The expiration date is printed in the bottom right corner of your tax refund check
The expiration date appears in small print at the bottom right of the check, just above or near the check number. It typically reads "Void after [month/day/year]" and is usually set for one year from the date the check was issued. The IRS prints this date on all federal tax refund checks mailed by the Treasury Department.
The date the check was issued appears elsewhere on the check — in the upper right area where you see the month, day, and year printed. The expiration date is exactly one year later. If you received your check in April 2024, the void date would be April 2025. You can cash or deposit the check anytime before that date passes.
Some state tax refund checks also print an expiration date, though the location and format may differ slightly. State checks are issued by your state's revenue or taxation department, not the IRS, so check the bottom right corner first, but also scan the entire check if you cannot find it there.
Key Takeaways
- The expiration date on a federal tax refund check is printed in the bottom right corner and reads "Void after" followed by a date one year from issuance.
- You have one full year from the check issue date to cash or deposit the check at your bank.
- State tax refund checks may have expiration dates in different locations, so check the entire check if the bottom right is blank.
- If your check has expired, you can contact the IRS or your state revenue department to request a replacement check or direct deposit of the refund.
How to read the check issue date and calculate the expiration
The issue date is printed in the upper right corner of the check, in the standard date format used on all checks. This is the day the Treasury Department or your state revenue office mailed the check to you. Count forward exactly 12 months from that date to find when the check expires.
For example, if the issue date reads "04/15/2024", the void date in the bottom right corner should read "Void after 04/15/2025". The expiration date is always one year later, never more or less. This gives you a full 12 months to deposit or cash the check without any penalty or loss of the refund.
What happens if you try to cash an expired check
Banks will not cash or deposit a check after the void date has passed. When you attempt to deposit an expired tax refund check, the bank's processing system will flag it and reject it. The check will be returned to you, and the deposit will not go through.
You will not lose the money — the refund itself does not disappear. However, you will need to take an extra step to get the funds. Contact the IRS (for federal refunds) or your state revenue department (for state refunds) and explain that your check expired before you could cash it. They will issue a replacement check or, in many cases, deposit the refund directly into your bank account if you provide your routing and account numbers.
Where to find the expiration date on different check types
Federal tax refund checks issued by the U.S. Treasury always print the void date in the bottom right corner. This is the standard location across all federal checks. State tax refund checks vary by state, but most follow the same convention — bottom right corner, small print, "Void after" format.
If you are looking at a state check and cannot find the expiration date in the bottom right, check the bottom left corner, the back of the check, or along the bottom edge. Some states print it horizontally across the bottom; others print it vertically. If you still cannot locate it, call your state's revenue or taxation department with the check number and they can tell you the expiration date over the phone.
What to do if your check is about to expire or already has
If your check is within 30 days of expiring, deposit or cash it immediately. Do not wait. If the void date has already passed, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (for federal refunds) or your state revenue department's main line (for state refunds). Have your check in front of you when you call — you will need to provide the check number, the amount, and the issue date.
The agency will verify that the check was issued to you and will either reissue a new check or process a direct deposit to your bank account. Reissued checks typically arrive within two to three weeks. Direct deposits, when available, usually post within five to seven business days. There is no fee or penalty for requesting a replacement.
How to avoid an expired check in the first place
The simplest way to avoid this problem is to choose direct deposit when you file your tax return. Direct deposit sends your refund straight to your bank account and does not expire. The IRS and most state revenue departments offer direct deposit as an option on the tax form itself or through their online portals.
If you have already filed and received a mailed check, deposit it as soon as it arrives. Do not set it aside. Many people misplace checks or forget about them, and a year passes faster than expected. If you know you will be away from home or unable to deposit the check soon after receiving it, ask a trusted family member or friend to deposit it on your behalf — most banks allow this if the check is signed and the depositor has your permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cash a check one day after the void date?
No. Banks use automated systems that reject checks on or after the void date. The expiration date is a hard cutoff, not a grace period. If the void date is April 15, 2025, the check cannot be cashed on April 15 or any day after.
Does the expiration date change if I don't cash the check right away?
No. The expiration date is fixed when the check is issued and does not change no matter how long you hold it. A check issued on April 15, 2024, will always expire on April 15, 2025 — the date does not extend if you wait to deposit it.
What if I lost my check and found it years later?
If the check has expired, you cannot cash it. Contact the IRS or your state revenue department with the check number and amount. They can verify whether the refund was ever cashed and, if not, issue a replacement or process a direct deposit. You may need to provide proof of identity.
Is the expiration date the same for federal and state tax refund checks?
Both federal and state checks expire one year from the issue date. However, the location of the printed expiration date may differ on state checks. Federal checks always show it in the bottom right corner; state checks vary by state.
Can I deposit an expired check if I sign the back and add a note?
No. The bank's processing system will reject the check automatically based on the void date. A signature or note does not override the expiration. You must contact the issuing agency for a replacement.