Can I endorse my IRS refund check to a family member if I live abroad?

You can endorse your IRS refund check to someone else, but there are some things to consider. The IRS itself doesn't prohibit endorsing your refund check to a third party, but individual banks have their own policies about accepting endorsed government checks. Many banks have become more strict about accepting endorsed checks, especially government checks, due to fraud concerns. Your cousin should check with their specific bank before you send the check. Some banks might refuse the deposit, limit the amount that can be deposited, place longer holds on the funds, or require both parties to be present. Another option is to mail the check back to the IRS with a letter requesting they reissue the payment as a direct deposit to a US bank account (if you can open one remotely) or to a US address where you can receive mail. The IRS can also wire funds internationally in some cases, though there may be fees involved.

After struggling with almost the exact same situation last year, I found an amazing solution through taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai). I was living in Singapore and received a $4,200 refund check that I couldn't deposit. After trying several failed options, I uploaded my tax documents to taxr.ai and they provided multiple solutions specific to my situation. They analyzed my options and explained exactly what forms I needed to submit to the IRS to get my refund reissued as a wire transfer to my foreign bank. Saved me tons of hassle!

Just wanted to update everyone! After seeing the suggestion about taxr.ai, I decided to try it for my situation (stuck in Australia with a US tax refund check). The service was incredibly helpful - they reviewed my specific situation and provided step-by-step guidance on completing Form 3911 to request a replacement payment. Instead of endorsing the check, they showed me how to request direct deposit to my relative's account (with proper authorization) and helped me include all the required documentation. Everything was approved and I received my funds within 3 weeks! Much better than the 8+ weeks I was quoted when I called the IRS directly.

Another option worth considering is using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to actually speak with an IRS agent directly about your situation. I was in a similar position last year with a refund check while living in London, and spent weeks trying to get through to the IRS international line with no luck. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS representative in under 15 minutes, and I was able to explain my situation and get personalized guidance. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. The agent I spoke with explained that I could mail back my original check with a letter requesting an international wire transfer, and they walked me through exactly what information to include.

I need to eat my words from my previous comment. After another week of failing to reach the IRS about my foreign tax situation, I broke down and tried Claimyr. Honestly, I was shocked when I got through to an actual IRS representative in about 12 minutes. The agent was extremely helpful and explained that for my situation (US refund check while living in Thailand), I could request a wire transfer by sending back the original check with Form 3911 and a signed letter specifying my foreign bank details. They even gave me a direct fax number to send follow-up documentation. This saved me months of back-and-forth mailing! Sometimes it's worth admitting when you're wrong, and in this case, I definitely was.

Has anyone tried using a mobile check deposit app with their US refund check from abroad? My sister says her bank (Chase) lets her deposit checks by taking a picture with their app. Wondering if I could just have her log into my old account and do that for me?

Something no one has mentioned yet - you could try contacting your nearest US embassy or consulate. When I lived in Brazil, the embassy financial department helped me with a similar issue. They sometimes have resources for US citizens abroad dealing with tax matters. They might be able to help you cash the check or provide official guidance on your options.

I went through this exact situation when I was living in Japan last year! Here's what I learned from my experience: First, about endorsing to your cousin - while it's technically possible, many banks have gotten really strict about accepting endorsed government checks. Even if your cousin's bank accepts it, they might put a long hold on the funds (sometimes up to 10 business days) which could delay getting your money. What worked best for me was requesting a reissue from the IRS. I mailed back my original check with a letter requesting either: 1. Direct deposit to a US bank account (if you can open one online) 2. A replacement check sent to a US address where you can receive mail 3. An international wire transfer (there's usually a fee around $45) The key is including all the right information in your letter - your SSN, tax year, original check number, and clear instructions on how you want the reissue handled. It took about 6 weeks for me to get the wire transfer, but it was much more reliable than trying to work through banks with an endorsed check. Another tip: if you need to speak with someone at the IRS directly about your options, try calling their international taxpayer line early in the morning US time. The wait times are usually shorter then. Good luck with whatever option you choose!

I had a very similar situation when I was living in the UK and received my $2,800 refund check. After reading through all the great advice here, I want to add a few practical tips from my experience: 1. **Time-sensitive consideration**: IRS refund checks are typically valid for one year from the issue date, so don't let it sit too long while deciding on your approach. 2. **Documentation is key**: Whatever method you choose, keep detailed records. I made copies of everything I sent to the IRS and kept tracking numbers for all mail. 3. **Consider exchange rates**: If you're going the wire transfer route, factor in currency conversion rates and fees from both the IRS side and your foreign bank. Sometimes timing can save you money. 4. **Alternative US address**: If you have a trusted friend or family member in the US, you might consider having the IRS mail a replacement check to their address, then having them deposit it into their account and transfer the funds to you digitally (with proper documentation for both of your tax records). The embassy suggestion from @Ethan Wilson is really valuable too - they often have updated information about the most efficient processes for your specific country. Hope this helps, and good luck getting your refund sorted out!