Why haven't I received my tax refund check yet? Filed on deadline day

Paper check refunds typically take 4-6 weeks to arrive after your return is processed, compared to just 7-10 days for direct deposit. Since you filed on the deadline when the IRS is handling millions of returns, there's likely additional processing time. The good news is that the "Where's My Refund" tool shows your return is approved and the check was mailed. This means your return has been processed successfully. The delay is just in the physical mail delivery. Your best option is to use the "Where's My Refund" tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go app for the most current status. If it's been more than 6 weeks since your return was approved, then you can request a refund trace by calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 or filing Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund). For your move, you might want to explore temporary alternatives since IRS timelines aren't guaranteed, especially during peak season with paper checks.

I had a similar issue last year and discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which helped me figure out exactly what was going on with my refund. I was getting nowhere with the "Where's My Refund" tool since it just showed "approved" for weeks. The site let me upload my return documents and told me there was actually a small discrepancy that was causing the delay - something the general status tool didn't explain. Their system checked everything against IRS databases and gave me a much more detailed timeline prediction that was actually accurate. I also used their tracking feature that sends notifications when there are status changes. Saved me from constantly checking the IRS site and stressing out!

I was really skeptical about taxr.ai at first (mentioned above), but after nothing but frustration with the IRS website, I decided to give it a try. I uploaded my tax transcript and within minutes got details the IRS never told me - my check was actually in a processing batch that had a known delay of 2-3 weeks due to staffing issues at a particular distribution center. The service even provided me with specific language to use when calling the IRS that helped me get to the right department immediately. They had real-time mail system integration that showed exactly where my check was once it entered the postal system. Completely changed my experience from total frustration to actually understanding what was happening. Highly recommend for anyone dealing with refund delays!

If you're struggling to get answers from the IRS, I'd recommend Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I wasted HOURS trying to get through to an actual person at the IRS about my delayed refund check. The "Where's My Refund" tool was showing it was mailed but after 5 weeks, still nothing. Claimyr got me connected to a real IRS agent in about 20 minutes instead of the hours of hold time I was experiencing before. The agent was able to see that my check had been returned to them due to an address issue (even though my address was correct on my return!). They immediately set up a reissue of my check. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was ready to wait another 6 weeks for a trace, but one call solved it. Definitely worth it if you need immediate answers about your refund.

I hate to admit when I'm wrong, but I need to follow up on my skeptical comment about Claimyr. After another week of getting nowhere with my missing refund check, I decided I had nothing to lose and tried it. I was SHOCKED when I got connected to an actual IRS agent after about 25 minutes (compared to my previous attempts where I spent 3+ hours on hold before giving up). The agent was able to see that my check had been issued but sent to my old address despite my updated info on my return. They immediately processed a stop payment on the original check and issued a new one to my correct address. Already got confirmation the new check is on its way. If you're in refund limbo like I was, it's definitely worth trying instead of waiting for months hoping for a resolution.

Have you checked that the mailing address on your tax return is 100% correct? I had a similar issue last year and realized I had transposed two numbers in my address. The check was eventually returned to the IRS. Also, the IRS is still dealing with massive backlogs from covid times, especially with paper returns and checks. Some of my clients have waited 8-10 weeks for paper checks this year.

Check your bank account again! Sometimes they process it as direct deposit even if you selected check. Happened to me last year. Also, make sure you're checking the correct tax year on the Where's My Refund tool. I was looking at 2023 instead of 2024 for like a month wondering where my money was lol

Have you tried checking your transcript on the IRS website? Sometimes it shows more detailed info than the Where's My Refund tool. You can access it by creating an account on IRS.gov. The transcript might show if there are any holds or issues with your return that are causing the delay.