weeks |
| Total time (mail route) | 120 days + 8–12 weeks |
These timelines assume normal mail delivery and no errors in your account information. If the IRS needs to contact you for clarification, the process will take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the refund deposited to my bank account instead of mailed as a check?
No. Once the IRS has issued a check, the only way to receive the replacement is by mail. If you want future refunds deposited directly to your bank account, you can request that on your next tax return by providing your routing number and account number on Form 1040.
What if I find the original check after I request a reissue?
Do not cash or deposit both checks. Contact the IRS when ready and tell them you found the original. They will void the replacement check. If you accidentally cash both, the IRS will contact you about repaying the duplicate amount.
How do I know if my check was actually mailed?
Log into your IRS account at IRS.gov and use "Where's My Refund?" to see the status and mailing date. You can also call 800-829-1040 and a representative will look up the status for you. If the IRS shows the check was mailed but you never received it, that is when you request a reissue.
Can I request a reissue before 120 days if I have a police report for a stolen check?
No. The 120-day waiting period is mandatory, even with a police report. The police report is useful if you need to pursue fraud claims against whoever cashed the check, but it does not waive the IRS waiting period.
Will the replacement check have a different check number?
Yes. The replacement check will have a new check number. This is normal and expected. Keep the new check number for your records in case you need to reference it later.