Whether your tax refund check was lost or stolen, swift action is the best course of action to handle the situation. The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes for the IRS to track the check and get your money to you. These are the steps you need to take.
Lost Refund Checks
Lost checks are, indeed, frustrating, but it does happen. The first step you need to take is to contact the IRS by calling 800-829-1954. If your return was married filing jointly, however, you must choose to speak with an agent rather than going through the automated system to make the claim.
At this point, the IRS will issue a Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund form (Form 3911), which will begin the replacement process.
Once the missing refund has been processed and the check cashed, you will receive a claim package including a copy of the check from the Bureau of Fiscal Services. The IRS will examine both the signature on the check and the claim before deciding whether to process an additional refund. The review process may take up to six weeks.
Stolen Refund Checks
Before you panic believing the check has been stolen in the mail, you should call 800-829-4477 to verify that your refund has, in fact, been issued and mailed to you. You will need to know your social security number and the exact amount of the expected refund.
If your check has been stolen, call the number above, and provide the information required. You must typically wait 28 days from the date the check was mailed in order to file a claim, once you do, Uncle Sam can begin the process of re-issuing your refund.
If you have questions or concerns about your options if your tax refund check has been lost or stolen, your accountant is available to walk you through the actions you should take next.