Wrong Account Number on Returns

[Timberwolf]

I just noticed the account number (for the refund) I put on both my federal and state tax returns are wrong. I paper filed about 12 days ago. Is there anything I can do to circumvent this problem, or do I have to file amended returns?

[nomngal]

After a failed attempt to do the DD, a paper check will be issued. Takes 3-4 weeks thought.

[Timberwolf]

Thanks nomngal!

I was worried that it might get deposited into someone else's account. Do you think I should check with my credit union to verify that the other account is or isn't active, or are you pretty certain it will fail to go through electronically?

[taxref]

I would notify your credit union right away of this error. If there is a direct deposit, they will certainly have to become involved sooner or later.

[commentator]

Yes, do notify your credit union. The last time I heard, the IRS didn't have a useful policy for dealing with the problems caused by a refund being deposited into the wrong person's account.

[activeonlooker]

I agree with others - be proactive and find out now if someone else will get your refund (an active/good acct#) or if you will get a check from the IRS (inactive/bad acct#). Know what you need to do next, if anything, depending on the situation.

[Timberwolf]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions , I will contact my credit union tomorrow and see what steps I may have to take.

[Timberwolf]

I contacted by credit union today, and found out that the (wrong) account number I had on my returns was and inactive account so that's good news. I'll just assume I will get the refunds in the mail.

[commentator]

Inactive? Did the CU make it clear to you that an IRS attempt to put money into that account would not suddenly turn it into an active one?

[Timberwolf]

commentator,

I probably used the wrong word. It's my understanding that the account is not being used at all by anyone.

[commentator]

That's a good thing, timber.

[henryclay]

The banks, (and credit uniions), that receive DD refunds have a day (or two), to determine whether or not the deposits can be made. If not, they must return the money to the IRS and/or other issuing agancy.. After that, who knows how long it will take, or what the process is, before a paper check is mailed?

The situation is not a regular event, but it is not unheard of either. Especially with paper returns, because of difficulty in reading some handwriting as well as simple data input errors at the receiving desk.

One way to solve the problem might be to ask the Credit Union to try and go an extra mile for a credit union member by flagging the erroneous account and be on the look-out for the deposits. (They will need to kn ow amounts, and the deposits should already have the taxpayer's SSAN on them.) The Credit Union "might" be able to redirect them to the correct account. It' sure worth a try.

[cpadvisor]

Mar 29, 2011 19:11:51 GMT -5 henryclay said:

The banks, (and credit uniions), that receive DD refunds have a day (or two), to determine whether or not the deposits can be made. If not, they must return the money to the IRS and/or other issuing agancy.. After that, who knows how long it will take, or what the process is, before a paper check is mailed?

The situation is not a regular event, but it is not unheard of either. Especially with paper returns, because of difficulty in reading some handwriting as well as simple data input errors at the receiving desk.

One way to solve the problem might be to ask the Credit Union to try and go an extra mile for a credit union member by flagging the erroneous account and be on the look-out for the deposits. (They will need to kn ow amounts, and the deposits should already have the taxpayer's SSAN on them.) The Credit Union "might" be able to redirect them to the correct account. It' sure worth a try.

Could you temporarily open an account with the account number used on the tax return...

[Timberwolf]

Update: I received my (tiny) federal tax refund via direct deposit into my correct account number! I was suprised, someone must have gone back and looked at prior year returns (I didn't get a federal refund last year). Luckily I've had the same account number for several years. I was pleasantly suprised.

[nancy65]

Apr 2, 2011 21:01:06 GMT -5 Timberwolf said:

Update: I received my (tiny) federal tax refund via direct deposit into my correct account number! I was suprised, someone must have gone back and looked at prior year returns (I didn't get a federal refund last year). Luckily I've had the same account number for several years. I was pleasantly suprised.

More likely it was someone at your CU that straightened it out. They deserve a big "Thank you."

[Timberwolf]

Update: I finally got my state tax refund yesterday (6/15/11)! the funny thing is, it also was deposited into my account (the correct account number) as opposed to sending a paper check. go figure.

[TheOtherMe]

Happy to hear you have received both refunds and in to the correct accounts.