How Long Does it Take for an IRS Check to Arrive and Prevent USPS Delays

Are you wondering how long it takes to receive an IRS check, and how to ensure it arrives smoothly without any hiccups?

Whether mailed on a specific day or not, the time it takes to get a check from the IRS can vary. This article will guide you through the typical timeframe and offer tips on how to expedite delivery and prevent potential delays.

Typical IRS Check Delivery Times

Usually, it takes a couple of business days for an IRS check to arrive. However, the actual delivery time may depend on several factors, including:

The date the check was mailed Your proximity to the IRS location Your local mail delivery system

For instance, May 26 is a Sunday, so mail delivery might be restricted. In such cases, it may take up to a week to 10 days for the check to arrive.

Factors Influencing Delivery Time

The following factors can significantly impact the delivery time:

Address Registration with USPS: Register your address with USPS Informed Delivery for accurate tracking and notification of mailings. This free service will email you daily with updates on the mail or packages delivered to your address, including any past resident mail. Understanding Forwarding Services: Note that state/federal agency mailers are not typically forwarded automatically via a USPS Change of Address (COA) form. They might either be returned to sender or delivered to your old address for new residents to deal with. Ensure to submit permanent USPS COA’s from your old addresses, even those you no longer use, to forward any first-class mailers to your current address. Using Correct Address Information: Make sure to use the correct address variation, including the 4-digit zip code listed in USPS Address Lookup. If the address is not listed, contact USPS Address Management or the delivery manager to add it to their database.

Handling Missent Mail

Missent mail can be a common issue. Here are steps to handle such situations effectively:

If the mailer appears but isn't delivered, wait for two days before starting to ask neighbors if they received the mail by mistake. Ensure they understand what to do with such mail and teach them if necessary, as they may dispose of it improperly. Report such mail as “not received” using your USPS Informed Delivery account. For misdelivered mail, avoid removing it from the mailbox and do not write on the mailer. Instead, raise the flag. Properly trained mail carriers will retrieve it and submit the necessary paperwork to stop further mailers in this name variation. Contact the sender to inform them about the incorrect barcode. Usually, the 4-digit zip code is incorrect. Search the correct 4-digit zip code for the neighbor's address in USPS Address Lookup and use that information.

Tips to Prevent USPS Delivery Delays

To ensure a smooth delivery process, follow these tips:

Keep your mailing address updated and submit permanent USPS COA’s every 2–4 years or when you move to ensure first-class mailers are forwarded correctly. Use address variations in names you receive mail in, including variations such as first/last, last/first, first initial/last, maiden, nicknames, and misspelled names. Ensure the address information is accurate and doesn’t have any error messages attached, like “vacant” or “no mail delivery.” Search the address in USPS Address Lookup to obtain the correct 4-digit zip code and remove any error messages from USPS Address Management or the delivery manager.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of your IRS check being delayed or misdirected.

Conclusion

The time it takes for an IRS check to arrive can vary, but with the right procedures in place, you can ensure a smooth delivery. Always stay informed about your mail, update your address with USPS, and follow proper handling procedures to prevent disruptions.