Reference code 5501.

Split direct deposit

Refund reduced by an offset

See how long people with this situation waited, from their transcripts.

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What it means.

The IRS manual's wording:

Split direct deposit - partial offset

Part of a split refund paid a debt; the other accounts got less than requested.

What does reference code 5501 mean?

Part or all of the refund went to a debt. The IRS manual's own wording is quoted on this page.

What should I do about code 5501?

Part of a split refund paid a debt; the other accounts got less than requested.

Checked against these sources on October 30, 2026.