How can I change direct deposit info for my tax refund after it was rejected?
So I'm in a bit of a situation with my tax refund. I filed my taxes about 3 weeks ago and had my refund set to be direct deposited into my Wells Fargo account. The problem is I closed that account last month after switching to a local credit union, and I completely forgot I had used that account number on my tax return! I just called Wells Fargo to see if they could help redirect the deposit to my new account, but they said they already rejected the deposit and sent the money back to the IRS. I'm really confused about what happens next. Will the IRS automatically mail me a paper check instead? Or do I need to somehow update my direct deposit information with them? I tried calling the IRS but got stuck in their phone menu system. Does anyone know which options I need to select to speak with someone about changing my direct deposit info for a refund that's already been processed but returned by the bank? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
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Omar Hassan
When a direct deposit is rejected by a bank (like in your case with the closed account), the IRS will automatically convert your refund to a paper check and mail it to the address they have on file for you. You don't need to do anything to make this happen - it's their standard procedure when electronic deposits fail. The conversion from direct deposit to paper check typically adds about 2-4 weeks to your refund timeline. The good news is you don't have to update any direct deposit information since they'll just send a physical check. Just make sure your current mailing address is correct with the IRS. If you've moved since filing your return, you should file Form 8822 (Change of Address) as soon as possible to ensure the check gets sent to the right place.
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Freya Pedersen
•Thank you for this info! Do you know if there's any way to check the status of this conversion? Will the "Where's My Refund" tool show when they switch it to a paper check? And approximately how long does it usually take from when the bank rejects the deposit until the check is mailed out?
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Omar Hassan
•The "Where's My Refund" tool should eventually update to show that your refund will be mailed rather than direct deposited, though this update sometimes takes a week or two after the rejection happens. The message will typically change from "Your refund will be deposited on [date]" to "Your refund will be mailed on [date]." The entire process from bank rejection to check mailing usually takes 2-4 weeks. The IRS has to process the returned payment, convert it to a paper check, and then schedule it for mailing. It's not the fastest process, but it is automatic and reliable. If you don't see an update on the Where's My Refund tool after about two weeks from when the bank rejected the deposit, that's when I'd consider calling the IRS for an update.
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Chloe Anderson
I went through exactly the same situation last year! I closed my Bank of America account but forgot I had used it for my tax refund. After trying to call the IRS multiple times with no luck, I found this service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me figure out what was going on with my refund status. It was super helpful because I could upload my tax transcript and the system explained exactly what was happening with my refund and when I could expect the paper check. Apparently the IRS uses specific codes when a direct deposit gets rejected, and the service translated all that technical jargon into simple language. Saved me hours of trying to decipher my tax transcript on my own.
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Diego Vargas
•Did it actually help speed up the process or just give you information? I'm in a similar situation but really need my refund ASAP for some bills. Can this service help get my money faster?
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CosmicCruiser
•How do you even get your tax transcript in the first place? I've never seen mine before. Is that something the IRS provides or is it from your tax software?
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Chloe Anderson
•It doesn't speed up the process itself, but it helps you understand exactly what's happening and gives you realistic timelines. For me, knowing I'd get the check within 3 weeks was huge for planning my finances, instead of checking the mail every day for a month wondering when it might show up. You can get your tax transcript directly from the IRS website. Just google "IRS Get Transcript" and you'll find their official page where you can request it online. You'll need to create an account if you don't already have one, but once you do, you can download your transcript right away. The transcript has all kinds of codes and dates that taxr.ai can interpret for you.
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CosmicCruiser
Just wanted to update that I tried taxr.ai after seeing the suggestion here and it was actually super helpful! I was able to see exactly what was happening with my refund after my direct deposit got rejected. The transcript showed code 841 which apparently means "refund canceled" followed by code 971 "notice issued" and then code 846 with a new date - which the site explained meant my paper check was scheduled to be mailed on that date. Knowing exactly when to expect my check helped me plan my bills for the month. The site was easy to use - you just upload your transcript and it breaks everything down in normal human language instead of IRS code. Would definitely recommend if you're confused about what's happening with your refund!
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Anastasia Fedorov
If you're still having trouble reaching the IRS to get answers about your refund, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation with a rejected direct deposit last year and couldn't get through to anyone at the IRS after trying for days. Claimyr basically holds your place in the phone queue so you don't have to waste hours listening to that terrible hold music. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. When it's your turn to speak with an agent, you get a call back. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked and I got through to an IRS agent who confirmed my check had been mailed and gave me the exact date to expect it.
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Freya Pedersen
•Wait, how does this actually work? So I don't have to sit on hold for hours? That sounds too good to be true. Is this some official IRS service or a third-party thing?
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Sean Doyle
•Seems like a scam. Why would I pay someone to call the IRS for me? I bet they just tell you to wait for a paper check which is what happens anyway. Has anyone else actually used this service successfully?
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Anastasia Fedorov
•It's not an IRS service - it's a third-party service that basically navigates the IRS phone system and waits on hold for you. When an agent finally picks up, the service calls your phone and connects you directly with the IRS agent. You still talk to the IRS yourself, but you don't have to waste hours waiting on hold. They don't call the IRS for you or speak to them on your behalf - they just handle the hold time. Once you're connected, you speak directly with the IRS agent yourself. It's just a way to avoid the ridiculous wait times. I was also skeptical but it saved me about 2 hours of hold time when I really needed to confirm what was happening with my refund.
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Sean Doyle
I have to admit I was wrong about Claimyr. After my direct deposit got rejected last month and spending THREE HOURS on hold with the IRS only to get disconnected, I was desperate enough to try the service. Got a call back in about 45 minutes and talked directly to an IRS agent who confirmed my paper check had already been processed and gave me the exact date it would arrive. The agent also added notes to my account in case there were any delivery issues. I avoided hours of hold time and got the peace of mind knowing exactly when my check would arrive. Definitely worth it for people who value their time and need concrete answers right away. I'll never waste time on hold with the IRS again!
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Zara Rashid
Whatever you do, don't try to update your direct deposit info through email if anyone suggests that! My cousin got scammed this way last year - got an email claiming to be from the IRS about updating bank info for his refund. Turned out to be identity thieves. The IRS NEVER initiates contact through email about refunds or personal info. Just wait for the paper check like others have suggested. It takes a bit longer but it's the safest option at this point.
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Luca Romano
•This happened to my mom too! She got a text message with a link to "update direct deposit info" and almost fell for it. These scammers know exactly when tax season is and target people waiting for refunds. The IRS will NEVER text or email you asking for bank information.
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Nia Jackson
Has anyone had luck with calling the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service instead of the main IRS number? I've heard they sometimes can help with refund issues if it's causing financial hardship.
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NebulaNova
•The Taxpayer Advocate Service is really only for serious hardship cases or if you've tried multiple times to resolve an issue with the IRS without success. For a simple returned direct deposit that's being converted to a check, they probably won't take the case since the IRS has a standard procedure already in place.
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Nia Jackson
•Thanks for the clarification. Guess I'll just have to be patient and wait for the paper check to arrive. Seems like there's no way to speed up the process once the direct deposit has been rejected.
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