Got a Direct Deposit from the IRS, But Not Sure What it is For? (2024)

Did you get a payment by direct deposit into your account, but not sure what it is for? No problem, here’s some information that will help you figure that out.

It could be:

  • A refund from a filed tax return, including an amended tax return or an IRS tax adjustment to your tax account – this will show as being from the IRS (“IRS TREAS 310”) and carry the code “TAX REF.”
  • An Economic Impact Payment (known as EIP or stimulus payment) – this will show as “IRS TREAS 310” and have a code of “TAXEIP3”.
  • An advance payment of the Child Tax Credit – this will show as being from the IRS and will show as “IRS TREAS 310” with a description of “CHILDCTC”.

The IRS is still processing some 2020 Individual tax returns and amended tax returns, on top of continuing to issue the third round of Economic Impact Payments (EIP3), all while also starting a new program to provide Advance Payment of the Child Tax Credit (AdvCTC) this year. All those various payments coming to eligible taxpayers can get confusing, especially since the notices with explanations that are issued based on those actions might not come right away in the mail.

Be aware that some of these refunds might come within days or weeks of each other. For instance, once a 2020 tax return gets processed, the IRS has the information it needs to be able to then generate the EIP3 (provided you qualify). That same tax information also alerts the IRS to issue the AdvCTC, if you qualify. If this happens, the IRS will automatically register you to begin receiving those monthly payments through the end of the year.

Returning a Refund, EIP, or AdvCTC

If for some reason, you believe you are not due a refund, or do not qualify for either or both of the other two payments, you can repay that amount. See our article titled Returning a Refund, Economic Impact Payment, or Advance Payment of the Child Tax Credit for full details.

For more information:

For additional IRS help, see the Let Us Help You page.

Got a Direct Deposit from the IRS, But Not Sure What it is For? (2024)

FAQs

Got a Direct Deposit from the IRS, But Not Sure What it is For? ›

No problem, here's some information that will help you figure that out. It could be: A refund from a filed tax return, including an amended tax return or an IRS tax

IRS tax
The official Web site for the Internal Revenue Service is IRS.gov, and all IRS.gov Web page addresses begin with http://www.irs.gov/.
https://www.irs.gov › pub › irs-news
adjustment to your tax account – this will show as being from the IRS (“IRS TREAS 310”) and carry the code “TAX REF.”

Why did I get a random deposit from the IRS? ›

Is it simply just a nice surprise or a mistake? One tax expert says it could be the result of an error in completing the return, so the IRS corrected it and sent a refund. Another expert says there could be another reason, so be cautious.

What if the IRS deposit the wrong amount? ›

Not entitled to refund received

For a direct deposit that was greater than expected, immediately contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 and your bank or financial institution. If you receive a notice from the IRS explaining an adjustment to a refund amount, you should do as instructed in the notice.

What if I got a check from the IRS and don't know why? ›

So if you receive an unexpected IRS refund check or bank deposit, what should you do? First, don't deposit or cash the check. Immediately take it to your nearest IRS office and ask for verification. An IRS agent can tell you why you received the check, and whether anyone else filed for it without your knowledge.

Does the IRS make mistakes on refunds? ›

When the amount of the refund (paper check or direct deposit) is different than what was expected, indicating the IRS changed the amount, a notice explaining the adjustment is mailed to your address of record. Please review the information in the notice to determine if the change to the refund is correct.

What is the red flag deposit for the IRS? ›

Banks report individuals who deposit $10,000 or more in cash. The IRS typically shares suspicious deposit or withdrawal activity with local and state authorities, Castaneda says. The federal law extends to businesses that receive funds to purchase more expensive items, such as cars, homes or other big amenities.

Is the US Department of Treasury sending out checks? ›

Over the past eleven weeks, Treasury has sent out nearly 83 million checks for more than $35 billion in tax relief. Treasury will continue to send out checks as extensions or late-filed returns are processed.

How do I find out why my federal tax refund was less than expected? ›

Likewise, your tax refund can be reduced if you owe past-due child support payments or debts to certain other federal agencies. If that's the case, the IRS will send you a notice about your overdue taxes and reduced refund. Otherwise, reduced-refund letters will come from the Bureau of Fiscal Services.

How do I find out why my tax refund was reduced? ›

Offset letter

BFS will send you a letter explaining why your federal refund was reduced and that it may take several weeks before the federal refund reaches FTB. They will also send any remaining federal refund amount to you. To get a copy of your letter, contact us.

Is it possible for the IRS to make a mistake? ›

Charged with administering, enforcing, and collecting taxes from millions of Americans, the Internal Revenue Service understandably makes mistakes.

Why is IRS sending me a check? ›

Why am I receiving a paper check? The IRS limits the number of direct deposit refunds to the same bank account or on the same pre-paid debit card. Also, we can't deposit any part of a tax refund to an account that doesn't belong to you.

How do I know if I got a check from the IRS? ›

The most convenient way to check on a tax refund is by using the Where's My Refund? tool. Taxpayers can start checking their refund status within 24 hours after an e-filed return is received. The tool also provides a personalized refund date after the return is processed and a refund is approved.

Does IRS send you checks? ›

You can have a refund check mailed to you, or you may be able to have your refund deposited directly into your bank account. Direct Deposit into a bank account is more secure because there is no check to get lost. And it takes the U.S. Treasury less time than issuing a paper check.

How do I know if my tax return has been flagged? ›

Taxpayers whose tax returns have been flagged for possible IDT should receive one of the following letters: Letter 5071C, Potential Identity Theft during Original Processing with Online Option – Provides online and phone options and is issued most widely.

Does the IRS care about small mistakes? ›

While simple math errors don't usually trigger a full-blown examination by the IRS, they will garner extra scrutiny and slow down the completion of your return. So can entering your Social Security number wrong, transposing the numbers on your address and other boneheaded blunders.

How will the IRS let me know if I made a mistake? ›

However, the IRS may find those errors and send you a notice. See the “Received a Notice” below, if you do receive a notice before filing a corrected return. if it is after the current year filing date: you will need to file a Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.

Why did I just get a federal tax refund? ›

Taxpayers receive a refund at the end of the year when they have too much money withheld. If you're self-employed, you get a tax refund when you overpay your estimated taxes.

How can you spot a fake IRS notice? ›

A genuine letter always includes a notice number and your Social Security number in the top or bottom right corner. If these details are missing, you've most likely got a fake letter. Incorrect grammar, misspellings, and odd formatting details are also common elements of fake IRS letters.

Should you worry about your deposits being reported to the IRS? ›

You may be getting just a little confused. It's not check deposits the IRS is concerned about — it's cash deposits. The banks generally do report cash deposits of $10,000 or more routinely, but don't think of it like it's a bad thing; it's just a formality.

Why did I receive tax refund? ›

Why Do People Get Tax Refunds? You get a refund if you overpaid your taxes the year before. This can happen if your employer withholds too much from your paychecks (based on the information you provided on your W-4).

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Arline Emard IV

Last Updated:

Views: 5650

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (72 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arline Emard IV

Birthday: 1996-07-10

Address: 8912 Hintz Shore, West Louie, AZ 69363-0747

Phone: +13454700762376

Job: Administration Technician

Hobby: Paintball, Horseback riding, Cycling, Running, Macrame, Playing musical instruments, Soapmaking

Introduction: My name is Arline Emard IV, I am a cheerful, gorgeous, colorful, joyous, excited, super, inquisitive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.