Based on my experiences with IRS refund checks over multiple tax seasons, here's what typically happens: 1. The IRS sets a mail date in their system 2. The Treasury Financial Management Service processes the payment (1-2 business days) 3. The check is printed at a regional Treasury facility (1 day) 4. The check enters the postal system (1 day) 5. USPS delivers domestically (3-5 days) 6. International mail adds 5-10 additional days So realistically, for an international address with a mail date of tomorrow, you're looking at 10-15 days before delivery. The IRS is notorious for creating confusion by calling it a "mail date" when it's really just the authorization date.

As someone who's been through this multiple times, I can confirm what others are saying - the IRS "mail date" is misleading. It's really more of a processing date. For international filers like yourself, I'd recommend using the IRS2Go mobile app or checking "Where's My Refund" online, as these sometimes provide more detailed status updates than just the transcript date. One thing I learned the hard way is to never plan major expenses around that initial mail date, especially for international delivery. The combination of Treasury processing delays, international mail routing, and customs clearance (in some countries) can easily push delivery out 2-3 weeks from the listed date. For future reference, if you're eligible for direct deposit next year, it's typically much faster and more reliable than paper checks for international filers.

I'm in a similar situation - verified through ID.me about 5 weeks ago and still no movement on my transcript. The waiting is really stressful, especially when you need the money for important expenses like your medical bills. From reading everyone's experiences here, it sounds like the timeline is all over the place - some people get updates in 3-4 weeks, others wait 2-3 months or more. One thing that's helped me stay sane is checking my transcript on Wednesdays and Fridays like someone mentioned earlier, rather than obsessing over it daily. I've also been keeping a log of when I verified and any updates so I can track the timeline better. The hardest part is not knowing if there's an issue or if it's just sitting in a queue somewhere. But seeing all these success stories gives me hope that movement will happen eventually. Hang in there - you're definitely not alone in this frustrating process!

I'm in a very similar situation - verified through ID.me about 6 weeks ago after my return was flagged, and still seeing absolutely no movement on my transcript. The agent told me the same thing about it being processed but no timeline. It's so frustrating not knowing if there's an actual issue or if it's just sitting in some digital pile somewhere. What's really getting to me is that I filed in early March, so we're looking at almost 6 months total now. I've been following the Wednesday/Friday checking schedule that others mentioned, which has helped my sanity a bit compared to checking daily. Has anyone here had success calling the IRS after verification to get an update? I'm wondering if it's worth trying to get through to someone or if they'll just tell me to keep waiting. The uncertainty is almost worse than just knowing it would take X amount of time. Really hoping we all see movement soon - this whole process has been such a nightmare this year!

I think I might have been in a somewhat similar situation last year? My refund had an offset for child support (probably not your situation, but the process is basically the same I believe). I sort of expected to be able to check the offset immediately, but it actually took about 5 or 6 days after my deposit date before it showed up when I called that number. The remaining portion of my refund did come on the correct day though, so that was nice I guess. Just be prepared to wait a bit before you can confirm all the details.

I went through this exact situation in 2023 with a student loan offset. Here's what I learned: the TOP system lag is real and frustrating, but pretty consistent. You'll likely get your remaining refund on 3/15 as scheduled, but the offset won't show in the automated system until around 3/19-3/22 (4-5 business days later). I made the mistake of calling multiple times a day those first few days - completely pointless. Now I just mark my calendar for day 4 after DDD and call once then. Saves the stress of repeatedly hearing "no offset found" when you know there definitely is one. The system works, it's just slow during tax season.

I'm not sure this helps, but my tax guy said the IRS is MASSIVELY backed up on processing amended returns right now. Like 6-8 months behind. He said they're so overloaded they're making tons of errors like this. Something to do with their antiquated computer systems not being able to properly track amended returns vs. original returns when they're processed out of sequence.

This is exactly why I always recommend keeping detailed records when dealing with amended returns. Your situation is frustrating but definitely fixable. Since you have the tracking confirmation that the voided check was delivered, you're in a good position. Here's what I'd do immediately: 1) Call the IRS Collections department directly at 1-800-829-7650 (not the general line) and explain this is about a levy notice you received in error. 2) When you get an agent, ask them to look at your account for "transaction code 570" - this should show when they received your returned check back in August. 3) Request an immediate "collection hold" on your account while this gets sorted out. They can place a 60-day hold which prevents any levy action. 4) Ask the agent to send you Form 12153 (Collection Due Process) if they can't resolve it immediately. This gives you formal appeal rights and stops collection activity. Also, definitely consider filing that Form 911 with Taxpayer Advocate Service that others mentioned. Your case has all the elements they look for: IRS error causing financial hardship, multiple failed attempts to resolve through normal channels, and imminent collection action. The key is being persistent and documenting every conversation. Don't let them brush you off - you have proof you followed their own agent's instructions by returning that check.

Its all bureaucratic nonsense istg. why cant they just give us our money without all these stupid codes 🤮

Code 766 basically means the IRS has processed and approved your refundable credits (like EITC, Child Tax Credit, etc.). The 4-15-2025 date is just the tax year due date, not your refund date. You'll want to keep checking for code 846 which will show your actual refund issue date. Usually takes a few weeks after 766 appears, but every situation is different depending on your return complexity.