IRS Form 3911: Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund
Form 3911 asks the IRS to trace a refund that you never received, or one that was lost, stolen or destroyed. The IRS checks whether the refund was paid and, if it was cashed by someone else, starts a claim. The IRS page explains when to wait before filing it.
What this form is for
It starts a refund trace. If the refund was not cashed, the IRS can reissue it.
When people usually use it
People turn to it after Where's My Refund shows a refund was sent but it never arrived.
What to have ready
- The tax year and refund amount
- How the refund was sent, check or direct deposit
- Your bank details for direct deposit refunds
Notices that mention it
- IRS Notice CP12: Changes to your return: refund changed
- IRS Notice CP49: Refund applied to a tax debt
Related forms
- Form 8888: Allocation of Refund
- Form 1310: Statement of Person Claiming Refund Due a Deceased Taxpayer
- Form 8379: Injured Spouse Allocation
Read the IRS page
IRS.gov page for Form 3911 (opens in a new tab). The IRS page is the final word on this form.
Frequently asked questions
What is IRS Form 3911?
Form 3911 asks the IRS to trace a refund that you never received, or one that was lost, stolen or destroyed. The IRS checks whether the refund was paid and, if it was cashed by someone else, starts a claim. The IRS page explains when to wait before filing it.
Where do I get Form 3911?
Get it from IRS.gov. The IRS page for Form 3911, https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-3911, has the latest revision, the instructions and any recent changes.
Do I need to file Form 3911?
That depends on your own facts. The instructions on IRS.gov explain who uses Form 3911, and any IRS letter you got may say what it needs from you. This is not tax advice.
What should I have ready for Form 3911?
Gather: the tax year and refund amount; how the refund was sent, check or direct deposit; your bank details for direct deposit refunds. The instructions on IRS.gov list everything the form asks for.
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