Got my DDD but account is closed - how long for paper check?
Finally got my DDD (direct deposit date) on my transcript, but that bank acct is closed from last yr š« How long will I have to wait before a check is mailed? I'm super worried bc I need this $ for some medical stuff ASAP. WMR still shows processing but transcript updated w/ the 846 code. Anyone know the timeline for when they'll figure out the deposit failed and mail a paper check instead? Thx in advance!
20 comments
Miranda Singer
When a direct deposit is rejected due to a closed account, the IRS typically takes about 2-3 weeks to process a paper check instead. Have you verified your current mailing address is correct on your tax return? What happens is the bank rejects the deposit, notifies the IRS, then the IRS has to reprocess it as a paper check. Did you recently move or have any reason to believe your address information might be outdated?
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Cass Green
This is super helpful info! I went through this exact scenario last year and it took about 17 days from the failed deposit to getting my check in the mail. I was checking my mailbox like a hawk every day lol.
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16d
Finley Garrett
According to IRM 21.4.1.5.7, when a direct deposit is rejected, the IRS is supposed to automatically reissue as a paper check within 14 business days. Has anyone actually experienced this timeline being accurate in 2024?
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Madison Tipne
I had this happen on March 15th this year. My check arrived on April 2nd, so it was about 18 days total. Make sure your mailing address is current! If you filed on February 3rd like I did and just got your DDD now, at least the check process seems faster than the initial processing time.
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Holly Lascelles
This is like waiting for a bus, then missing it, and having to wait for the next one. So frustrating when you're counting on that money. I'd be a bit worried too if I needed it for medical expenses. If you're really in a time crunch, you might want to try Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). It's like having a fast pass at a theme park - gets you through to an actual IRS agent quickly instead of waiting on hold forever. I used it when my refund had issues and was able to confirm exactly when my check would arrive. Sometimes just knowing the timeline helps with planning your medical appointments.
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Malia Ponder
I'm not sure if calling would actually speed anything up though? The IRS systems probably have automated procedures for rejected direct deposits that agents can't override. Has anyone actually had success getting a check expedited by calling?
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Kyle Wallace
The timeline is usually 2-3 weeks. This happens often. Banks reject closed accounts immediately. IRS gets notification within 1-2 business days. They process paper check within 7-10 business days. Mail delivery takes 3-5 days. Total time averages 14-21 days from DDD. Address verification is critical. Check your transcript for TC 971 code update.
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Ryder Ross
I can confirm this timeline is accurate. My direct deposit bounced in February because I had switched banks. The original DDD was February 21st, and I received my paper check on March 9th. It was stressful waiting but it came right around the 16-day mark.
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11d
Gianni Serpent
Is there any way to know for sure when the IRS has actually mailed the check? I'm in a similar situation and wondering if there's a code or status that changes when they actually put it in the mail?
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Henry Delgado
This breakdown is exactly what I needed! Makes it so much clearer what's happening behind the scenes. So I should keep an eye out for that TC 971 code on my transcript?
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10d
Olivia Kay
When my deposit was rejected last year, it took exactly 17 days from my original DDD to receive the paper check. Does anyone know if the IRS sends any kind of notification when they mail the check, or do you just have to watch your mailbox?
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Joshua Hellan
Oh no! I'm so sorry you're dealing with this when you need the funds for medical expenses! š This is actually a really common issue this time of year. The good news is that the IRS has gotten much better at handling these situations. Typically you'll see your transcript update with a new 846 code when they issue the paper check. If you want to understand exactly what's happening with your refund, I'd recommend checking out taxr.ai - it analyzes all those confusing codes on your transcript and tells you in plain English what's happening and what to expect next. It helped me so much when I was in a similar situation last year!
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Jibriel Kohn
ā¢ Does taxr.ai actually give you more info than just looking at the transcript yourself? ā¢ How would it know when a check is being mailed? ā¢ Can it actually predict dates accurately? ā¢ Seems like it might just be telling you what you could figure out yourself?
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Edison Estevez
Been there, done that, got the delayed refund t-shirt! š My bank account was closed last year and it took exactly 16 days from my original DDD to get the paper check. Not the end of the world, but definitely annoying when you're counting on that money. One tip - if you have informed delivery from USPS, turn it on now so you'll know exactly which day it's coming.
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Emily Nguyen-Smith
According to IRS.gov resources, the timeline for reissued checks follows a specific pattern. When reviewing various forums and the IRS Refund Status FAQ (https://www.irs.gov/refunds/tax-season-refund-frequently-asked-questions), most people report 14-21 days from the original direct deposit date. However, I'm skeptical of any "guaranteed" timeframes since individual cases vary based on processing center workload and regional mail delivery differences.
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James Johnson
So there's no way to speed this up? I'm in a similar situation and really need my refund for rent that's due on the 1st. Would changing my address to my work address help at all since someone is always there to receive mail?
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10d
Sophia Rodriguez
Is there any difference in processing time if the account was closed versus if you just entered the wrong account number on your return? My transcript shows a DDD but I realized I transposed two digits in my account number.
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Mia Green
Here's exactly what happens in this situation: 1. Your bank receives the direct deposit attempt 2. Bank identifies the account as closed 3. Bank rejects the deposit and notifies the IRS 4. IRS marks your refund for paper check issuance 5. IRS creates a new 846 code with updated date 6. Check prints and enters mail system 7. USPS delivers check to address on file This process typically takes 14-21 days from original DDD. Check your transcript daily for the new 846 code - that indicates your check has been issued. Most important: ensure your mailing address is current.
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Emma Bianchi
I had my refund sent to a closed account on April 3rd. Called IRS on April 5th to confirm they knew it was rejected. They told me 4 weeks for a paper check. Got it in exactly 3 weeks. So it's definitely faster than they quote you.
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Lucas Kowalski
The community wisdom on this is pretty consistent - expect 2-3 weeks for the paper check after the failed direct deposit. Some get it faster, some a bit slower, but that's the typical window. The IRS doesn't always update WMR or your transcript with the new information, so don't panic if you don't see changes. Just keep an eye on your mailbox.
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