Entered incorrect routing number on tax return - how to fix?

Don't panic! This is actually a fairly common mistake and there's a process for handling it. When you provide an incorrect routing number, the receiving bank will reject the deposit because the account information doesn't match. Once rejected, the IRS will automatically send you a paper check to the address on your return. This process typically takes about 2-3 weeks from the original direct deposit date. You don't need to do anything right now - just wait for the rejection to process through the system. Keep an eye on your mailbox around 3 weeks after your original deposit date. If you're really concerned, you can check the status of your refund on the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool on their website. It should update once the direct deposit is rejected and the paper check is issued.

I had this exact problem last year when I switched banks and forgot to update my routing info. I spent HOURS trying to get through to the IRS with no luck. Then I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me figure out what was happening with my refund and guided me through the correction process. Their system analyzed my tax documents and tracked my refund status in real-time. They showed me exactly what was happening and why the deposit failed. Then they gave me step-by-step guidance on what forms I needed and how to submit them properly. Saved me so much stress and confusion!

I was definitely skeptical about taxr.ai when I first heard about it (as you can see from my earlier comment), but after struggling with a similar refund issue for WEEKS, I decided to give it a try. Honestly wish I'd done it sooner. The service identified exactly why my bank rejected the deposit - turns out I had transposed two digits in my account number. They guided me through filing the right correction forms and even helped me understand what to say when I finally got through to an IRS agent. My refund was reissued as a paper check about 10 days later. What really impressed me was how they explained everything in plain English instead of confusing tax jargon. If you're dealing with a rejected deposit, it's definitely worth checking out.

If you need to actually speak with someone at the IRS (which might be necessary if it's been more than 3 weeks), good luck getting through their phone system. I discovered a service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that basically holds your place in the IRS phone queue and calls you when an agent is about to answer. Here's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c After trying to call the IRS for THREE DAYS straight and never getting through, I used Claimyr and spoke to an actual IRS agent that same day. The agent was able to verify that my refund was rejected due to incorrect routing info and manually initiated the process to send me a paper check. Saved me weeks of additional waiting.

I take back what I said about Claimyr. After three failed attempts to reach the IRS myself (getting disconnected each time after 45+ minutes on hold), I tried the service. Got a call back in about 83 minutes and was connected directly to an IRS representative. The agent confirmed my direct deposit was rejected due to the incorrect routing number. She said they automatically reissue as a paper check, but there was a system flag on my account due to the banking info mismatch. She removed the flag and expedited the paper check, which I received about 5 days later. For anyone dealing with incorrect bank info on your return, definitely try to speak with an IRS agent directly - they can often speed things up once they confirm it's just a routing number mistake.

I worked at a bank for several years and saw this ALL the time. Here's what typically happens: 1. IRS tries to deposit to the incorrect routing number 2. If the routing number doesn't exist or the account number doesn't match, it gets rejected 3. IRS automatically converts the refund to a paper check (usually takes 2-4 weeks) One thing to note - if you're getting a large refund (over $10,000), there can sometimes be additional verification steps before they reissue. In those cases, you might get a letter asking you to confirm your identity before they'll send the check.

Quick question - does anyone know if changing my address with USPS will affect where the IRS sends the paper check? I filed with my old address but I'm moving next week, and now I'm worried about this check situation.

This happened to me two years ago and I was absolutely stressed about it! I used my savings account routing number instead of my checking account routing number. The good news is that the system worked exactly as others described - the deposit was rejected and I got a paper check about 3 weeks later. One thing I learned is to keep checking the "Where's My Refund" tool because it actually updates pretty quickly when the deposit gets rejected. Mine showed "Payment Status Not Available" for about a week, then switched to "Your refund will be mailed to you" with a date. The actual check arrived right on schedule. Also, make sure your mailing address is current with the IRS! I almost had a heart attack when I realized I had moved since filing my previous year's return. Luckily I had updated my address with them using Form 8822 earlier that year, so the check went to the right place. Don't panic - this is way more common than you'd think and the IRS has a solid process for handling it. Just be patient and keep an eye on that refund tracker!

I just went through this exact situation last month! I accidentally used my old bank's routing number from an account I had closed years ago. I was panicking thinking my refund was lost forever, but it all worked out fine. The IRS attempted the direct deposit, it got rejected (obviously since the account didn't exist), and then about 2.5 weeks later I got a paper check in the mail. The "Where's My Refund" tool was actually pretty helpful - it showed "refund sent" initially, then after about a week it updated to say there was an issue and a paper check would be mailed. One tip: if you're really anxious about it, you can also check your bank account online to see if there are any pending transactions or rejected deposits. My bank actually showed a "returned deposit" notation which gave me peace of mind that the process was working as expected. The waiting is definitely stressful, but the IRS really does have this situation figured out since it happens so often. Just keep checking that refund tracker and watch your mailbox!