Tax refunds do not always get delivered when we expect them. There are various reasons why the check may not reach the addressee: it can get lost in the mail, or an error occurs in the mailing system, or in the records, or something else may happen. Nobody is 100 percent protected from unexpected circumstances.
Thus, if the taxpayer did not get the check when it is due, they have to complete Form 3911, thereby requesting the status of tax refunds on their application. This document helps you and the Revenue Service understand why you did not receive the expected check.
It is important to note that the form only helps you find missed payments, but it does not aim to determine your eligibility for a tax deduction program. Look for and fill this form out if:
After you contact the IRS about this matter, they will send you a form. Or you can immediately use our form-building software to create this document. After filling it out, you will need to send the form to your department, which depends on the state where you live (usually either the Department of Treasury or the Department of Finance). If it was the IRS that sent you the document, you would find the return address on the envelope the form template came in. Use it to submit the completed form.
Other IRS Forms for Individuals
In our collection of IRS forms, there are forms for various life occasions. Check if there is anything you might need to file along with the IRS Form 3911.
To fill out the document correctly, you must use the original information from your tax return. It is necessary so that the Revenue Service could track the check, make a record that you have not received your tax refund, and help understand where it could have possibly gone (and if it actually got lost).
You can use our form-building software to create the necessary form template. Below we present you an illustrated step-by-step guide to help you complete this document.
Check or Give the Information at the Beginning
Sometimes the Revenue Service will send you a form with the information already entered at the beginning. In this case, just check if the data is correct. If you are filling out the form by yourself, then enter the following information:
Check the Status of Your Check
The service should also have identified the reason why you did not receive your refund. It mainly depends on the cause what sections you need to fill in:
Complete Section 1
This section is to be filled out by everyone without exception. Enter your full name, TIN, physical address, telephone number, and the type of return, including expected amount, and tax year.
If you have a spouse, ensure to fill in their name and TIN. Also then they should sign the form in Section 3.
If your name, physical address, or TIN has changed after filing the tax return, then you need to indicate the renewed information in the first three lines. In paragraph 4, indicate the required information as it was stated in the initial tax return form.
If you indicated a trusted person to receive your check, then you should also enter their details.
Complete Section 2
As a reminder, you do not need to complete this section if your check was returned by mail.
In this paragraph, you should note which points apply to your situation and provide information regarding the bank where you usually cash the check. This information may be able to help locate your paycheck.
Put Your Signs in Section 3
Date and sign the document. If you have filed a joint tax return with your spouse, then they must also sign the form and date in their own hand.
Do Not Fill in Section 4
This section is for use by the Service, so you do not need to complete it.
Submit the Form
If you have a self-addressed Revenue Service envelope, please send the document in this envelope to the specified contact details. If not, then just send to the same place where you send your tax returns.
