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The IRS 3911 form plays a crucial role for taxpayers seeking assistance in tracking their tax refunds. When individuals encounter issues with their tax refunds, such as delays or missing payments, this form serves as a formal request for the IRS to investigate the status of their refund. It allows taxpayers to provide essential information, such as their Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year in question. By submitting the IRS 3911, individuals can initiate a process that may lead to the resolution of their refund issues. Understanding how to properly fill out this form is vital, as accurate information can expedite the investigation. Additionally, knowing where to send the completed form and what to expect in response can help taxpayers navigate the often complex world of tax refunds more effectively.
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Form 3911
(October 2022)
Department of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service
Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund
OMB Number
The information below is in reply to your inquiry on |
about your Federal tax refund for |
If you did not receive your refund or if the refund check you received was lost, stolen or destroyed, complete the entire form. If there are portions of the form that do not apply to you, you may mark them as N/A. Return to us in the envelope provided or fax the form to
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Note: You must complete a separate Form 3911 for each refund for which you are requesting information.
Note: If you are in possession of a check which was not cashed within one year of the issue date as the law requires, it can no longer be cashed, contact the service for instructions on how to return your check.
For information on how to complete or where to send this form, visit
Section I
Print your current name(s), taxpayer identification number (for individuals, this may be your social security number or your ITIN, for businesses, it is your employer identification number) and address, including ZIP code. If you filed a joint return, enter the information of both spouses on lines 1 and 2 below.
1. Your name
Taxpayer Identification Number
2.Spouse’s name (if a name is entered here, spouse must sign on line 11)
Taxpayer Identification Number
3. Current address |
Apt. No. |
City |
State |
ZIP code |
Give us a phone number where you can be reached between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Include area code.
Area code |
Telephone number |
Enter the information on line 4 exactly as it appeared on your tax return, if no change from above, enter N/A in fields below.
4. Name(s)
Address on return if different from current address |
Apt. No. |
City |
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State ZIP code |
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If you authorized a representative to receive your refund check, enter his or her name and mailing address below. |
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5. |
Name of representative |
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6. Address (include ZIP code) |
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7. |
Type of return |
Individual |
Business, |
Form |
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Other |
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Tax period |
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Type of refund requested |
Check |
Direct Deposit |
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Refund amount |
$ |
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Name of bank (where you normally cash or deposit your checks) |
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Date filed |
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Account type |
Checking |
Saving |
Other |
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Bank RTN |
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Account number |
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Section II |
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Refund Information (check all boxes that apply to you) |
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8. |
I didn’t receive a refund. |
I received a refund check, but it was |
Lost |
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Stolen |
Destroyed |
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9. |
I received the refund check and signed it. |
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NOTE: The law doesn’t allow us to issue a replacement check if you endorsed it and someone other than you cashed the check, since that person didn’t forge your signature.
Section III
Certification
Sign below. If this refund was from a joint return, both spouses must sign, before we can begin a trace.
Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this form, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, the information is true, correct, and complete. I request that you send a replacement refund, and if I receive two refunds, I will return one.
10. |
Signature (for business returns, signature of person authorized to sign the check) |
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Date |
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11. |
Spouse’s signature, if required (for businesses, enter the title of the person who signed above) |
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Date |
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Catalog Number 41167W |
www.irs.gov |
Form 3911 (Rev. |
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Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice
We ask for the information on this form to carry out the Internal Revenue laws of the United States.
You aren’t required to give us the information since the refund you claimed has already been issued. However, without the information we won’t be able to trace your refund, and may be unable to replace it. You may give us the information we need in a letter.
We need the information to ensure that you are complying with these laws and to allow us to determine the correctness of your refund or the right amount of payment. Your Social Security Number and the other information are being requested in order that the Department of the Treasury can process your refund. The authority of requesting your social security number is 26 United States Code, section 6109. If you cannot or will not furnish the information, the tracing of your refund may be delayed.
You are not required to provide the information requested on a form that is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act unless the form displays a valid OMB control number. Books or record relating to a form or its instructions must be retained as long as their contents may become material in the administration of any Internal Revenue law. Generally, tax returns and return information are confidential, as required by Internal Revenue Code section 6103. The time needed to compete and file this form will vary depending on individual circumstances. The estimated average time is less than 5 minutes.
If you have comments concerning the accuracy of this time estimate or suggestions for making this form simpler, we would be happy to hear from you. You can write to the Internal Revenue Service, Attention: Tax Products Coordinating Committee, Western Area Distribution Center, Rancho Cordova, CA
Do not send this form to this office. Instead, please use the envelope provided or mail the form to the Internal Revenue Service center where you would normally file a paper tax return.
