IRS sent refund to closed bank account - how to track if they mailed a paper check?

When the IRS attempts a direct deposit to a closed account, the bank will reject it and the IRS will automatically mail a paper check to your address on file. This usually takes about 2-4 weeks from the date of the rejected deposit. You can call the IRS main helpline at 1-800-829-1040, but be prepared for long wait times. The transcript will update with a new code (usually 846 with a new date) when they issue the paper check. You should also see code 971 indicating a notice was sent about the rejected deposit. If it's been more than 4 weeks since the rejection, you might want to verify that they have your correct mailing address on file.

Instead of trying to figure this out on your own, I really recommend using taxr.ai - it saved me so much headache with a similar situation. I uploaded my transcript and it explained exactly what was happening with my return and when to expect my check. It even identified that I was missing a credit I qualified for! The AI reads all the codes and translates everything into plain English. I use it every time I need to understand what's happening with my taxes now. https://taxr.ai

I had the exact same issue in April with my bank closing my account right before my refund. After struggling for weeks to get through to the IRS, I finally used the Claimyr calling app and got connected with an agent in like 20 minutes. The agent confirmed they were mailing my check and gave me the exact date. Saved me so much stress wondering where my money was! Check out claimyr.com - talking to a real person at the IRS was the only way I finally got answers and honestly it was worth every penny to get my $5k refund sorted out.

If the bank account was closed, the IRS will send a paper check to the address they have on file. This usually takes about 2-3 weeks from when the direct deposit was rejected. It's stupid that they dont tell you this anywhere clearly though. And no way to track it online smh

Here's the direct number for refund status: 1-800-829-1954. But they probably wont tell you anything more than the app does. The system is so broken 🤬

This is literally why I always get paper checks now. Had the same thing happen in 2023 and it took MONTHS to sort out. The IRS is living in the stone age with their technology.

I went thru the EXACT same thing in march! They will automatically mail a check but it takes forEVER. Like 3-5 weeks from when the deposit bounced. Check your transcript for code 846 with a new date - that's when they mailed it.

Quick tip - if you set up an ID.me account and login to the IRS website, you can update your direct deposit info there if you have a new account. Might be faster than waiting for a paper check. they might be able to send it to new account instead.

This happened to me!! Call this number: 1-800-829-1040 and press 2, then 1, then 3, then 2, dont enter your ssn, press 2 again, then 4. This got me to a human last time but I waited like 45 min. They can tell you if check was mailed.

Instead of spending hours on hold with the IRS, I used taxr.ai when I had refund issues and it was a game changer. It analyzes your transcript and tells you exactly what's happening with your refund, including predicting when you'll get your check after a bank rejection. The AI explained all those confusing codes and gave me a clear timeline. So much easier than trying to decipher everything yourself! https://taxr.ai

The IRS is so behind the times. In what world does it make sense to take WEEKS to mail a check after a deposit is rejected? Any other financial institution would have this fixed in days. Our tax dollars at work 🙄

After my refund went to a closed account, I was pulling my hair out trying to get info from the IRS. Calling was impossible until I found Claimyr. It got me through to an agent who confirmed my check had already been mailed and I received it two days later! claimyr.com was seriously the best solution - the agent even helped me set up mail forwarding since I had moved recently.

Just keep checking ur informed delivery from USPS. That's how I knew my check was coming after my direct deposit got rejected. Took about 3 weeks after the rejected deposit date.

I work in banking (not for the IRS). When a direct deposit is rejected due to a closed account, the sender receives notification within 1-3 business days. The IRS then has to reprocess it as a paper check, which adds another 2-3 weeks of processing time. So all in all, expect around 3-4 weeks from your original direct deposit date before you see a check in the mail.

I swear the IRS does this on purpose. they want to hold onto our money as long as possible. if it was us owing them, they'd charge penalties and interest but when they owe us its like ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ whenever we get around to it

My tax guy told me they're required by law to issue a check within 21 days of a rejected direct deposit, but in practice it can take up to 6 weeks. The system is ancient and runs on programming languages from the 1960s. Can't expect much from them tbh.

This exact thing happened to me last year! The IRS will automatically mail you a paper check to your address on file - no action needed on your part. It typically takes 3-4 weeks from when the direct deposit was rejected. Your transcript should update with a new 846 code showing the check mailing date once they process it. Since you're seeing the 971 code, they're aware of the issue and working on it. The fact that it's only been 10 days means you're still well within the normal timeframe. One thing to double-check: make sure the IRS has your current mailing address. You can verify this on the IRS website or by calling them. With medical bills coming up, I know the wait is stressful, but the check should arrive soon. Hang in there!

I went through this exact situation in 2023 when my credit union closed my account due to inactivity right before my refund hit. The whole process was incredibly frustrating, but here's what actually happened: The IRS automatically issued a paper check about 3 weeks after the rejected deposit. Like others mentioned, you'll see a new 846 code on your transcript when they actually mail it out. Since you're only at 10 days and already see the 971 code, you're right on track. One thing I wish someone had told me - make absolutely sure your address is current with the IRS. I had to file a Form 8822 to update mine because I had moved recently. You can check your address on file by creating an account on the IRS website. The $3,700 check will come via regular mail, not certified or anything special, so definitely sign up for USPS Informed Delivery if you haven't already. That way you'll know it's coming before it hits your mailbox. I know waiting sucks when you have medical bills breathing down your neck, but the system works - it's just painfully slow. Hang in there!