Check the routing number and account number on the back

The back of a legitimate IRS refund check shows a nine-digit routing number and an account number. The routing number identifies the Federal Reserve bank that processes the check. You can verify this number by visiting the Federal Reserve's routing number lookup tool at frbservices.org or by calling your own bank — they can confirm whether the routing number belongs to a real financial institution.

The account number on the back should be a series of digits specific to the U.S. Treasury account. If the routing number does not match any real bank or the account number looks incomplete or malformed, do not cash the check. Contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to report it.

Match the check amount to your IRS transcript or tax return

Pull up your filed tax return or your IRS account transcript to see what refund amount the IRS calculated. You can view your transcript free through IRS.gov by logging into your account or by calling 1-800-829-1040 and requesting it by mail. The check amount should match exactly — down to the dollar.

If the check is for more or less than your return shows, do not deposit it. The IRS may have made an error, or the check may be fraudulent. Call the IRS to clarify before you cash it. If it is for more, you will owe the difference back; if it is for less, you may be may have access to to the remainder.

Confirm the check is from the U.S. Department of the Treasury

The check should be printed with "United States Department of the Treasury" at the top. The check number, routing number, and account number should all be printed directly on the check itself — not handwritten or added later. The paper should feel like standard check stock, not flimsy or discolored.

Look for the Treasury seal on the left side of the check. If the seal is missing, blurry, or looks obviously fake, the check is counterfeit. Legitimate Treasury checks also include a security strip or watermark that is visible when you hold the check up to light. If you cannot see these features, contact the IRS before depositing.

Check the issue date against your refund timeline

The issue date on the check should fall within the window when you expected your refund to arrive. If you filed your return in early February and the check is dated in March, that is normal. If the check is dated six months after you filed, or if it is dated before you filed your return, something is wrong.

You can cross-check the issue date against your IRS transcript, which shows when the refund was issued. If the dates do not match, the check may have been altered or may not be from the IRS at all. Call 1-800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and filing status to confirm the actual issue date.

Look up the check online through the IRS Where's My Refund tool

Visit IRS.gov/refunds and enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount shown on the check. The tool will tell you whether the IRS issued a check to you and when. If the tool shows your refund was issued as a direct deposit to a bank account — not a check — then the check in your hand is not from the IRS.

If the tool shows a check was issued but gives a different amount or issue date than what appears on your check, do not cash it. The discrepancy means either the check has been altered or it is counterfeit. Report it to the IRS and to your local police department.

Verify the payee name matches your tax return

The check should be made out to you — the person or people who filed the return. If you filed jointly with a spouse, both names should appear on the check. If the check is made out to a business name, a former name, or anyone other than the filer, it is not your refund check.

If the IRS issued the check to the wrong person, you cannot cash it. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your return information. They can issue a replacement check in the correct name or redirect the refund to the right person if there was a filing error on your part.

Call the IRS directly if anything looks off

If the check fails any of these checks, or if something about it simply does not feel right, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 before you deposit it. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the check itself in front of you. The IRS can confirm in minutes whether they issued the check and what the correct amount should be.

Do not try to cash a check you are unsure about. Banks will often catch counterfeit checks, but you may be held liable if you deposit a fake check and it bounces. The few minutes it takes to verify are worth the protection.

Key Takeaways

  • A real IRS refund check has "United States Department of the Treasury" printed at the top, a visible Treasury seal, and a nine-digit routing number that matches a real Federal Reserve bank.
  • The check amount must match your filed tax return or your IRS transcript exactly, and the issue date should fall within the timeframe you expected your refund.
  • The check should be made out to the person or people who filed the return, and all numbers should be printed on the check, not handwritten or added later.
  • You can verify the check through the IRS Where's My Refund tool at IRS.gov/refunds or by calling 1-800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and filing information.
  • Do not cash a check that fails any verification step — contact the IRS first to confirm it is legitimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if the check amount is different from what my return shows?

Do not cash it. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and filing status. The IRS can tell you why the amount changed — sometimes they adjust refunds for unpaid taxes, student loans, or child support. If the check is for more than you are owed, you will have to return the overpayment.

Can I deposit a check made out to my old name?

No. The check must be made out to the name on your current tax return. If you changed your name after filing, contact the IRS to request a replacement check in your new name. Trying to cash a check with a different name on it may trigger fraud alerts at your bank.

What if I cannot find the routing number on the back of the check?

A legitimate Treasury check always has the routing number printed on the bottom left of the back. If you cannot find it, the check is likely counterfeit. Do not deposit it. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report it and to confirm whether they issued a refund to you.

How long does it take the IRS to confirm a check is real?

Usually a few minutes. When you call 1-800-829-1040, have your Social Security number, filing status, and the check in front of you. The IRS representative can look up your account and confirm the check amount and issue date on the spot.

What should I do if I think the check is counterfeit?

Do not deposit it. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and report it. You can also file a report with the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at tigta.gov. If you have already deposited a fake check, contact your bank immediately and file a police report.