Catalog Number 41167W |
www.irs.gov |
Form 3911 (Rev. |
Form Specifications
| Fact Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | The IRS Form 3911 is used to request a trace of a tax refund that has not been received. |
| Eligibility | Any taxpayer who has not received their expected tax refund can file this form. |
| Submission Method | Form 3911 can be submitted by mail or fax, depending on the specific instructions provided by the IRS. |
| Time Frame | Typically, taxpayers should wait at least 21 days after e-filing or 6 weeks after mailing a paper return before submitting Form 3911. |
| Processing Time | Once submitted, it may take the IRS several weeks to process the request and provide a response. |
| State Forms | Some states may have their own forms for tracking tax refunds; for example, California has Form 540, governed by California Revenue and Taxation Code. |
| Information Required | Taxpayers must provide personal information, including Social Security Number, filing status, and details of the refund expected. |
| Refund Trace | A refund trace will help determine if the refund was issued, cashed, or if it was lost in transit. |
| Contacting the IRS | Taxpayers can also contact the IRS directly for updates on their refund status before submitting Form 3911. |
| Follow-Up | After submitting Form 3911, taxpayers should keep a copy for their records and follow up if they do not receive a response in a reasonable time. |
IRS 3911: Usage Guidelines
Filling out the IRS Form 3911 requires careful attention to detail. Once completed, this form will be submitted to the IRS for processing. Ensure that all information is accurate to avoid delays in the handling of your request.
- Obtain a copy of IRS Form 3911. This can be downloaded from the IRS website or obtained at a local IRS office.
- Start with the top section of the form. Enter your name as it appears on your tax return.
- Fill in your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
- Provide your current address. Include the street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
- Indicate your telephone number where you can be reached.
- In the next section, specify the type of tax return you are inquiring about (e.g., individual, business, etc.).
- Enter the tax year for which you are filing the inquiry.
- Detail the reason for your inquiry. Be clear and concise in explaining your situation.
- Sign and date the form. This confirms that the information provided is accurate to the best of your knowledge.
- Make a copy of the completed form for your records before submitting it.
- Submit the form to the appropriate IRS address listed in the instructions.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the IRS 3911 form?
The IRS 3911 form is used to initiate an inquiry regarding a tax refund that has not been received. If you believe you are owed a refund and have not received it within the expected timeframe, this form allows you to formally request information about the status of your refund.
Who should use the IRS 3911 form?
This form is designed for individuals who have filed their tax returns and are waiting for their refunds. If you have checked the IRS online tools and still have not received your refund, the 3911 form is a suitable option to seek assistance.
How do I obtain the IRS 3911 form?
You can obtain the IRS 3911 form directly from the IRS website. It is available for download in PDF format. Additionally, you may request a paper copy by calling the IRS or visiting a local IRS office.
What information do I need to provide on the form?
When completing the IRS 3911 form, you will need to provide personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, and address. You should also include details about your tax return, including the tax year in question and the amount of the refund you are expecting.
How do I submit the IRS 3911 form?
You can submit the completed IRS 3911 form by mailing it to the address specified in the instructions on the form. Ensure that you keep a copy for your records. If you are unsure about the mailing address, you can verify it on the IRS website or contact their customer service.
What happens after I submit the IRS 3911 form?
Once the IRS receives your form, they will review the information provided. You may receive a follow-up communication from them, either by mail or phone, to clarify any details or to inform you about the status of your refund. The process may take several weeks, so patience is essential.
Can I track the status of my inquiry?
Unfortunately, there is no specific tracking system for inquiries made through the IRS 3911 form. However, you can check the status of your refund using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool, provided you have the necessary information to do so.
What if I still do not receive my refund after submitting the form?
If you do not receive your refund after submitting the IRS 3911 form, you may need to contact the IRS directly for further assistance. They can provide updates on your inquiry and help resolve any issues that may have arisen.
Is there a deadline for submitting the IRS 3911 form?
While there is no specific deadline for submitting the IRS 3911 form, it is advisable to do so as soon as you realize your refund is delayed. The sooner you address the issue, the quicker the IRS can assist you in resolving it.
Can I use the IRS 3911 form for other tax-related inquiries?
The IRS 3911 form is specifically intended for refund inquiries. If you have other tax-related questions or issues, different forms or processes may be more appropriate. It’s important to identify the correct method for your specific situation to ensure timely assistance.
Common mistakes
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Failing to provide complete personal information. Ensure that your name, Social Security number, and address are accurate and fully filled out.
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Not signing the form. It may seem minor, but an unsigned form can lead to delays or rejection of your request.
