IRS undelivered or lost refund checks (Where's My Refund?)

Refund checks that were returned to the IRS as undeliverable (often because you moved) or that were lost or stolen.

Run by: Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Cost: Free

How to check and claim

Check status with Where's My Refund? (the IRS refund tracker), your IRS online account, or the IRS app; you need your SSN or ITIN, filing status, tax year and exact refund amount.
If you moved, update your address with the IRS (Form 8822).
For a lost or stolen check, ask for a refund trace through the refund tracker or 800-829-1954 (current-year refunds, single/separate/head of household filers), or by calling 800-829-1040 or sending Form 3911 (married filing jointly).

Go to the official site.

Checking is free. The FTC warns that the government will not call or text you asking you to pay to search for unclaimed money. Go to the official site yourself and never pay a "processing" fee.

Other places to check

MissingMoney.com and NAUPA state unclaimed property search U.S. savings bonds (TreasuryDirect)IRS refunds from tax returns never filed (3-year rule)NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator PBGC unclaimed pension search Retirement Savings Lost and Found Database (Department of Labor)FDIC unclaimed funds from failed banks NCUA unclaimed deposits from closed credit unions HUD/FHA mortgage insurance premium refunds VA unclaimed life insurance funds SEC and FTC refunds from enforcement cases Class action settlements: how to check that one is real

Sources

IRS undelivered or lost refund checks (Where's My Refund?)

Last checked: Oct 21, 2026.