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 you a replacement. You cannot simply deposit the original check again—the IRS tracks which checks have cleared your bank. The replacement process takes time and requires you to prove the first check was not used.
The fastest way to request a reissue is through the IRS website using their interactive tool, which takes about 10 minutes. If you cannot use the online tool, you can call the IRS or mail a form. Most reissued checks arrive within two to three weeks, though this varies by how busy the IRS is at the time you request it.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS will not reissue a check until at least 120 days have passed since the original check was issued, so you cannot request a replacement immediately.
- You can check whether your original check was cashed using the IRS Where's My Refund tool or by calling 1-800-829-1040.
- The online reissue tool at IRS.gov is the fastest method and requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
- If you cannot use the online tool, you can mail Form 3911 to the IRS address listed in your tax return instructions, but this takes longer.
- A reissued check typically arrives within 2 to 3 weeks, but delays can occur during tax season or if the IRS needs to verify information.
How to know if your original check was actually cashed
Before you request a reissue, confirm that your original check was not deposited. The IRS has no record of a cashed check if it never reached your bank. You can verify this in two ways: through the IRS website or by calling the IRS directly.
Use the Where's My Refund tool at IRS.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount. The tool will show you the check number, the date it was issued, and whether it has been cashed. If the status says "Refund issued" but does not show a cashed date, the check was likely never deposited.
You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). A representative can look up your refund status and tell you whether the check cleared. Have your Social Security number and the refund amount ready when you call.
The 120-day waiting period before you can request a reissue
The IRS will not reissue a check until at least 120 days have passed since the original check was issued. This rule exists because checks can take time to clear, and the IRS needs to be certain the original check was not deposited weeks after it was mailed.
If you lost your check or it arrived damaged before the 120 days are up, you must wait. The IRS will not make an exception for this rule, even if you can prove the check never arrived. Mark your calendar 120 days from the issue date shown in the Where's My Refund tool, and request the reissue after that date.
Using the IRS online tool to request a reissue
The fastest way to get a replacement check is through the IRS interactive tool on their website. Go to IRS.gov and search for "Refund Check Reissue." The tool walks you through a few questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
You will need:
- Your Social Security number
- Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.)
- The exact refund amount from your tax return
- The date the original check was issued (from the Where's My Refund tool)
After you submit the form online, the IRS sends you a confirmation. A new check is printed and mailed to the address on file with your tax return. Most reissued checks arrive within 2 to 3 weeks, though the IRS sometimes takes longer during the peak tax season (February through April).
Mailing Form 3911 if you cannot use the online tool
If you do not have internet access or prefer to mail your request, you can send Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, to the IRS. Download the form from IRS.gov or request it by calling 1-800-829-1040.
Fill out the form with your name, Social Security number, filing status, the refund amount, and the date the original check was issued. Sign and date the form, then mail it to the address listed in your tax return instructions (this varies by state). The IRS processes mailed requests more slowly than online requests—expect 4 to 6 weeks for a replacement check to arrive.
Keep a copy of the form and the mailing receipt for your records. If you do not hear back within six weeks, call the IRS to confirm they received your request.
What to do if the original check was already cashed
If the Where's My Refund tool or the IRS representative tells you the original check was cashed, you cannot request a reissue. The money has already been deposited into a bank account—either yours or someone else's.
If you did not cash the check yourself, contact your bank immediately. Explain that a check issued to you was deposited without your permission. Your bank can investigate and may reverse the deposit. You can also file a report with the IRS if you believe the check was stolen or forged, though this is rare.
If the check was cashed by mistake (for example, a family member deposited it without telling you), ask that person to return the money to you. If they refuse, you may need to pursue the matter through small claims court or with a lawyer.
Reissued checks and delivery time during tax season
The timeline for a reissued check depends on when you request it. From January through April, the IRS processes millions of returns and handles thousands of reissue requests daily. During these months, a replacement check may take 3 to 4 weeks instead of the usual 2 to 3 weeks.
If you request a reissue in May or later, processing is usually faster because the IRS is less busy. A check requested in June or July typically arrives within 10 to 14 business days.
The IRS mails reissued checks to the address on file with your tax return. If you have moved since you filed, update your address with the IRS before requesting the reissue. You can change your address by calling 1-800-829-1040 or by mailing Form 8822, Change of Address.
What happens if the reissued check is also lost or damaged
If your replacement check never arrives or arrives damaged, you can request a second reissue. The process is the same: wait 120 days from the date the second check was issued, then use the online tool or mail Form 3911 again.
If checks keep going missing, consider asking the IRS to send your refund by direct deposit instead. Call 1-800-829-1040 and ask to have future refunds deposited directly into your bank account. This eliminates the risk of a lost or stolen check. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after my check was issued can I request a reissue?
You must wait at least 120 days from the date the original check was issued. The IRS enforces this rule strictly—there are no exceptions. Use the Where's My Refund tool to find the exact issue date, then count forward 120 days before submitting your reissue request.
Can I request a reissue if I never received the check in the mail?
Yes, if you never received the check and 120 days have passed since it was issued, you can request a reissue. Use the Where's My Refund tool to confirm the check was not cashed. If it shows "Refund issued" but no cashed date, the check was likely lost in the mail and you can proceed with the reissue request.
What if I lost the check but found it later after requesting a reissue?
If you find the original check after requesting a reissue, do not deposit it. The IRS will have already issued a replacement, and depositing the original check could cause problems with your bank or the IRS. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to let them know you found the original check and will not be cashing it.
Can I get my refund by direct deposit instead of a check?
Yes. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask to have your refund sent by direct deposit to your bank account instead. This is faster and safer than mailed checks. You will need your bank account number and routing number. Direct deposit refunds typically arrive within 1 to 2 weeks.
How do I know if my reissued check has been mailed?
After you submit your reissue request online or by mail, the IRS sends a confirmation. Check the Where's My Refund tool again after a few days—it will update to show the new check number and issue date. You can also call 1-800-829-1040 to confirm the reissue was processed.