State vs. Federal Tax Refunds
State tax refunds that go uncashed are escheated to the state's unclaimed property fund — the same office that handles bank account and utility deposit claims. Search your state's unclaimed property database and the state revenue or tax department's website.
Federal tax refunds do not go through the state unclaimed property system. They are handled directly by the IRS. If you have an unclaimed federal refund, you must contact the IRS or file a return for the relevant year. The IRS has a 3-year statute of limitations on claiming refunds — older federal refunds may no longer be available.
How State Refund Checks Become Unclaimed
The most common cause: you moved between filing your tax return and receiving the refund check. The check is mailed to your address on file with the state — which may be the address from your prior-year return — and if you didn't update your address or the check was undeliverable, it bounces back. After a holding period, it's transferred to unclaimed property.
How to Find and Claim a State Tax Refund
Search your state's unclaimed property database. The holder will be listed as your state's Department of Revenue or Department of Taxation. The property description will typically reference a tax refund or state warrant.
You can also contact your state tax authority directly — most have a "where's my refund" tool and a process for requesting reissuance of a prior-year refund check without going through the full unclaimed property claim process.
Documents Required
- Your government-issued photo ID
- A copy of the relevant state tax return if available
- Your prior address documentation if different from current address