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Incorrectly identifying the type of refund. Be clear about whether you're seeking a refund for an overpayment, a credit, or another reason.
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Providing outdated contact information. Make sure to include your current phone number and email address for effective communication.
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Missing supporting documentation. Attach any necessary documents that substantiate your claim, such as previous tax returns or notices from the IRS.
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Failing to double-check for errors. Simple mistakes in numbers or letters can cause significant delays in processing your request.
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Not keeping a copy of the submitted form. Always retain a copy for your records, as this can be helpful in future communications with the IRS.
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Ignoring deadlines. Be aware of any timelines for submitting the form to ensure your request is processed in a timely manner.
Documents used along the form
The IRS 3911 form, also known as the "Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund," is used to inquire about the status of a tax refund. When filing this form, you may need to accompany it with other documents to support your request or provide additional information. Below is a list of forms and documents that are often used alongside the IRS 3911 form.
- Form 1040: This is the standard individual income tax return form. It provides a comprehensive overview of your income, deductions, and credits for the tax year.
- Form 4506-T: This form allows you to request a transcript of your tax return. It is useful for verifying your tax information when inquiring about your refund.
- Form 8822: Use this form to notify the IRS of a change of address. If your address has changed since you filed your return, this form is essential for ensuring accurate communication.
- Form 9465: This is the application for an installment agreement. If you owe taxes and are unable to pay in full, this form helps you set up a payment plan.
- Form 1040-X: This is the amended U.S. individual income tax return. If you need to correct errors on your original return, this form is necessary to make those changes.
When submitting the IRS 3911 form, consider including any relevant documents to expedite the process. This can help clarify your situation and ensure the IRS has all the information needed to assist you.
Similar forms
The IRS Form 3911, known as the "Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund," serves specific purposes for individuals seeking information about their tax refunds. Several other documents share similarities with Form 3911 in terms of their function and purpose. Below are four such documents:
- Form 1040X: This is the "Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return." Like Form 3911, it allows taxpayers to address issues related to their tax filings, including correcting errors or claiming additional refunds.
- Form 4506-T: This is the "Request for Transcript of Tax Return." Taxpayers use it to obtain tax return transcripts, which can provide information about their tax filings and refund status, similar to the information sought through Form 3911.
- Form 8822: This is the "Change of Address" form. While it primarily serves to update the IRS with a new address, it can also indirectly relate to refund inquiries, as incorrect address information may delay the receipt of refunds.
- Form 843: This is the "Claim for Refund and Request for Abatement." Taxpayers use this form to request a refund of certain taxes or penalties, paralleling the refund inquiry aspect of Form 3911.
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the IRS 3911 form, it’s important to follow specific guidelines to ensure your submission is accurate and effective. Here’s a list of things you should and shouldn’t do:
- Do read the instructions carefully before starting.
- Do provide accurate personal information, including your Social Security number.
- Do sign and date the form to validate your submission.
- Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
- Don’t leave any required fields blank; this can delay processing.
- Don’t use pencil; always fill out the form in black or blue ink.
- Don’t submit the form without double-checking for errors.
- Don’t forget to include any necessary supporting documents.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your IRS 3911 form is processed smoothly and efficiently.
Misconceptions
The IRS 3911 form, also known as the "Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund," is often misunderstood. Here are four common misconceptions about this form:
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The IRS 3911 form is only for individuals who have filed their taxes late.
This is not true. While the form can be used by those who have not received their refund on time, it is also applicable for anyone who believes there is an issue with their refund, regardless of when they filed their taxes.
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Filing a 3911 guarantees a faster refund.
This misconception can lead to disappointment. Submitting the 3911 form initiates an inquiry into the status of a refund, but it does not expedite the processing of that refund. The IRS still follows its standard procedures.
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The 3911 form can only be submitted online.
This is incorrect. While electronic submission is an option, taxpayers can also print the form and mail it to the appropriate IRS address. Choosing the method that is most convenient is important.
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Once the 3911 is filed, taxpayers will receive immediate feedback.
This is a common misunderstanding. After filing the form, it may take several weeks to receive a response from the IRS. Patience is key, as the IRS processes inquiries in the order they are received.
Key takeaways
The IRS 3911 form is an important document for taxpayers who need to request a refund trace. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when filling out and using this form:
- Ensure you provide accurate information. Double-check your Social Security number and other personal details.
- Use the form if you have not received your refund after the expected timeframe. This is typically 21 days for e-filed returns.
- Keep a copy of the completed form for your records. This helps track your request and serves as proof of submission.
- Submit the form to the appropriate IRS address based on your state. Each state has a designated location for processing refund traces.
- Be patient after submission. It can take several weeks for the IRS to process your request and respond.