I Put the Wrong Routing Number on My Taxes. What Should I Do?

Filing taxes can be a meticulous process, and even minor errors like entering the wrong routing number can lead to complications. Such mistakes may delay your tax refund or result in it being deposited into an incorrect account, causing stress and inconvenience.

Immediate Actions to Address the Error

If you realize you entered an incorrect routing number on your tax return, contact the IRS promptly at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount available to expedite assistance. If the error is identified before processing, you may be able to correct it by submitting Form 8888, Allocation of Refund (Including Savings Bond Purchases), to update your banking information. If the IRS has already processed your return, a failed direct deposit will typically result in the IRS issuing a paper check. If funds are deposited into the wrong account, you’ll need to work with your bank to recover them under National Automated Clearing House Association (NACHA) rules.

Effects on Refund Timing

An incorrect routing number can delay your tax refund. While the IRS generally processes refunds within 21 days, errors may require a manual review, which can take additional time, particularly during peak tax season. If the refund is sent to the wrong account, recovering the funds involves coordination between the IRS and the bank. If the funds are accessed by someone else, legal intervention may be necessary, further extending the timeline.

Steps to Update Bank Details

To confirm your refund status, use the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool or the IRS2Go app. These tools indicate whether your return is still processing. For electronic filers, many tax software providers allow corrections to banking information if the return hasn’t been processed yet. Paper filers, however, must contact the IRS directly. Once a refund is issued, the IRS cannot redirect it. If your refund has been issued but not received, contact your bank to resolve any account mismatches.

Communicating with the Tax Agency

When reaching out to the IRS, have all relevant documents ready, including your tax return and any correspondence from the IRS. Calling during off-peak hours may reduce wait times. The IRS’s Interactive Tax Assistant online can also provide answers to common questions. Maintain a professional tone during discussions to ensure a smoother resolution process.

Possible Outcomes if Funds Are Sent to the Wrong Account

If a refund is sent to an invalid account, the bank generally rejects it, and the IRS issues a paper check to the address on file. Make sure your mailing address is current to prevent further delays. If the routing number corresponds to a valid account not owned by you, the IRS cannot retrieve the funds. You will need to work directly with the bank, which may reverse the transaction if the funds remain untouched. If the money has been withdrawn, legal action might be required, potentially involving an attorney.