How Do You Obtain a Replacement of a Previously Issued Refund Check?
Please review the following information if you recently received a letter from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicating that a CBP issued refund was returned to the U.S. Treasury as undeliverable and was canceled or if you received a letter as a result of a recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and would like to request a replacement check. Below are instructions for updating your address with CBP, as well as information related to the option of receiving your replacement check electronically.
If you changed your address and did not properly update it within CBP's database you must complete CBP Form 5106 with the correct address.
If you have a valid continuous transaction bond on file with CBP and only the mailing address needs to be changed, you must send a completed CBP Form 5106 to the Bond Team (Debt Management Branch, Indianapolis, IN). If both the physical and mailing address must be changed then an address change rider along with an accompanying CBP Form 5106 must be sent to Bond Team (Debt Management Branch, Indianapolis, IN). These documents can be emailed to CBP.BONDQUESTIONS@DHS.GOV or faxed to (317) 614-4517 for processing.
Once your address has been updated please return a copy of the replacement check letter you received along with a statement that your address and bond have been updated to the Refunds Team (Collections, Refunds and Analysis Branch, Indianapolis, IN) using the contact information below.
If you do not have a valid bond on file with CBP please complete CBP Form 5106 with the correct address and return it with a copy of the replacement check letter you received to the Refunds Team (Collections, Refunds and Analysis Branch, Indianapolis, IN) using the contact information below. If all required information is received the address will be updated in CBP's database.
If you are a broker obtaining this information on behalf of your client you must submit a valid Power of Attorney (POA) before the replacement check can be issued. Please include the POA with a copy of the letter received along with a statement that the client's address and bond (if applicable) have been updated.
In all correspondence to the Revenue Division please include a valid contact name, telephone number and/or valid email address in case CBP would need to contact your company for further information.
Once the Revenue Division receives your response and verifies the address has been updated in CBP's database a replacement check will be issued to the updated address. Processing time for replacement of checks returned to the U.S. Treasury as undeliverable is 6-8 weeks. Please be aware, replacement of an original check deemed to be outstanding/not negotiated at the time of a FOIA response may not occur until 12 months has passed from the date on the original check if the check was initially mailed to a foreign address outside the United States (U.S.). Replacement of an original check mailed to a U.S. address that is deemed to be outstanding/not negotiated at the time of a FOIA response will not occur until 90 days from the date the replacement request has been received by the CBP Refunds Team.
In some cases, the importer number used for the refund has been voided in CBP's database. This will require you to consult the "Voided Importer Record FAQs".
Please address all correspondence related to replacement checks to:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Revenue Division/Refunds
8899 E 56th St
Indianapolis, IN 46249
Additional contact information
Refund Inquiry Phone Line: (317) 298-1200, ext. 4015
Refund Fax Line: (317) 298-1071 or 298-1259
Refund Email Address: revrefundinquiry@cbp.dhs.gov
When leaving messages on the refund inquiry line please provide your name, telephone number, entry number if applicable, importer number and dollar amount of refund, if known. CBP will only be able to research your inquiry before returning your call if enough information is provided in your message. Also, please feel free to use the email address for expedited service.
How Do You Sign Up for ACH if You Don't Want to Wait for a Replacement Check?
Please review the Details on ACH Refund webpage related to receiving funds electronically through Automated Clearinghouse (ACH). Electronic payments reduce the risk of receiving and depositing Treasury checks. In order to receive your payment through ACH you must complete the ACH Vendor/Miscellaneous Payment Enrollment Form which can be obtained by contacting (317) 298-1200 ext. 1178. Please direct any questions you may have regarding completion of the form to (317) 298-1200 ext. 1178. Your completed enrollment form along with a copy of the letter received should be sent to the Refunds Team via mail, fax or the documents can be scanned and emailed (see contact information above). Once your completed ACH Refund enrollment form has been processed the Refund Team will initiate processing of your replacement check. Please be aware that although you have requested to receive your replacement funds via ACH your refund payment is still subject to the 6-8 week replacement processing time. If necessary, please review the ACH Refund Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).