A paper refund check came back to the IRS — usually an out-of-date address. Here is what it means, what usually happens next, and what to do.
On your account transcript it reads: 740 Undelivered refund check returned Hold or watch
TC 740 means a paper refund check was returned to the IRS as undeliverable — usually because the address on file is out of date. The money goes back onto your account as a credit.
Also written as: IRS code 740, code 740 on transcript, 740 IRS code, transaction code 740.
The IRS reissues the refund once it has a good address. Update your address with Form 8822 or by filing a return with the new address; the reissued refund posts as a new 846.
| On the same transcript | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| 846 → 740 | Check issued, then returned undelivered. |
| 740 → 846 | Refund reissued after an address update. |
Form 8822, or the address on a newly filed return.
That is the reissue.
It reflects the reissue once processed.
Paste it into the free decoder — every code explained, open holds flagged, refund and offsets summarized. Runs in your browser; nothing is sent anywhere.
Decode my transcript →Update your address with the IRS (Form 8822 or a newly filed return). The refund is reissued to the new address.
No — it is credited back to your account and waits for a valid address.
On your IRS account transcript for the tax year — in your IRS Online Account under tax records, or by mail using Form 4506-T. The transactions section lists each code with its description, date and amount. Return transcripts do not show transaction codes.
Yes. IRS code 740, code 740 on transcript, transaction code 740 and TC 740 all refer to the same three-digit transaction code the IRS posts to your account.