Filed taxes with incorrect direct deposit info - How to fix after 3 weeks?

Have you checked your Where's My Refund status recently? When the IRS processes a return with incorrect banking information, what typically happens is one of two scenarios. Either the bank will reject the deposit because the account doesn't exist, or worse, it could go to someone else's account if the number happens to be valid. Have you tried calling the IRS general number yet? I'm a bit concerned that it's been three weeks with no update, which might indicate they're still processing rather than having attempted the deposit.

I had this exact problem last tax season. Regular IRS phone lines are completely jammed right now. I used Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) after wasting days trying to reach someone. They got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 30 minutes. The agent was able to update my direct deposit info since my refund hadn't been processed yet. Don't waste time on hold - tax season is peak nightmare for phone lines. Just be ready with all your info when you get through.

I think I might be able to help a bit here. I had a somewhat similar situation last year where I accidentally transposed two numbers in my routing number. What eventually happened was that the deposit bounced back to the IRS after about, I believe, 10-14 days. Then they automatically issued me a paper check, which took around 3-4 additional weeks to arrive. So the whole process probably added about a month to my refund timeline, unfortunately. But I did eventually get my money without having to do anything special, if that helps ease your mind a little.

Had almost the same situation last year - fat-fingered my account number and panicked! While waiting to get through to the IRS, I used taxr.ai to analyze my transcript. It showed a code 841 (refund canceled) followed by 846 (refund issued) with a different date. The site explained this meant my direct deposit failed and was being reissued as a paper check. Saved me hours of anxiety wondering what was happening! The tool was spot on - check arrived exactly when predicted. Worth checking your transcript codes if you can access them (https://taxr.ai).

UGH I went through this EXACT nightmare last year and I'm still angry about how the IRS handled it! Here's what you need to do: 1. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (I know it's hard to get through but KEEP TRYING) 2. Select language option, then press 2 for "questions about your tax return" 3. Press 1 for "questions about a form you filed" 4. Press 3 for "all other questions" 5. Press 2 for "all other questions" 6. When asked for SSN, DON'T ENTER ANYTHING, just wait 7. You'll get transferred to a person eventually When you reach someone, tell them you need to change your direct deposit info. If they say it's too late (refund already processing), ask them to cancel the direct deposit and issue a paper check instead. WRITE DOWN THE PERSON'S ID NUMBER AND CALL REFERENCE NUMBER! I'm so glad I found someone who helped me after days of trying. Good luck!!!

According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/faqs/irs-procedures/refund-inquiries/refund-inquiries-18), if you made an error on your banking information, you generally can't change it after filing. The IRS processing system will attempt to deposit your refund, and if unsuccessful, they'll mail a paper check to the address on your return. If you want to be proactive though, you should try to contact them. The IRS Refund Hotline is 800-829-1954, but you may have better luck with the main line at 800-829-1040. Be prepared for long wait times right now during tax season.

I can reassure you that this happens more often than you might think. According to the Internal Revenue Manual section 21.4.1, when a direct deposit is rejected due to incorrect account information, the IRS automatically converts the refund to a paper check. The good news is that your refund isn't lost - it's just delayed. The IRS generally reissues rejected direct deposits as paper checks within 2-3 weeks of the rejection. Since you're at the 3-week mark now, I'd expect movement on your account very soon. The check will be mailed to the address on your tax return, so make sure that's current.

I remember being in your shoes back in 2022. My return sat in processing for about 4 weeks, then suddenly I got a letter from the IRS saying my direct deposit was rejected. Two weeks after that, I received a paper check in the mail. The whole process added about 6 weeks to my refund timeline compared to normal direct deposit. If I were you, I'd make sure your mailing address is current with USPS just in case they have to mail you a check. You can update your address with the IRS using Form 8822, but that probably won't affect the refund that's already in process.

Last year I entered my routing number incorrectly - transposed two digits. What happened in my case was that about 4 weeks after filing, my tax transcript updated with a TC846 code (refund issued) but then a week later showed a TC841 (refund cancelled). Three days after that, I got another TC846 with a new date. That paper check showed up in my mailbox exactly 8 days after the second TC846 date. I literally checked my mail three times a day waiting for it! The whole process added about 5-6 weeks to my refund timeline, which was super frustrating since I needed the money for a car repair.

This happens every year. Don't panic. IRS will try deposit. Will fail. Check will mail. Address must be correct. Allow extra 4-6 weeks. Nothing to do now. System works automatically. Keep checking WMR. Status will update. Paper checks batch weekly. Tuesday processing. Friday mailing. Good luck.