Yes, you can cash or deposit a check from the IRS while living abroad, but the process will depend on your bank, whether you still have a US account, and the country where you reside. Some international payment services can also cash US Treasury checks directly, giving you another option if your local bank won’t accept them.
Here's an overview of what we'll cover—click any section to jump ahead.
- Who This Applies To
- How to Cash or Deposit an IRS Check While Living Abroad
- For Future Refunds
- Key Points to Keep in Mind
Who This Applies To
- US taxpayers living abroad who have received an IRS-issued check
- US expats without access to a US bank account, branch, or direct deposit
How to Cash or Deposit an IRS Check While Living Abroad
- Check with your local bank to see if they accept US Treasury checks. Ask about fees, processing times, and exchange rates. Some foreign banks will accept them for deposit, but processing can take weeks and may have high fees
- If you have a US bank account, use mobile check deposit or mail the check to your bank. This is often faster than a foreign bank and avoids immediate currency conversion. It also gives you more control over when and how you exchange the funds
- Use an international payment service like Currencies Direct; you can convert funds from USD into another currency at the time that works best for you, giving you more control to take advantage of favorable exchange rates
For Future Refunds
- If you have a US bank account, set up direct deposit to your US account to skip paper checks entirely
- Make sure your mailing address is current with the IRS to avoid delays or lost checks
Key Points to Keep in Mind
- IRS checks are generally valid for one year. It’s best to deposit them as soon as possible
- Not all foreign banks accept US Treasury checks; confirm before visiting your branch
- Processing times for foreign bank deposits can take 4–6 weeks or longer
- Fees and exchange rates can vary significantly depending on the bank or provider
Last updated: August 13, 2025