Lost refund check? Don’t worry! IRS has created a system in which they verify your claim that you were actually issued a refund and whether the refund check was despatched and it is not encashed or not. If you’re a taxpayer and you believe your tax refund check has been lost, misplaced, or stolen, here are the steps you should take:
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Step 1: Confirm the Refund Status
Before proceeding, first, verify that the refund has indeed been issued by the IRS. You can use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund” tool, available on their official website or the IRS2Go mobile app, to check the status of your refund.
Step 2:Wait for a Period if IRS Tracking Tool Says So
If the IRS tracking tool shows that the refund check was mailed, wait for a couple of weeks. It’s possible the check may still arrive.
Step 3 : Contact the IRS After Waiting a Reasonable Time
If you’ve confirmed that your refund was sent and you’ve waited a reasonable amount of time but still haven’t received it, contact the IRS. You can call their toll-free number at 1-800-829-1040 (in the U.S.) or use the “Where’s My Refund” tool on their website to start a refund trace.
Step 4: Request a Refund Trace
You can request a refund trace by calling the IRS Refund Hotline at 1-800-829-1954, or by filling out Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, and sending it to the IRS. Be prepared to provide your social security number or ITIN, filing status, and the exact whole dollar amount of the refund.
Step 5: Follow the Instructions
After you’ve initiated a refund trace, the IRS will investigate and update you on their findings. If they confirm the check was lost or never cashed, they will issue a replacement check. If it were cashed, the Bureau of the Fiscal Service would send you a claim package that includes a copy of the cashed check. Follow the instructions in the package.
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How to Fill up Form 3911 for Lost Refund Check
RS Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, is used to initiate a refund trace if you think your tax refund check was lost, stolen, or destroyed. This form provides the IRS with the necessary information to trace your refund.
Here are general instructions for filling out the form. However, please consult with a tax professional or the IRS directly if you have specific questions or concerns:
Section I – This asks for the refund amount and whether you filed a joint return.
- Write the amount of the refund you were expecting in the space provided.
- Check the box that applies to you. If you filed a joint return, enter the name of your spouse.
- ill in your name, current address, city, state, and zip code.
- Fill in your social security number. If you filed a joint return, fill in your spouse’s social security number as well.
- Fill in the best phone number to reach you.
Section II – Refund Information
- Indicate how you requested your refund (e.g., by mail or direct deposit).
- If you received a notice from the IRS about your refund, fill in the notice number.
- If your refund check was lost, stolen, or destroyed, check the appropriate box and describe what happened.
Section III – Certification
This part is just a certification of your declaration in the form. You need to sign (also your spouse If the refund pertains to a joint return)
After you’ve filled out the form, you can mail or fax it to the IRS at the appropriate address or fax number for your location. You can find this information on the IRS website or by calling the IRS directly.
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While the information on this site - Internal Revenue Code Simplified-is about legal issues, it is not legal advice or legal representation. Because of the rapidly changing nature of the law and our reliance upon outside sources, we make no warranty or guarantee of the accuracy or reliability of information contained herein.