Why start here

Before you do anything, check the IRS status tools. Most missing-refund problems are resolved by confirming whether the refund has been issued and how it was sent.

Step 1 — Check status online and confirm timelines

  • Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go app to see current status (IRS, “Where’s My Refund?”: https://www.irs.gov/refunds). The IRS typically shows refund status for individual returns for the current year and the prior year.
  • Wait the recommended timeframe before filing a trace: generally 21 days after e-filing or up to six weeks for mailed (paper) returns. These windows let normal processing and postal delivery occur (IRS guidance: https://www.irs.gov/refunds).

Step 2 — Identify how the refund was issued

  • Direct deposit: If the IRS reports the refund was deposited but you didn’t get it, contact your bank immediately. Banks can often trace deposits. If the deposit went to the wrong account because of an input error, your bank is the first line of recovery.
  • Paper check sent by mail: If the IRS shows a check issued and it has not cleared, you can start an IRS trace.
  • Offset or applied to debt: The Treasury Offset Program (TOP) can reduce or take your refund to satisfy federal or state debts (Treasury Offset Program: https://fiscal.treasury.gov/services/treasury-offset-program/). If you see “offset” shown online or on IRS notices, follow the offset notice instructions and consult the agency that received the offset.

Step 3 — Start a trace with Form 3911

  • Use Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, to request a refund trace or to report a missing refund check (IRS Form 3911 page: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-3911). The form asks whether the check was lost, stolen, or never received.
  • Mail or fax the completed Form 3911 as directed on the form or include it with the response requested on any IRS notice. Your IRS local office can also assist.
  • The IRS will investigate and confirm whether the check was cashed. If it wasn’t cashed, the IRS can stop payment and issue a replacement.

Timing: Investigations and replacements can take several weeks. Typical traces can take 45–60 days depending on the situation; direct-deposit investigations depend heavily on your bank’s cooperation. (IRS guidance and processing times vary; consult the Form 3911 page above.)

Step 4 — If identity verification or fraud is involved

  • If the IRS places your refund on hold to verify identity, follow the instructions in any IRS notice and use the IRS identity verification resources. Identity holds require additional documentation and can delay refunds until verification is complete (see our guide on Tracking Refunds After an Identity Verification Hold).

Step 5 — When the IRS applied an offset

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Filing a trace too soon. Initiating a trace before the IRS’s recommended wait time can slow resolution.
  • Ignoring IRS notices. Notices explain reason for delay, offset, or verification requests; they often contain a deadline or required action.
  • Assuming the IRS can reverse a direct deposit quickly. If funds were deposited to the wrong bank account, the bank—not the IRS—usually must originate recovery.

Practical tips from practice

  • Keep a copy of your return, bank statements, and any IRS letters. When I help clients, the quickest wins come from having clear proof of filing, routing/account numbers, and correspondence.
  • Use certified mail for documents you send to the IRS if you need delivery proof.
  • If you face a long delay or are experiencing financial hardship because of a missing refund, consider contacting the Taxpayer Advocate Service for help (https://taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/).

When to escalate

  • If the IRS hasn’t resolved a trace after the typical timeframe, or if you have evidence of theft or identity fraud, escalate via the Taxpayer Advocate Service or consult a qualified tax professional.

Short FAQ

  • How long for a reissued refund? Reissues depend on results of the trace and bank cooperation; expect several weeks—often 45–60 days—from when the IRS starts the investigation.
  • Can I cancel a direct deposit? Contact your bank immediately. The IRS cannot unilaterally reroute a deposit once it posts without bank action.
  • What if IRS applied my refund to someone else’s debt? You’ll receive a notice showing the offset; follow the notice’s appeal instructions and consult our page on offsets for next steps (Understanding Refund Offsets…).

Authoritative references

Professional disclaimer

This article is educational only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. For guidance specific to your return, contact a qualified tax professional or the IRS.

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