Refund Returned to IRS After Moving - Next Steps to Get It?

You need to file Form 8822 (Change of Address) IMMEDIATELY! The IRS won't automatically update your address when a refund is returned. According to the most recent IRS processing timelines, it takes 4-6 weeks for address changes to fully process through their system. Your returned refund is likely being held in the Undeliverable Refund (UR) queue and won't be reissued until your address is officially updated in their master database. Don't delay on this - tax season processing backlogs are only making these timeframes worse!

I helped my sister through this exact situation last month! Here's what worked for us: • First, submit Form 8822 (Change of Address) to the IRS immediately • Then, check your transcript regularly for updates • Look specifically for code 971 (notice issued) which usually appears after processing your address change • Watch for code 846 (refund issued) which means they're sending it again We used https://taxr.ai to decode all the transcript codes that started appearing. It explained exactly what each code meant for her returned refund situation and predicted when she'd get the reissued payment. Really impressive how it translated all that IRS jargon into plain English!

I've dealt with this situation before. Here's what you need to do: contact the IRS directly to update your address. While Form 8822 is the official way, it can take weeks to process. Call the main IRS number at 800-829-1040 and speak with a representative who can update your address immediately in their system. Be prepared to verify your identity with your Social Security number, date of birth, and information from your previous tax return. Once your address is updated, request that they reissue your refund to the new address. Keep detailed notes of your conversation including the representative's ID number and when they said to expect the reissued refund.

According to the IRS.gov website, returned refunds can take 6-8 weeks to be reissued after an address change is processed. This is why getting through to an actual IRS agent is critical in your situation. I spent days trying to reach someone at the IRS when my refund was returned last year. Finally used Claimyr (https://www.claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 15 minutes who processed my address change on the spot and flagged my account for refund reissuance. I'm concerned that if you just mail in Form 8822 without speaking to someone, you might be waiting until summer to see your money.

Have you checked if your refund was actually mailed as a paper check or if it was supposed to be direct deposited? On March 15th, I noticed my transcript showed a returned refund code, but it turned out they had tried to direct deposit to an old closed bank account. The process for getting a reissued direct deposit is slightly different than for a returned paper check. Did your transcript specifically show code 971 followed by a 846 that was later reversed?

Last tax season I moved right in the middle of filing and had the EXACT same problem. My refund check got sent back to the IRS and I was freaking out because I needed that money for my security deposit. I called the IRS main number for THREE DAYS straight without getting through. Eventually I went to my local Taxpayer Assistance Center without an appointment (don't do this - they turned me away) and had to schedule one for the following week. When I finally got in, the representative updated my address in their system and manually initiated the refund reissue process. Got my check about 4 weeks later. The whole ordeal took almost 2 months from when I first saw the "refund returned" message on my transcript.

According to IRS Publication 5, "Your Rights as a Taxpayer," the IRS is required to reissue returned refunds once the correct address is provided. I successfully navigated this exact issue by calling the IRS Refund Hotline (800-829-1954) rather than the main number. After authenticating my identity, I specifically requested to be transferred to a representative who could handle "Returned Refund Reissuance" - using those exact words got me to the right department. They processed my address change and refund reissuance in one call. The representative cited Internal Revenue Manual 21.4.3 which covers procedures for handling undelivered refunds. My reissued refund arrived 17 days later.

Has anyone had their refund returned TWICE? I'm in a similar situation but I'm worried because I might be moving again soon for a new job. Does the IRS have any way to direct deposit a returned refund even if the original was sent as a paper check? Or am I stuck in this address-updating cycle?

Everyone's suggesting calling the IRS, but honestly, I've found that updating your address through your online IRS account is much faster than Form 8822 and doesn't require the phone nightmare. Log into your account at IRS.gov, go to profile settings, and update your address there. Then give it about 10 business days to process before calling about the refund reissuance. This approach worked for me last year when USPS returned my refund check to the IRS. Haha, who would have thought the "have you tried turning it off and on again" approach works with taxes too? 😂 Just don't expect this to be quick no matter which method you choose.

Omg been there done that got the t-shirt! Moved from TX to CO last yr right b4 refund time. What a mess! The key is getting the addr updated ASAP. I did both - sent Form 8822 AND called. Took like 45 mins on hold but worth it. Rep told me they'd put a "freeze code" on my acct so the $ wouldn't go back into the general fund. Got my check like 5 wks later. Def do both methods to CYA. Good luck!