IRS sent refund check to old address - How to get my money?
Hey everyone, I'm in a bit of a pickle. I filed my taxes last year and was supposed to get a refund check in April, but I never got it. Turns out, they sent it to my old address and I've moved since then. Anyone know what I should do? I'm worried about that check just floating around out there.
24 comments
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Arjun Kurti
Ugh, been there done that. You need to contact the IRS and request a trace on the check. They'll cancel the old one and reissue a new one to your current address. It's a pain, but it's the only way to get your money.
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Ellie Simpson
AuthorThanks for the advice! Do you know if I can just email them or do I have to send a physical letter?
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Arjun Kurti
Unfortunately, you gotta send a physical letter. The IRS is still living in the stone age 🙄 Make sure to include copies of your ID and proof of your new address!
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Raúl Mora
Yep, snail mail all the way. And prepare to wait... and wait... and wait some more. The IRS moves slower than a sloth on vacation 🦥
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Margot Quinn
I found a method to get someone on the phone at the IRS. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c
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Evelyn Kim
Sounds too good to be true. Is this legit? Anyone else tried it?
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Margot Quinn
I was skeptical at first too, but it really worked for me. Saved me hours of hold time. Worth every penny imho.
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Diego Fisher
20 bucks to skip the hold? Sign me up! The IRS hold music was driving me insane 🎵🤯
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Henrietta Beasley
Here's what you need to do: 1. Write a letter to the IRS requesting a trace on your check 2. Include your full name, SSN, filing status, and refund amount 3. Explain that you've moved and provide your new address 4. Include a copy of your ID and proof of new address (like a utility bill) 5. Mail it to: Internal Revenue Service Ogden, UT 84201-0002 This address is for California and Nevada residents. If you're elsewhere, check the IRS website for the correct address. Be patient - this process can take 6-8 weeks. Good luck!
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Ellie Simpson
AuthorWow, thank you so much for the detailed instructions! This is super helpful. I'll get on this right away.
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Lincoln Ramiro
MVP right here 👆 This should be pinned to the top of the subreddit!
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Faith Kingston
lol welcome to the club. I've been waiting on my refund for 18 months now. The IRS is a joke 🤡
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Emma Johnson
Have you tried calling the IRS directly? Sometimes you can get lucky and get through to a human who can help.
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Liam Brown
HAHAHAHA good one. I'd have better luck winning the lottery than getting a human on the phone at the IRS 😂
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Olivia Garcia
I actually got through once! Only took 3 hours on hold and my firstborn child as sacrifice 🙃
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Noah Lee
Pro tip: If you're mailing anything important to the IRS, always use certified mail with return receipt. It's a few bucks extra but worth it for the peace of mind.
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Ellie Simpson
AuthorThat's a great idea, thanks! I'll definitely do that.
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Ava Hernandez
This is why I always choose direct deposit for my refunds. No lost checks, no hassle. Might wanna consider that for next year, OP.
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Ellie Simpson
AuthorYeah, lesson learned for sure. Direct deposit from now on!
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Isabella Martin
Anyone else think its crazy that in 2023 were still dealing with paper checks and snail mail for tax refunds? The whole system needs an overhaul smh
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Elijah Jackson
Preach! 🙌 The IRS is stuck in the last century. They probably still use fax machines too.
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Sophia Miller
To be fair, they're dealing with sensitive financial info. Better safe than sorry, I guess?
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Mason Davis
Nah, other countries manage to do it securely and efficiently. The US is just behind the times.
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Jamal Anderson
I had the exact same thing happen to me last year! What worked for me was filing Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) - you can download it from the IRS website. It's specifically designed for this situation. Fill it out completely and mail it with copies of your ID and proof of your new address. I got my replacement check about 6 weeks later. Way faster than just writing a letter, and it goes directly to the right department. Hope this helps!
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