Lost Your Tax Refund? Here’s What You Can Do Next

Have you misplaced your tax refund? The good news is that there are ways to find it and ask for a replacement.

The IRS states that the majority of tax refunds are given out between 21 and 8 weeks following the receipt of your return.

Whether you filed electronically or by mail, and whether you choose paper checks or direct deposit, will determine the precise timing. If you misplaced your tax refund check, follow these steps.

Verify Your Records Again

Make sure you gave accurate information on your return before contacting the IRS. If you’re anticipating a direct deposit, confirm your bank account information; if you’re anticipating a paper check, confirm your postal address.

To confirm that there are no errors on their end, you can also check with your bank.

Launch a Refund Investigation

The IRS advises starting what is known as a refund tracing if you misplaced your return check.

You can use the IRS2Go mobile app or the IRS Where’s My Refund tool to accomplish this.

To find out how your refund is progressing, you’ll need:

• Your individual taxpayer ID number or Social Security number
• The status of your file
• The precise amount of your tax return’s refund

Speak with the IRS

You may also give the IRS a call. You can use their automated system by calling 800-829-1954, or you can talk to an agent directly by calling 800-829-1040.

The IRS states that in order to start the replacement procedure, you must download and submit Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, if you submitted a married filing jointly return.

The IRS needs the information on Form 3911 in order to track down a lost refund check. The IRS website has the correct mailing address and fax number.

Await confirmation and replacement of the refund check

After conducting an investigation, the IRS will start the refund replacement procedure. One of two methods is used to handle your claim:

The check you sent was not cashed: A replacement check will be sent by the IRS after the original check is canceled.

Your check has been cashed: A copy of the cashed check will be included in a claim package that is sent by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fill out the claim packet according to the guidelines.

To decide whether to issue a new check, the BFS will examine the claim and the check’s signature.