DDD of 2/24/25 - Will changing to paper check delay my refund?
According to WMR and my transcript on the IRS website, I've got a direct deposit date of 2/24/25. My tax preparer is asking if I want to switch to a paper check instead of direct deposit (had to make some changes to my banking info). If I request the paper check now, will I still get it on my DDD or will this cause delays? Anyone been through this? I've already had to wait longer because of an amended form I submitted in January... 🙄
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Austin Leonard
Switching to a paper check at this point is probably not the best move, friend. Once you have a DDD, changing your payment method is like asking the IRS to hit the brakes and make a U-turn... not exactly their specialty lol. Paper checks typically add 5-7 business days *minimum* to your timeline. Is there any particular reason you can't use the direct deposit info they already have?
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Anita George
This is absolutely correct. According to IRS Publication 5344, once a direct deposit date has been established, changing to a paper check requires the IRS to cancel the electronic funds transfer and reissue payment through their check printing system. I experienced this last year and my refund was delayed by nearly 3 weeks.
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13d
Abigail Spencer
If I'm 4 days away from my DDD (mine is 2/28/25), is it too late to update my direct deposit info? My bank account changed exactly 2 weeks ago and I'm worried about where the money will go.
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12d
Logan Chiang
Changing payment methods this late is like trying to redirect a package that's already on the delivery truck. Even if you could flag down the driver, they'd have to take it back to the warehouse first. I had a similar situation last year and my paper check took an extra 12 days beyond my original DDD.
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10d
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Isla Fischer
Have you checked your transcript to see if there are any codes that might explain why you'd need to switch to a paper check? Sometimes the IRS has specific reasons for payment method changes. I used https://taxr.ai to analyze my transcript last month when my refund was delayed, and it showed me exactly why my direct deposit was rejected (my bank account number was off by one digit). Might be worth checking your transcript codes to understand if there's an issue with your direct deposit info before making changes this late in the process?
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Miles Hammonds
I'm wondering if your tax preparer is suggesting this because they see something you don't? Did they mention any issues with your banking information that would necessitate switching to a paper check? Wouldn't it make more sense to just correct the banking details rather than changing the entire payment method at this point?
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Ruby Blake
It's possible, though not guaranteed, that the preparer might be suggesting this due to a potential issue with the banking information. In my experience, if there's a problem with direct deposit info, the IRS typically defaults to sending a paper check automatically, so requesting one proactively might not be necessary. That said, if you're concerned about your banking details being incorrect, it might be worth double-checking with your preparer.
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10d
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Micah Franklin
OMG I was in the EXACT same situation last month!! I needed to change my deposit info after getting my DDD and couldn't get ANYONE at the IRS to help me! I tried calling for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT!!! Finally used Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got connected to an agent in like 15 minutes. They explained that once you have a DDD, any changes will delay your refund by AT LEAST a week, sometimes two. The agent was super helpful and actually helped me update my info without completely restarting the process. Saved me so much stress because I needed that money for my car payment!
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Ella Harper
These call services are just exploiting the IRS's terrible phone system. I've had success getting through by calling right at 7am when they open. No need to pay someone else to hold your place in line. Been dealing with the IRS for years and patience is all you need.
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8d
PrinceJoe
While it is possible to reach the IRS directly, the average wait time during peak filing season is 95-120 minutes according to the National Taxpayer Advocate's 2023 report. Services like Claimyr utilize automated systems to navigate the IRS phone tree and secure a place in the queue. For those with time constraints or urgent tax matters, this can be a legitimate time-saving option, though direct contact remains available for those who prefer it.
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8d
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Brooklyn Knight
I'm not convinced your tax preparer is giving you the best advice here. Switching payment methods this close to your DDD is risky for several reasons: • The IRS doesn't process these changes quickly • Paper checks take longer to arrive by default • Any change could trigger additional verification • Your refund could end up in limbo between systems Why would your preparer suggest this now rather than when you filed? Seems like an unnecessary complication.
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Owen Devar
Stick with direct deposit. Paper checks take longer. Always. IRS doesn't prioritize paper checks. They go out in batches. Direct deposit hits your account same day as DDD. Paper checks can take 1-3 weeks after DDD. Trust me on this. Been doing taxes for 12 years.
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