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After you file
Checks from the IRS don't arrive without explanation, although they can arrive before the explanation. You may want to hold on to the check until you find out - you can try calling the IRS, but tax season is not a great time.
As VolvoGirl pointed out, you may have forgotten to enter a tax withholding and the IRS caught it and sent you a refund of the unused portion of your payment. If you can determine this is the case, you're safe to deposit your check.
There is also a scam that goes around. These days, it generally involves a fake IRS direct deposit to your bank account and then demands for you to send it back, but I have seen it done with checks. It's always best not to deposit any surprise checks until you determine they are legitimate.