income tax return

the irs has deposited my tax refund into an account unknown to me (i have no bank account of any kind). I have contacted them several times by phone but only get disbelief and reluctant promises to look into it. They have sent me a letter saying it will be 8-12 weeks before they get back to me and that they cannot issue me a new check until they determine the whereabouts of the money already supposedly issued to me (which was a direct deposit into some unknown account). I can imagine they will not find the money when they do trace where they sent it. It seems i have no recourse here. appreciate any help.

It is not surprise that they say they will take 8 to 12 weeks to get back to you. With all they have to process, a “bug” such as this will probably take them at least that long to trace down. However, if they do not send you your refund by then, I suggest you try the Taxpayer Advocate Service.

The Taxpayer Advocate Service can help you if you have tried unsuccessfully to resolve a problem with the IRS. Your local Taxpayer Advocate can offer you special help if you have a significant hardship as a result of a tax problem. For more information, call toll free 1–877–777–4778 (1–800–829–4059 for TTY/TDD) or write to the Taxpayer Advocate at the IRS office that last contacted you.