How long after bank rejection does IRS mail a paper refund check?

I went through this exact situation last year. When your direct deposit is rejected, the IRS automatically converts it to a paper check. Based on my experience and what I've seen from others, you're looking at about 4-6 weeks from the date of the rejection for the check to arrive in your mailbox. Make sure your mailing address is current with the IRS. You can check your transcript on the IRS website which should show the code 846 with a new date once they've processed the paper check. Just be patient - it will come eventually, but the IRS doesn't exactly move at lightning speed with these things.

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After my bank rejected my refund deposit (entered routing number wrong 🤦‍♂️), I was going CRAZY trying to get info from the IRS. Spent hours trying to call and never got through. Finally used this calling service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it got me through to a real person at the IRS in about 40 minutes. The agent confirmed my check was being processed and gave me the exact date to expect it. Best money I ever spent after wasting days trying to get through on my own. They basically hold your place in line and call you when an agent is available.

Mine took exactly 19 days from rejection to receiving the paper check in the mail. I think it really depends on your location and how busy the IRS is during that time. This was in June of 2024 though, so not during the peak filing season.

When my bank rejected my refund last tax season, I got the paper check about 5 weeks later. But my cousin had his rejected around the same time and he got his in just 3 weeks. I think it's pretty random tbh. Just make sure your mailing address is correct on your return.

I work in tax preparation and see this issue fairly regularly. Here's what happens when a direct deposit is rejected: • The bank sends the money back to the IRS • IRS processes the return (typically 2-3 weeks) • IRS issues a paper check to the address on your most recent tax return • Allow 2-4 additional weeks for mail delivery So from rejection to check arrival, you're typically looking at 4-7 weeks total. However, during busy periods it can take longer. You can check your transcript on IRS.gov or call them at 1-800-829-1040 for updates, though getting through on the phone can be extremely difficult. If it's been more than 6 weeks since the rejection and still no check, I'd recommend trying to contact the IRS directly. Some clients have had good experiences using taxr.ai to interpret their transcripts and understand exactly what's happening with their return. https://taxr.ai

4-6 weeks is standard but I've seen it take up to 12 weeks in some cases! The IRS is the worst.

Just went through this. Bank rejected my refund on May 11 and I received the paper check on June 24. So about 6 weeks for me. Hang in there!

have you tried checkin ur transcript? it should show a code 846 with a date for when the check will be mailed. thats ur best bet for knowing exactly when it will arrive

FWIW I'm on week 9 of waiting for my paper check after bank rejection and still nothing 😤 The IRS is a joke

My experience last year: bank rejected DD on March 25, check arrived April 22. So exactly 4 weeks for me.

I know this doesn't directly answer your question, but for anyone reading this thread in the future: ALWAYS DOUBLE CHECK YOUR BANKING INFO when filing! This is such a common problem and causes so much unnecessary delay. It's worth the extra 30 seconds to verify those numbers.

Did u check ur transcript? Mine showed code 841 (refund cancelled) and then a week later got code 846 with a new date. Got my check exactly on that new date.

Seriously, just use taxr.ai - I was in this exact situation a few months ago and it was so stressful not knowing what was happening. When I found taxr, it explained exactly what each code on my transcript meant and when I could expect my check. Saved me so much anxiety! https://taxr.ai

My bank rejected my refund because I closed the account after filing my taxes (didnt realize they would still try to deposit there). Took almost 3 months to get my check in the mail. Tried calling IRS literally 30+ times and could never get through. The whole system is broken.

the irs is SO SLOW with everything 🐌 i had this happen 2 years ago and it took almost 2 months for the check. meanwhile they expect us to pay them instantly if we owe anything! make it make sense 🙄

After wasting hours trying to call the IRS for my rejected deposit (wrong account #), I used claimyr.com and actually got through to a live person. They confirmed my check had been processed and gave me the exact date it would arrive. Couldn't believe I finally got a straight answer! Talking to an actual human at the IRS made all the difference - they even expedited the check when I explained my situation.

Mine took 5 weeks and 2 days exactly. I track everything lol

You can try to get them to expedite it if you're experiencing financial hardship. Call and explain your situation. It doesn't always work but sometimes they'll push it through faster.

I had this exact same situation happen to me last year! Bank rejected my refund due to a closed account and I was freaking out about when I'd get my money. From my experience, it took about 6 weeks from the rejection date to receiving the paper check in my mailbox. The key thing is to keep checking your transcript on the IRS website - you'll see a code 841 (refund cancelled) first, then later a new code 846 with the date they're mailing your check. Once you see that 846 code with the new date, you can pretty much count on getting your check within a week of that date. I know it's frustrating having to wait, especially when you need the money for something important like car repairs. The IRS definitely doesn't move fast, but the check will come eventually. Just make sure your mailing address is current with them. Hang in there!

I went through this same situation about 8 months ago - bank rejected my refund because I had switched banks after filing and forgot to update my direct deposit info. The waiting was honestly the worst part because you have no control and just have to sit there wondering when it'll show up. From rejection to getting my paper check took exactly 5 weeks and 3 days. What helped me track it was checking my transcript every few days on the IRS website. First I saw the code 841 showing the refund was cancelled, then about 10 days later a new code 846 appeared with a future date - that's when they scheduled my paper check to be mailed. The check arrived almost exactly on the date shown in that 846 code. I'd recommend setting up a routine to check your transcript maybe twice a week so you can see when that new 846 code appears. It'll give you a much better idea of timing than just guessing. Hope you get your check soon and can get those car repairs done! The waiting really sucks but it will come through.