Here's what you need to do now: Step 1: Wait for the notice that corresponds with the 971 code. This will explain why they switched to a paper check. Don't take any action until you have this information. Step 2: Check your mailbox daily. Paper checks are typically mailed within 7-10 business days after the 971 code appears. Step 3: If you don't receive the check within 4 weeks, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to request a payment trace. Step 4: For next year, consider filing early in the season and double-check that your bank account name exactly matches your tax return name. Step 5: If you need to update your bank information with the IRS for future payments, use Form 8822 or update it through your online account. This is a fairly routine issue and doesn't indicate any problems with your return itself.

I work as a tax preparer and see this situation frequently during filing season. One thing that hasn't been mentioned yet is that the IRS also switches to paper checks if there's any discrepancy in the Social Security number verification process with the Social Security Administration. This can happen even if your SSN is correct on your return - sometimes there are temporary delays in the SSA database updates. Another common cause is if you've moved recently and there's a mismatch between your current address and what your bank has on file. The IRS cross-references this information as part of their fraud prevention measures. The 971 notice should arrive within the next few days and will give you the specific reason. In the meantime, you can also try calling the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877-777-4778 if you have a financial hardship situation that requires the refund urgently. They sometimes can expedite the process or provide more detailed information about the delay.

From what I've gathered from this community, the timeline seems to average around 3-4 weeks after verification, but can definitely vary. Have you checked your account transcript for any updates yet? Are you planning to call if it goes beyond a certain timeframe? Many people here recommend checking transcripts rather than WMR for the most accurate updates.

Congrats on getting through the in-person verification! That 47-minute wait sounds pretty typical from what I've seen others report here. Based on the experiences shared in this thread, it looks like you're looking at roughly 2-6 weeks for your account to update after verification. The range seems pretty wide depending on your return complexity. Since you mentioned needing to plan your budget precisely for the semester, I'd probably plan for the longer end (4-6 weeks) just to be safe, especially if you have any credits like EIC or education credits that might add processing time. Keep checking your transcript weekly - that tends to update before WMR shows any movement. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but you've cleared the biggest hurdle by completing the verification!

Don't forget to check if the previous owners made any improvements too! Those also add to your basis. When I bought my house, the seller gave me a list of major improvements they'd made, but I never thought to ask about the bathroom they said was remodeled "years ago" - turns out it was a $24k remodel just before they bought the place! I found this out by chatting with neighbors who remembered the work being done.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with a similar situation but with improvements from even earlier - my house has additions from the 1960s that my grandparents made. Reading through all these suggestions, I think I'll start with checking the county assessor's office for old building permits, then try researching historical construction costs through the library archives. One question though - when you're estimating these old improvement costs, do you need to be super precise or is a reasonable range acceptable? Like if a bathroom remodel in 1984 could have cost anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000, should I go with the middle estimate or be more conservative? I want to maximize my basis adjustment but also don't want to be unreasonable if the IRS questions it. Also wondering if anyone has experience with whether things like landscaping improvements (like a deck or patio) from decades ago count toward basis adjustments?

Anyone know how to handle this on TurboTax? I tried searching for "rebates" but couldn't find the right section.

I appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here! As someone who's been dealing with this exact situation, I want to add that it's also worth considering state tax implications. While the federal tax treatment is pretty clear (purchase rebates = not taxable, referral bonuses = taxable), some states have different rules or might treat certain types of rewards differently. Also, if you're using rebate apps for business purchases, make sure you're adjusting your business expense deductions accordingly. You can't deduct the full purchase price and keep the rebate tax-free - that would be double-dipping. The IRS definitely notices patterns like that during audits. One more thing - if you're earning significant amounts from referral programs (like $600+ per year), you might want to consider setting aside a portion for taxes since most rebate companies don't withhold anything. Better to be prepared than scramble come tax time!

Just to clarify something important: SBTPG (Santa Barbara Tax Products Group) only gets involved if you chose to have your preparation fees deducted from your refund. This service is variously called "Refund Transfer," "Refund Processing," or sometimes "E-Collect" depending on which tax software you used. If you paid all your tax preparation fees upfront with a credit card or bank account for both state AND federal, then your refund would come directly from the IRS to your bank account. You can verify this by looking at your tax preparation receipt or agreement - it will specifically mention if you opted for a refund transfer service.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! I'm also a student who moved states for school and made the same choice - paid my state prep fees directly but let them take the federal fees from my refund. Based on what I'm seeing here and my own research, it sounds like your federal refund will definitely still go through SBTPG first since you chose the refund transfer option for federal. The good news is that most people seem to be getting their money within 2-5 days after SBTPG receives it from the IRS. I filed around the same time as you and I'm in the same waiting boat! Have you tried checking the SBTPG website to see if they've received your refund yet? I'm planning to check that tomorrow if I don't see any movement on my bank account.