How to Get My $2,112 IRS Refund Check Sent to Wrong Address (CP21B Notice)

I just received a CP21B notice from the IRS about changes to my 2022 Form 1040. They're saying I'm due a refund of $3,112.00, which is broken down in the notice as follows: Summary Increase in credit for tax withheld $-110.00 Increase in credit -3,002.00 earned income credit Refund due $3,112.00 The notice states "We made the changes you requested to your 2022 Form 1040 to adjust your total federal income tax withheld income from wages, salaries tips, etc." I filed back in April, and this notice just arrived today in October. The big problem is they're sending the refund check to my old address! The notice says "If you haven't already received a refund for $3,112.00 you should receive a refund check within 2-3 weeks as long as you don't owe other tax or debts we're required to collect." It also mentions "Your refund amount may include interest. Keep in mind that any interest you receive on tax refunds is considered taxable income during the year you receive it." How can I track if someone has already cashed this check? And if it hasn't been cashed yet, how long will it take them to send a new one? I tried looking at www.irs.gov/cp21b as the notice suggests, but I still need help with this specific situation. The notice says "If you don't agree with the changes, call 800-829-0922 to review your account with a representative. Be sure you have your account information available when you call." I know I can call that number to speak with a representative, but has anyone dealt with this specific situation before? The notice also states "Visit www.irs.gov and search 'Form 8888'. See 'Changes in Refund due to Math Errors and Refund Offsets' under General Instructions for deposit rules." Would this help in my situation? I want to make sure I get my $3,112.00 refund and don't lose it because of an old address issue. Any advice from someone who's dealt with this before would be greatly appreciated!

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15 comments

Sean Murphy

The IRS notice shows two key adjustments to your 2022 tax return: a $110 increase in credit for tax withheld and a $2,002 increase in earned income credit, resulting in a total refund of $2,112. These changes appear to be based on corrections you requested to your reported wages and withholding amounts. The notice provides important timing information - you should receive the refund check within 2-3 weeks unless you have other outstanding tax debts. Any interest included with your refund will be taxable income for 2023. Since the check is being sent to an outdated address, you should: 1. Call the IRS immediately at 800-829-0922 (their dedicated line for these notices) to stop the check 2. Request a trace to confirm if it's been cashed 3. Have them reissue to your current address (expect 6-8 weeks for processing) To prevent future issues, submit Form 8822 to update your address with the IRS. You can review additional details about your notice at www.irs.gov/cp21b. The notice also confirms that if you have a power of attorney on file, they've been automatically notified of these changes. If you disagree with any of these adjustments, contact the IRS at the number above with your account information ready for review.

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Haley Stokes

I went through this exact same situation last year with a CP21B notice! The key thing is to act fast before someone potentially cashes that check. Here's what worked for me: 1. Call 800-829-0922 first thing Monday morning (like 7am EST as someone mentioned) and tell them you need to stop payment on a refund check going to the wrong address 2. They'll put a stop payment on it and start a trace - this is automatic, you don't need to file Form 3911 separately 3. Once they confirm it wasn't cashed, they'll reissue to your current address The whole process took about 5 weeks for me, not 3 months. Make sure you have your SSN, the exact refund amount ($3,112), and your current address ready when you call. Also definitely file Form 8822 to update your address permanently - you can do this online through your IRS account. This will prevent future refunds and notices from going to the old address. The good news is your refund is legitimate based on those EIC and withholding adjustments, so you will get your money! Just gotta jump through the hoops unfortunately.

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