IRS Check Mailed on 03/15 to Wrong Address - Trace Initiated but No Update

This happened to me last year. My check was mailed February 12th and went to my old apartment. I called around March 20th and they also told me they'd put a trace on it. In my case, it took about 6-7 weeks from when they started the trace until I got a replacement check. It was frustrating because I kept calling for updates but they just kept saying "it's in process" every time. Have you updated your address with them for future correspondence? That was the first thing they made me do.

Have you verified that they have your current address correctly entered in their system? This is critical because if the trace is completed and they issue a replacement check, it could be sent to the wrong address again if they haven't updated your information properly. This situation is similar to what happens with amended returns - the processing happens in one department while address updates are handled separately.

The official timeline they're supposed to follow is 6 weeks from the trace initiation date before they issue a replacement check, at least that's what I've been told. But I'm not entirely convinced that's always accurate... I've seen posts here where people got replacements in 4 weeks, and others who waited 3+ months. It might depend on your regional service center and their current backlog.

When I was in this exact situation with my 2022 refund check, I spent DAYS trying to get through on the IRS phone lines. Complete nightmare with the Automated Call Distributor (ACD) system constantly disconnecting me. I finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes. The agent was able to expedite my trace due to financial hardship and I received my replacement check about 3 weeks later. Given your medical situation, you might qualify for expedited processing too, but you need to actually speak with someone to request it.

I'm a bit skeptical about these services that claim to get you through to the IRS faster. Isn't this just paying for something that should be free? Has anyone actually verified if this works consistently or is it just taking advantage of people who are desperate to get their refunds?

I understand the skepticism - I felt the same way initially. But after spending 4+ hours on hold across 3 different days (and getting disconnected twice), I tried Claimyr as a last resort. According to the IRS.gov website, the average wait time is currently 45-90 minutes during peak season. Claimyr uses technology to navigate the phone tree and wait on hold for you, then calls you when an agent is actually on the line. For me, it was worth it to not waste an entire day on hold, especially when I needed specific information about my trace status that isn't available online.

Word of caution: my neighbor had a similar situation last year and waited patiently for the replacement check. After about 8 weeks, she called to check on status and discovered they had canceled the trace because she supposedly hadn't responded to some letter they sent requesting verification (which she never received). She had to start the whole process over again. Might be worth calling every 2 weeks just to make sure your case is still active in their system?

Based on what I've seen in this community, here's what you can expect with a check trace: • Week 1-2: Trace is entered into system (status will show "received" or "initiated") • Week 3-4: Investigation phase (they verify the check wasn't cashed) • Week 5-6: Approval for replacement (if check wasn't cashed) • Week 6-8: Replacement check issued BUT - if there's any indication the check was cashed (even mistakenly), they'll send you a claim form (FMS 1133) and the timeline extends significantly. If you have urgent medical needs, make sure to mention "hardship" specifically when you call - this can sometimes get your case flagged for expedited processing.