Receiving a tax refund check from the IRS is certainly reassuring, but what should you do if you happen to forget to cash it? While IRS refund checks do not expire immediately, they are only valid for a limited period. If you have an uncashed refund check, here’s what you need to know about expiration dates, replacement options, and how to handle state refund checks.
How long is an IRS refund check valid?
The IRS typically allows taxpayers one year from the date a refund check is issued to cash it. If you don’t cash the check within that time frame, it becomes void, meaning the bank will not accept it. However, this doesn’t mean you’ve lost your refund permanently—there are steps you can take to get a replacement.
What to do if your refund check expires
If your refund check has expired, don’t worry—you can still request a replacement. The IRS issues refund checks through the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and as long as the original check was never cashed, you can get a new one. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Contact the IRS – Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and explain that your refund check has expired.
2. Request a Claim Form–The IRS will send you a form to complete to verify your request for a replacement check.
3. Wait for Processing – After submitting the form, the IRS will review your claim and issue a new refund check if everything checks out.
The replacement process may take several weeks, so it’s best to cash your check as soon as possible after receiving it.
What about state tax refunds?
Unlike federal tax refund checks, the expiration period for state tax refunds varies depending on the state. Some states have the same one-year rule as the IRS, while others may have shorter or longer expiration windows. If you have an expired state tax refund, you will need to contact your state’s Department of Revenue to request a replacement.
To check your state’s refund check policies, visit the state tax authority’s website or call their customer service line.
Can I get my refund directly instead?
To avoid dealing with lost or expired checks, the IRS offers direct deposit as a refund option. Direct deposit sends your refund directly to your bank account, eliminating the risk of lost, stolen, or expired paper checks. If you typically receive a paper check and want to switch to direct deposit, you can update your refund preference when filing your next tax return.
Read this page later: What education tax credits and deductions are available for students and their families
Bad news for millions of Americans – This is the map showing the states where IRS tax returns will change in 2026 with a…
A California couple tries to pay their taxes in advance to the IRS, they make a mistake by paying $33,060 and their nightmare begins
Starting in 2026, taxpayers can deduct up to $2,000 in cash donations without itemizing—here’s how to qualify and maximize your IRS charitable contribution savings
National Chicken Wing Day 2025 – These are the best discounts and free food deals at Buffalo Wild Wings, Wingstop and Popeyes
Tropicale Foods recalls 14 ice cream products due to undeclared milk – These are the batches and brands affected by the recall
How to track your IRS refund status
If you’re unsure about the status of your refund or whether a check was issued, you can track your refund online:
- Visit the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website.
- Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
- If a check was issued but never received, you may need to request a reissue.
You can also call the IRS directly for updates if your check has not arrived or appears to be missing.
