You can check the status of your tax refund without filing Form 3911 in one of several ways. You can use the IRS Check Your Refund online tool on the IRS web site, call the IRS' automated number: (800) 829-1954 to initiate the trace. However, married taxpayers filing a joint tax return cannot use this option. Finally, you can call the IRS and speak with an IRS representative at: (800) 829-1040