>>When the check was in your hand, you had total and complete access to it
Well, just partially like that. It was obvious to me that I do see an amount I'm not entitled to which is just duplicating on what I'm entitled to (payment, which I claimed as a credit).
from pub 538
Constructive receipt.
Income is constructively received when an amount is credited to your account or made available to you without restriction.
received if your control of its receipt is subject to substantial restrictions or limitations.
And it's not only my records against their records anymore. They confirmed receiving the check, so they have mail with stamp on it from USPS saying that it was sent 4 months ago.
