How long does it take IRS to trace a missing check?

If you are expecting a tax refund check from the IRS and it never arrives, it can be incredibly frustrating. Unfortunately, missing or lost IRS checks are an all-too-common occurrence. The good news is that the IRS has procedures in place to trace missing checks and issue replacements. Here’s what you need to know about how long it takes the IRS to trace a missing refund check.

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How the IRS Traces Missing Checks

When the IRS issues a refund check, the payment information is recorded in their systems. If that check never arrives at your address, here are the steps the IRS will take to trace it:

The IRS will first verify that the check was indeed issued and mailed to your address.
They will then initiate a trace on the missing check to track its status through the banking system.
If it is determined that you did not receive the check, the IRS will take steps to replace it.

Essentially, the IRS will audit their own records and follow the paper trail to figure out what happened to your missing check. This process involves tracking the check through the US Treasury and postal systems to pinpoint where it may have gone astray.

How Long Does It Take the IRS to Trace a Check?

The IRS says it can take up to 6 weeks for them to complete a trace on a missing refund check. Here is a breakdown of the typical timeline:

2-3 weeks to initiate the trace and verify with their records that your check is missing.

1-2 weeks for the banking trace process.
1-2 weeks for the IRS to receive the results of the trace and determine next steps.

That adds up to a 4-6 week process under normal circumstances. However, delays can extend this timeline, especially during tax season when the IRS is inundated with tax filings and refunds.

Factors That Impact the Tracing Timeline

While 4-6 weeks is typical, several factors can result in it taking the IRS longer to trace and replace a missing refund check:

Mailing delays – If there are USPS delays in a certain region, it can take longer for the IRS to realize a check is missing in transit.
Staffing shortages – The IRS has been understaffed, which translates to delays throughout the system.

Incorrect information – If your address or other information is inaccurate, it can prolong the trace.
Tax season backlogs – High refund request volumes during tax season can severely back up the tracing process.

Essentially, anything that complicates or overwhelms the workflow has the potential to extend the timeline before you get your replacement check. The IRS advises allowing additional time for tracing and reissuing during tax season (January through April).

Contacting the IRS About a Missing Check

If it’s been more than 6 weeks since your refund check was scheduled to arrive, it’s appropriate to contact the IRS directly. Here are some tips for following up on a late refund check:

Call the IRS at 800-829-1954 to speak with a representative about your missing check.
Be prepared to provide your Social Security number as identification.

Let them know when you filed your return, when your refund was approved, and the date you expected the check.
Double-check that your address on file is accurate.
Request that they initiate a trace – this starts the 6 week process.

Take notes on the trace reference number they provide.

This call confirms that the IRS has all the facts to properly track your missing refund check. It also establishes trace timing in case you need to follow up again down the road.

Next Steps After Contacting the IRS

After you contact the IRS to trace your missing refund check, here is what you can expect next:

The IRS representative will review your account and verify that a refund check was issued.
If it was, they will submit a trace request and provide you with a trace number.
You will have to allow 4-6 weeks for the IRS to complete the check tracing process.

If the check remains lost, the IRS will issue a replacement check for the full amount.
Replacement checks are typically received 6-8 weeks after a trace is initiated.

Essentially, you need to wait out the 4-6 week tracing window before your replacement check can be reissued. This process confirms that the original check is well and truly lost before the IRS will replace it.

Expediting a Replacement Check

As frustrating as it is, there is really no way to speed up the standard timelines for the IRS tracing a missing check. However, here are a few scenarios where you may receive a replacement sooner:

If you have a financial hardship, the IRS can reissue your check within 2 weeks of completing the trace.
If your check was stolen and cashed fraudulently, the IRS may waive trace timelines.

If IRS errors caused the check issues, they will expedite replacements.

Outside of exceptional situations, the IRS cautions taxpayers to expect the standard 4-6 weeks to complete a missing check trace. Contact them right away so the process can get underway.

Avoiding Check-Related IRS Delays

To avoid IRS check tracing delays down the road, here are some tips:

Double-check your address when filing taxes so refunds go to the right place.
Opt for direct deposit if possible, eliminating mailed check uncertainties.
If you move, notify the IRS of your new address so checks route properly.

Follow up quickly on any refunds that are not received when expected.

Taking these preventative steps can help avoid check-related headaches. But if you do end up with a missing IRS refund check, remember to allow 4-6 weeks for tracing before you receive your replacement.

The Takeaway

Having to trace a missing or lost refund check can certainly test your patience. But the IRS has a methodical process to track down undelivered checks and issue replacements. Simply call them with your information, request a trace, and then allow 4-6 weeks for them to complete the process and mail your new check. With some diligence on your end, you can rest assured that your tax refund will eventually reach you.