When the IRS will reissue your check

The IRS will reissue a tax refund check if yours was lost in the mail, stolen, or damaged so badly it cannot be cashed. You do not have to wait for the original check to arrive before asking for a replacement — you can request a reissue as soon as you are confident the first one is not coming. The IRS typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to print and mail a replacement check after you request it, though this varies depending on mail volume and the time of year.

If your check arrived but was damaged — torn, water-damaged, or marked in a way that makes it unacceptable to a bank — you can also request a reissue. Some banks will refuse to cash a check with significant damage, and the IRS will replace it rather than make you wait for the original to be processed again.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a reissue through IRS.gov using the "Get My Payment" tool, by phone at 800-829-1040, or by mail using Form 3911.
  • Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready before you contact the IRS.
  • The IRS will not reissue a check until at least 4 weeks have passed since the original check was issued, unless you can prove it was lost or stolen.
  • A replacement check typically arrives 4 to 6 weeks after you request it, though delays can extend this during tax season.
  • If your check was damaged in your possession, bring it to your bank first — many will cash it anyway, and you only need a reissue if the bank refuses.

How to request a reissue online

The fastest way to request a reissue is through the IRS website using the "Get My Payment" tool. Go to IRS.gov, find the "Get My Payment" section, and log in with your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and the refund amount shown on your tax return. The tool will show you the status of your refund and, if your check was issued more than 4 weeks ago, will give you the option to request a reissue.

When you select the reissue option, the IRS will ask you to confirm the mailing address where the original check was sent. If the address has changed, update it now — the replacement will go to the new address you provide. After you submit the request, the IRS will send you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot; you will need it if you have to follow up later.

The "Get My Payment" tool works best if your refund was issued within the last 120 days. If your original check was issued longer ago than that, or if you cannot access the online tool, use the phone or mail method instead.

Requesting a reissue 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, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready. The IRS representative will verify your identity and ask why you need a reissue — lost in mail, stolen, or damaged.

If your original check was issued fewer than 4 weeks ago, the IRS will usually ask you to wait longer before reissuing. The exception is if you can tell them the check was definitely stolen or if you have filed a police report. Otherwise, they will ask you to call back after the 4-week window has passed.

Once the IRS approves your reissue request, they will give you a confirmation number and tell you when to expect the replacement check. Write down this number and the date you called. Call times can be long during tax season (January through April), so consider calling in early morning or late afternoon to reduce wait time.

Requesting a reissue by mail using Form 3911

If you prefer to request a reissue in writing, use Form 3911, "Application for IRS Refund Check". You can download it from IRS.gov or request it by calling 800-829-1040. Fill in your name, Social Security number, filing status, the refund amount, and the date the original check was issued (if you know it). In the section marked "Reason for Application," check the box for "Lost," "Stolen," or "Damaged" and briefly explain what happened.

Mail the completed form to the IRS address for your state. The IRS website lists the correct mailing address for each state on the Form 3911 instructions page. Include a copy of your tax return or the notice the IRS sent you showing the refund amount. Do not send the original documents — send copies only.

Processing a reissue request by mail takes longer than online or phone requests. Expect 6 to 8 weeks from the date the IRS receives your form until the replacement check arrives. If you need the money sooner, the online or phone method is faster.

What to do if your check arrived damaged

Before you request a reissue, take the damaged check to your bank and ask if they will cash it. Many banks will accept a check with minor damage — a small tear, a water stain, or a crease — as long as the routing number, account number, and amount are still readable. If your bank cashes it, you do not need to contact the IRS at all.

If your bank refuses to cash the damaged check, ask them to write a brief note on the back stating why they rejected it. Bring this note along with the damaged check when you request a reissue from the IRS. This documentation speeds up the process because the IRS will not ask you to wait the full 4 weeks — they can see the check was rejected by the bank.

Tracking your replacement check

After you request a reissue, you can check the status of your replacement check using the same "Get My Payment" tool on IRS.gov. The tool will update to show that a reissue has been issued and will give you an estimated delivery date. Check back every few days if you are waiting for the check to arrive.

If the estimated delivery date passes and you still have not received the check, wait an additional 5 business days before contacting the IRS again. Mail delays happen, especially during tax season. If the check does not arrive within 10 business days of the estimated date, call 800-829-1040 and provide your confirmation number from the reissue request. The IRS can investigate whether the check was lost in the mail again and issue another replacement if needed.

If your original check arrives after you requested a reissue

It is possible that your original check will arrive after you have already requested and received a replacement. If this happens, do not cash both checks. The IRS tracks which checks have been cashed, and cashing two checks for the same refund can trigger an audit or a demand that you return one of the payments.

If the original check arrives, write "VOID" across the front and back in large letters and mail it back to the IRS address listed on the envelope. Include a brief note explaining that you already received a replacement check. Keep a copy of the note for your records. You do not need to contact the IRS separately — returning the voided check is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to wait before requesting a reissue?

The IRS requires at least 4 weeks to pass from the date your original check was issued before they will reissue it. If you can prove the check was stolen or lost (for example, with a police report), some representatives will reissue sooner, but this is not may provide. If your check was damaged by your bank or post office, you may be able to request a reissue sooner — ask your bank for documentation.

What if I do not know when my check was issued?

Check your IRS notice or use the "Get My Payment" tool — both will show the issue date. If you cannot find it, call 800-829-1040 and provide your Social Security number and refund amount. The IRS representative can look up the issue date for you in about 5 minutes.

Can I request a reissue if I moved after I filed my taxes?

Yes. When you request the reissue, update your mailing address to your current location. The replacement check will be mailed to the new address. Make sure the address is correct before you submit the request, because the IRS will not redirect the check if it arrives at the old address.

What happens if my replacement check is also lost?

You can request a second reissue using the same process. After two reissues, the IRS may ask you to provide additional documentation or may offer to send the refund by direct deposit instead of check. If you have a bank account, direct deposit is faster and eliminates the risk of the check being lost in the mail again.

Can I get my refund by direct deposit instead of a replacement check?

Yes, but only if you contact the IRS by phone or mail — the online "Get My Payment" tool does not offer this option. Call 800-829-1040 and ask to change your refund method from check to direct deposit. You will need to provide your bank account number and routing number. Direct deposit typically takes 3 to 5 business days after the IRS processes the change.