How to get a federal tax refund check reissued

If your federal tax refund check never arrived, was stolen, or arrived damaged, the IRS will issue you a replacement. You cannot reissue it yourself—you have to contact the IRS directly, either by phone or through their online tool. The process takes about four weeks from the date you request the replacement, though the IRS may ask you to wait 120 days from the original issue date before they'll act on your request if the check is straightforward late.

The IRS tracks every refund check it mails, so they know the exact date yours was supposed to arrive. That date matters: if fewer than 120 days have passed since the check was issued, the IRS will usually ask you to wait before requesting a replacement. If more than 120 days have passed, or if you have proof the check was lost or damaged (a postal service report, a bank statement showing it was never deposited), you can request a replacement when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS will not reissue a check until 120 days have passed since the original issue date, unless you have proof it was lost, stolen, or damaged.
  • You can check the status of your original refund check and request a replacement through IRS.gov using the "Get My Payment" tool or by calling 800-829-1040.
  • A replacement check typically arrives within four weeks of your request, but the IRS may take longer during tax season.
  • If you need the money faster, you can request the replacement be sent as a direct deposit to your bank account instead of a mailed check.
  • Keep records of your request—the date you called or submitted it online, and any confirmation number the IRS gives you.

Checking the status of your original check before requesting a replacement

Before you ask for a replacement, find out whether your original check is actually lost or straightforward delayed. The IRS "Get My Payment" tool on IRS.gov shows you the exact date your refund check was issued and mailed. Go to IRS.gov, select "Get My Payment," enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address, and the tool will tell you the status.

If the tool says your check was issued and mailed more than 120 days ago, you can request a replacement right away. If it says the check was issued fewer than 120 days ago, the IRS will ask you to wait. The only exception is if you have documentation that the check was lost in the mail, stolen, or damaged—in that case, you can request a replacement sooner.

Requesting a replacement check by phone

Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and mailing address ready. Tell the representative that your refund check did not arrive or was damaged, and ask them to issue a replacement.

The IRS representative will verify your identity, confirm the original check amount and issue date, and ask whether you want the replacement mailed to the same address or sent as a direct deposit to your bank account. If you choose direct deposit, have your routing number and account number ready. The representative will give you a confirmation number—write it down and keep it with your tax records.

Wait times can be long during tax season (January through April), so call early in the morning or late in the week if you can. If you cannot reach anyone after waiting on hold, hang up and try again the next day rather than staying on the line for hours.

Requesting a replacement check online

You can also request a replacement through the IRS "Get My Payment" tool on IRS.gov. After you enter your information and the tool shows your refund status, look for an option to report that your check did not arrive or was damaged. The tool will walk you through a short form asking for your contact information and the reason the check needs to be replaced.

Submit the form and the IRS will send you a confirmation by email or mail, depending on how you set up your account. This method is faster than calling during busy times, but you will not get a confirmation number when ready—the IRS will send one to you within a few days.

What happens after you request a replacement

Once you submit your request, the IRS processes it and issues a new check or direct deposit. A replacement check typically arrives within four weeks, though during tax season (January through April) it can take longer. If you requested direct deposit instead, the funds usually appear in your account within two to three weeks.

The IRS will not stop payment on your original check automatically—if it arrives after you have already received the replacement, you can deposit both. However, if you deposit the original check after cashing the replacement, you will have received the refund twice, and the IRS may contact you to recover the duplicate payment. If this happens, do not ignore the notice; contact the IRS when ready to arrange repayment.

If your check arrived but is damaged or unreadable

If you received the check but it is torn, water-damaged, or otherwise unreadable, do not try to deposit it. Instead, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and explain that the check arrived damaged. The IRS will issue a replacement. You do not need to wait 120 days in this case because you have proof the check itself is defective.

Some banks will attempt to process a damaged check anyway, and if they do, the check may be rejected and returned to the IRS. This can delay your refund further. It is safer to contact the IRS first and request a replacement before attempting to deposit a damaged check.

Choosing between a mailed check and direct deposit for your replacement

When you request a replacement, ask whether you can receive it as a direct deposit instead of a mailed check. Direct deposit is faster—usually two to three weeks instead of four—and eliminates the risk of the check being lost again. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to set this up.

If you do not have a bank account, or if you prefer to receive a check, you can stick with the mailed option. Just make sure the address you give the IRS is one where you will receive mail reliably. If you have moved since you filed your tax return, update your address with the IRS before requesting the replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the IRS says my check was never issued?

This usually means there was a problem with your tax return—a missing signature, an incorrect Social Security number, or a math error. The IRS will have sent you a notice explaining the issue. Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 with the notice in front of you, and they will tell you what needs to be fixed before your refund can be issued.

Can I request a replacement if I never received a notice that my check was mailed?

Yes. Use the "Get My Payment" tool to check the status. If it shows your check was issued and mailed, you can request a replacement after 120 days have passed. If the tool shows no refund was issued, contact the IRS to find out why.

What if I find my original check after I already received the replacement?

Do not deposit both checks. Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 and tell them you found the original. They will advise you on whether to destroy it or return it. If you deposit both by mistake, the IRS will send you a bill for the duplicate amount.

How long does the IRS keep records of issued checks?

The IRS keeps records of all issued refund checks indefinitely. You can request a replacement years after your original check was issued, as long as you can provide your tax year and Social Security number.

Can I request a replacement if my check was stolen from my mailbox?

Yes. If possible, file a report with your local police department or postal service and keep a copy. This documentation lets you request a replacement before the 120-day waiting period. Even without a formal report, you can call the IRS and explain that the check was stolen—they may issue a replacement sooner than 120 days.