First, Confirm Your Refund Was Really Sent
Check the date and status in the IRS refund tracker (Where’s My Refund) or your IRS online account before you act. Your wait starts on the issue date.
If your refund arrived but was smaller than expected, it may have been offset. A refund offset is when the government uses part or all of your refund to pay a debt, such as prior taxes, child support, federal agency nontax debt or state income tax.
The Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS), the Treasury office that issues IRS refunds, mails you a notice about the offset. The IRS doesn’t get offset details, so use that notice for questions. Learn more on Treasury’s offset program page.
How Long to Wait Before You Act
| Refund method | Typical timing | When to act |
|---|---|---|
| Direct deposit (e-filed, no issues) | More than 9 in 10 are issued in less than 21 days | Contact your bank, then file Form 3911 if two weeks pass with no results |
| Paper check | Should arrive within 4 weeks of the issue date | Request a refund trace after 4 weeks |
Paper checks are now rare. The IRS generally stopped issuing them to individual taxpayers after Sept. 30, 2025, under Executive Order 14247, with limited exceptions. For expected timing, see the IRS Refund Schedule 2026.
If Your Direct Deposit Didn’t Arrive
IRS direct deposit guidance says to contact your bank first. It also tells you to double-check your routing number (the number that identifies your bank) and account number before filing. The IRS isn’t responsible for errors made by you or your tax preparer.
- Ask your bank about the deposit.
- If two weeks pass with no results, file Form 3911, Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund, to start a trace. The IRS then contacts the bank for you.
- Plan for a wait. Banks have up to 90 days to respond, and resolution may take up to 120 days.
- If the bank returns the money to the IRS, the IRS generally mails a paper check to your last known address.
If the bank can’t or won’t return the money, the IRS can’t force it. It may become a civil matter between you and the bank or account owner.
If your return hasn’t posted to IRS records yet, you can call 800-829-1040 to stop the direct deposit.
If Your Paper Check Didn’t Arrive
After 4 weeks from the issue date, you can request a trace for a lost or stolen check. Have your tax return on hand.
| Filing status | How to start a refund trace |
|---|---|
| Single, married filing separately or head of household | Use the refund tracker or IRS2Go app (current-year refunds only), or call 800-829-1954 |
| Married filing jointly | Call 800-829-1040, or complete and mail Form 3911 |
What Happens After a Refund Trace
The refund trace outcome depends on whether someone cashed the check.
- If the check wasn’t cashed and is less than a year old, the IRS cancels it and mails a new one, which should arrive within 4 weeks of issue.
- If the uncashed check is more than a year old, the IRS mails a new check with a CP32 notice.
- If the IRS can’t reissue the check, it mails a CP32A notice asking you to contact them.
- If the check was cashed, BFS mails you a claim package and a copy of the cashed check. Its review of your claim and signature can take up to 6 weeks.
Sources
- IRS, Refunds
- IRS, Direct Deposit Your Refund
- IRS, IR-2025-94
- IRS, Q&A on Executive Order 14247
- Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Treasury Offset Program
