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The Daily Insight

How long does it take for the IRS to do a refund trace?

Author

Sarah Duran

Published Apr 30, 2026

According to the IRS it can take up to six weeks to complete the trace. See this article for more information and how to initiate a trace.

How long does a stimulus trace take?

How soon after requesting a payment trace will your stimulus check arrive? You should get a response from the IRS about six weeks after the agency receives your request for a payment trace, according to its website.

Typically, you can expect the IRS to complete a payment trace within six weeks of the date of your request. However, you might experience processing delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

What would the IRS send in the mail?

The IRS sends notices and letters for the following reasons: You have a balance due. You are due a larger or smaller refund. We have a question about your tax return.

What Is a IRS trace?

A trace is a process for tracking down a lost, stolen or misplaced payment. The IRS says you may need to trace your payment if: The IRS Get My Payment tool says your stimulus money was issued, yet it never arrived. You received a letter from the IRS stating your payment was sent, but you never received it.

What happens if I lose my IRS refund check?

How do I get a new one? If you lost your refund check, you should initiate a refund trace: Call us at 800-829-1954 (toll-free) and either use the automated system or speak with an agent.

Where do I send my past due tax return?

File your past due return the same way and to the same location where you would file an on-time return. If you have received a notice, make sure to send your past due return to the location indicated on the notice you received.

How to request a transcript of a federal tax return?

Form W-9 Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and Certification Form 4506-T Request for Transcript of Tax Return Form W-4 Employee’s Withholding Certificate Form 941 Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return

Where do I Mail my federal tax return?

The list is complete with addresses of the IRS processing centers where you can mail your return whether you include a check or money order. If you live in… Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

What’s the correct address to file a tax return?

A foreign country, U.S. possession or territory, or use an APO or FPO address, or file Form 2555, 2555-EZ, or 4563, or are a duel status alien Also, be careful as you drive to the post office! Every year, car crash fatalities actually spike by 6% around Tax Day.