Second year getting a $1 check from the IRS - legit or scam?

Wait seriously?? I had no idea the IRS paid interest on delayed refunds! So you think this might be from my taxes last year since I got my refund quickly this time around? I feel silly now for letting last year's check just sit in my drawer lol. Do you know if there's an expiration on these checks? Like can I still cash the one from last year too?

Yes, the $1 check you just received might be related to last year's return or even from a prior year that they just finished processing. The IRS sometimes makes small adjustments after the fact when they catch discrepancies. Regarding the old check, yes you can still cash it! IRS checks are typically valid for one year from the issue date. So if last year's check is less than a year old, you can cash both of them. If it's older than a year, you'll need to contact the IRS to request a replacement. Just check the date on the old check to confirm.

How exactly does that work? Do you just take a picture of the check and upload it? I got a similar tiny check last month and have been scratching my head about it.

Sounds convenient but I'm always skeptical about uploading financial documents online. How secure is it? I've had identity theft issues before so I'm pretty cautious now.

You just snap a photo of the check or any tax document you're confused about and upload it. The system analyzes all the important fields and explains what everything means in plain English. It can also process W-2s, 1099s, and those cryptic IRS notices that make no sense. All uploads are encrypted and they use bank-level security. They actually explain on the site that they don't store your documents after analysis unless you specifically choose to save them in your account. I was nervous about security too, but they have detailed explanations of their security measures that made me comfortable using it.

How does this actually work? Do they somehow hack the phone system or something? I've been trying to reach someone at the IRS for like a month about an issue with my account.

This sounds like BS honestly. Nobody can magically get you through IRS phone queues. They're probably just charging you for something you could do yourself for free if you're patient enough.

They use an automated system that navigates those annoying phone trees and waits on hold for you. When a real human finally answers, you get a call connecting you directly to that person. No hacking involved - they're just using technology to handle the waiting part. They work with both the IRS and state tax departments. I was skeptical at first too, but when you're on week 6 of trying to find out where your money is, it's worth trying. I literally waited on hold for 3+ hours myself multiple times before using them, and each time I either got disconnected or had to hang up because I couldn't stay on the phone any longer.

Thanks for the warning! How can I tell for sure if it's printed on real Treasury paper? Are there specific security features I should look for?

Real Treasury checks have several security features including watermarks that become visible when held up to light, ultraviolet markings (though you'd need a special light to see these), microprinting that looks like a solid line but actually contains tiny words when viewed with magnification, and color-shifting ink on the dollar amounts that changes from copper to green when tilted. Most importantly, if you have any doubts, you can verify if a check is legitimate by calling the Treasury directly at 1-800-826-9434. Never call a number printed on the check itself or provided in an accompanying letter, as scammers often include fake verification numbers.

Is that interest taxable? I'm guessing it probably is because the government loves to tax everything lol.

Unfortunately yes, IRS interest payments are considered taxable income. They'll send you a 1099-INT form if the total interest for the year is $10 or more. Even if it's less than $10 and you don't get the form, you're still technically supposed to report it on your tax return. So that $1 check might end up costing you a few cents in taxes next year!