Why am I getting a paper check for my Amended Return instead of direct deposit?

The IRS generally issues paper checks for amended returns (1040X) even if you provided direct deposit information. This is a standard practice regardless of how you filed the amendment. The 846 code you're seeing is good news - it means a refund has been issued. The date associated with it (3/24) is likely when they scheduled your check to be mailed. Paper checks typically take 1-2 weeks to arrive after that date. As for the "Where's My Amended Return" tool not working, there are a few possible explanations. Once your amended return is fully processed and the refund is issued (which appears to be your case), the tool sometimes stops displaying information. Your IPPIN shouldn't affect the tracking tool's functionality.

Had the same issue last year and spent HOURS trying to get through to the IRS. I finally found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) after searching for help with my amended return. Their AI analyzed my amendment and tax transcript, showed exactly where my return was in processing, and confirmed I'd be getting a paper check even though I requested direct deposit. Saved me from so much uncertainty!

Just wanted to update - I tried taxr.ai after asking about it here and wow, what a difference! I was completely in the dark about my amended return status, but their system showed me exactly what was happening with my 1040X. Turns out I had a 290 code that was holding things up that I never would've known about otherwise. The best part was learning that my amendment was actually approved and a check was scheduled, but the Where's My Amended Return tool wasn't showing that. It also confirmed the paper check policy for amendments - apparently it's standard procedure. Really glad I tried this instead of waiting endlessly for updates from the IRS.

After dealing with the same frustration (amended return with no updates), I tried calling the IRS over 30 times without getting through. Then someone recommended Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) - they have this system that holds your place in the IRS phone queue and calls you when an agent is ready. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c Got through to an IRS rep in about 45 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. The agent confirmed my amended return was processed and explained they always send paper checks for amendments, even with direct deposit info on file. Something about their system being set up that way.

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try it myself since I was desperate to talk to someone about my amended return issues. The service actually worked exactly as described - I got a call back when they reached an IRS agent, and I was able to get actual answers about my refund. The IRS representative confirmed they had processed my amended return and issued a check (despite my direct deposit info). Apparently, this is standard procedure for ALL amended returns - they don't do direct deposits for 1040X refunds regardless of how you file. Would have saved me weeks of stress if I'd known this earlier!

This is probably too late to help the original poster, but for anyone else with this question: amended return refunds are ALWAYS issued as paper checks. This is IRS policy. It doesn't matter if you e-filed or paper filed the 1040X, and it doesn't matter if you provided direct deposit information. The reason the Where's My Amended Return tool stops working is because once they issue the refund, the system considers your amendment "complete" and stops showing tracking info. The 846 code with a date is your confirmation that a refund check has been issued.

Has anyone had their amended return check get lost in the mail? I'm in the same situation with a 1040X, got the 846 code, but it's been over 3 weeks and no check. The IRS told me they mailed it but I'm getting worried.

I went through this exact same situation last year! The frustration is real when you're expecting direct deposit but get told a paper check is coming instead. What everyone else has said is absolutely correct - the IRS has a blanket policy of issuing paper checks for ALL amended return refunds, regardless of whether you provided direct deposit information or how you filed the 1040X. It's just how their amended return processing system works. The 846 code with the 3/24 date is actually great news - that means your refund was officially issued on that date. Paper checks typically arrive 7-10 business days after the 846 date, so you should be seeing it very soon if you haven't already. Don't worry about your IPPIN affecting anything - that's completely separate from refund processing and wouldn't cause the "Where's My Amended Return" tool issues. That tool often stops showing information once the refund is issued because the IRS considers your case "complete" at that point. If more than 2 weeks pass from your 846 date without receiving the check, definitely call the IRS to start a payment trace. But based on your timeline, it should arrive any day now!

This is such a common source of confusion! I went through the exact same thing with my amended return last year. Like everyone has mentioned, the IRS has a blanket policy of issuing paper checks for ALL 1040X refunds - it doesn't matter if you e-filed with direct deposit info or not. The good news is that your 846 code with the 3/24 date means everything is processed and your check should be on its way. That date typically represents when the Treasury actually cut and mailed the check, so you should receive it within the next week or two. One tip I learned the hard way: if you've moved recently, double-check that the IRS has your current address. Even if you filed a change of address with USPS, the IRS doesn't automatically get that update. You can call them at 800-829-1040 to verify they're sending it to the right place, or file Form 8822 to update your address directly with them. The "Where's My Amended Return" tool going offline after processing is totally normal too - once they issue the refund, the system considers your case closed. Super frustrating from a taxpayer perspective, but that's just how their system works!

I can definitely relate to your frustration! I went through the exact same situation with my 1040X filing last year. Like others have mentioned, the IRS automatically issues paper checks for ALL amended return refunds - it's just their standard policy regardless of whether you provided direct deposit information or how you filed. Your 846 code with the 3/24 date is actually excellent news! That code means your refund has been officially issued and the check was likely mailed on or around that date. You should expect to receive it within 7-14 business days from 3/24, so it could arrive any day now. The "Where's My Amended Return" tool becoming unhelpful after processing is unfortunately normal. Once the IRS processes your amendment and issues the refund, their system considers the case "complete" and stops providing tracking information. It's definitely not user-friendly from our perspective! Your IPPIN wouldn't affect any of this - that's completely separate from the refund processing system. If you don't receive your check within the next week or so (given it's now been over 2 weeks since the 3/24 date), I'd recommend calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 to verify they have your correct mailing address and confirm the check was sent. They can also start a payment trace if needed. Hang in there - based on your timeline, your check should be arriving very soon!