Record of Account shows code 740 - Undelivered refund returned to IRS. What's my next step?

This happens more often than you'd think! When a refund check gets returned to the IRS as undeliverable (code 740), you need to update your address with them so they can reissue the check. The fastest way to resolve this is to call the IRS directly at 800-829-1040. When you get through, explain the situation about the code 740 on your 2019 amended return. They'll verify your identity, confirm your current address, and reissue the refund to your new address. Make sure you have your 2019 tax return information handy when you call. Alternatively, you can update your address using Form 8822 (Change of Address), but calling is usually faster for getting the actual refund reissued. The good news is that the money is still yours - it's just sitting with the IRS waiting for updated information from you.

Had literally the same thing happen with my 2018 return last year. I was going crazy trying to figure out where my refund was. I finally discovered taxr.ai which analyzes your tax transcripts and explains what's happening in plain English. I uploaded my Record of Account from the IRS website to https://taxr.ai and it immediately told me what code 740 meant and exactly what steps to take. Saved me hours of stress and confusion.

Just wanted to update - I tried taxr.ai after asking about it and wow, it was super helpful! I had codes 570, 971 and 290 on my transcript that I couldn't figure out. Uploaded it and within seconds got a complete breakdown of what was happening with my refund. Turns out there was an adjustment but my refund is actually processing now. The tool even gave me an estimated date when I should receive it. Definitely recommend if you're confused by those cryptic IRS codes!

I had the EXACT same problem last year with an undelivered refund. Tried calling the IRS for weeks but couldn't get through - constant busy signals or disconnects after hours on hold. Finally used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) which got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. They have this system that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Check out how it works: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The agent verified my identity, confirmed my new address, and reissued my refund check right on the spot. Got my money about 3 weeks later. Way better than fighting the IRS phone system on my own for months!

Ok I take back what I said. I was really skeptical about Claimyr but I was desperate to resolve my tax issue before a deadline next week. Tried it this morning and it actually worked exactly as described. Their system called the IRS, navigated the phone tree, waited on hold for 45 minutes, then called me when they reached a human. The IRS agent I spoke with was able to pull up my account, confirm they had my refund on hold, and update my address. They said they're reissuing the check and I should receive it in 2-3 weeks. Whole process took less than an hour of my actual time instead of the days I spent trying to call myself. Just wanted to post this update since I was wrong about my skepticism.

Another option that sometimes works: If you filed through a tax preparer (like H&R Block, TurboTax, etc.), call them directly. When this happened to my brother, his tax preparer was able to submit an address change request to the IRS on his behalf that triggered the reissuance of his refund. Might be worth a try if you used a service!

Don't forget to file Form 8822 (Change of Address) with the IRS regardless of which method you use to get your current refund. This ensures all future IRS correspondence goes to the right place!

I went through this exact same situation with my 2018 return! Code 740 is definitely frustrating to deal with. One thing I learned is that you can also check if your refund has been reissued by using the "Where's My Refund" tool on the IRS website after you update your address - it will show the new expected delivery date once they process the address change. Also, if you're planning to move again anytime soon, I'd highly recommend setting up direct deposit for future refunds. You can do this when filing your next return, or even update your bank info for existing pending refunds by calling the IRS. It eliminates this whole problem since electronic deposits aren't affected by address changes. Good luck getting your money back - the IRS is usually pretty good about reissuing these once they have the correct address!

I just dealt with this exact same issue a few months ago! Code 740 is such a pain, but the good news is it's totally fixable. Here's what worked for me: I called the IRS at 800-829-1040 first thing in the morning (around 7 AM) to avoid the worst of the hold times. Had to wait about 45 minutes, but eventually got through to a real person. They asked for my SSN, DOB, and some info from my 2019 return to verify my identity. Once verified, I explained the code 740 situation and gave them my current address. The agent was actually really helpful and updated everything right there on the call. She told me the refund check would be reissued within 2-3 weeks, and sure enough, I got it about 18 days later. Pro tip: Have your 2019 tax return handy when you call, along with any documentation showing your address change (like a lease, utility bill, etc.). They might ask for details to confirm you're really the person who filed that return. Also definitely agree with others about filing Form 8822 to officially update your address with all IRS departments. It's worth doing even after you get this specific refund resolved.

I've been through this exact situation twice now - once in 2019 and again in 2021. Code 740 is definitely one of those IRS codes that makes your heart skip a beat when you first see it! Here's what I learned from my experiences: The most important thing is to act quickly once you discover it. While you do have time (generally up to 3 years from the filing deadline), the sooner you resolve it, the better. I had success with both methods mentioned here - calling the IRS directly and using the callback services. The first time I spent literally days trying to get through on my own. The second time I used a callback service and it was so much easier. One thing I'd add that I don't think anyone mentioned yet: If you're expecting a large refund (over $1,000), consider asking the IRS to split it into direct deposit to your bank account instead of reissuing a paper check. This way if you move again before the check arrives, you won't have the same problem. You can request this when you call to update your address - they can usually set it up right then and there if you have your banking information ready. Also keep all documentation of your calls and any correspondence about this issue. I created a simple folder with dates, reference numbers, and names of agents I spoke with. It came in handy when I had to follow up. Your refund is definitely still there waiting for you - just needs the right address to find its way home!

I'm currently dealing with this exact same code 740 situation right now! My 2020 amended return refund got returned because I moved between filing and when they processed it. Reading through all these responses is super helpful - I had no idea there were so many different approaches to resolving this. I was planning to just call the IRS directly, but now I'm considering some of the other options mentioned here like the callback services or even checking if my tax software can help. One question I have that I don't think was fully addressed: Does anyone know if there are different procedures depending on whether it was an original return refund vs an amended return refund that got code 740? I'm wondering if amended returns might take longer to reissue or require different verification since they're processed differently in the first place. Also, for those who successfully got their refunds reissued, about how long did the whole process take from when you first contacted the IRS to when you actually received the money? Trying to set realistic expectations for myself! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this thread is a goldmine of practical advice for this frustrating situation.

I went through this same nightmare with code 740 on my 2019 return! What a relief to find this thread and see I'm not alone. The whole situation is so frustrating - you do everything right, file your taxes, and then the government can't deliver your own money back to you because of an address change. I ended up calling the IRS directly after trying the online tools with no luck. The key is definitely calling early in the morning like others mentioned. I got through around 7:30 AM after about a 35-minute hold. The agent was actually pretty helpful once I got to a human - they verified my identity, updated my address, and told me the refund would be reissued as a check to my current address. The whole call took maybe 20 minutes once connected, and I received my reissued refund check about 2.5 weeks later. Make sure you have your Social Security card, a copy of that 2019 return, and some proof of your current address ready when you call. One thing I learned for the future: always set up direct deposit on your returns, especially amended ones that might take forever to process. Checks can get lost in the mail or returned if you move, but direct deposits go straight to your account regardless of where you live. Hope this helps and you get your money soon! It's definitely recoverable, just takes some patience dealing with the IRS phone system.