Used MICR number instead of bank account number on tax return - what now?

Thanks for the quick response! Do you know if there's any way to contact the IRS directly to let them know about the error before they process the refund? I'm really hoping to avoid that 2-4 week delay if possible.

Unfortunately, there's no direct way to contact the IRS specifically to update banking information after submitting your return. Even if you call them, they typically can't make that change once the return is in processing. The system isn't set up for that kind of adjustment. Your best course of action is to monitor the "Where's My Refund" tool regularly. In some cases, if you catch it very early in processing (within 24-48 hours of submission), you might be able to cancel the return and refile, but that window is extremely brief and rarely works out timing-wise. If you submitted more than a couple of days ago, you'll likely need to wait for the paper check.

Does it actually connect with the IRS systems somehow? I'm curious how it would know about a pending rejection before it happens.

I'm a bit skeptical. How does this site know any more than the actual "Where's My Refund" tool from the IRS? Seems like they're just telling you what might happen based on general knowledge.

It doesn't directly connect to IRS systems - it analyzes your tax documents and identifies potential issues based on formatting rules and validation checks. In my case, it recognized that my account number format was invalid for my bank and flagged it immediately. They use past refund data and IRS processing patterns to predict timelines more accurately than the generic estimates. It's not just general knowledge - they have a pretty sophisticated system that caught details I missed. The timeline they predicted was spot-on for me when the Where's My Refund tool was just showing "processing" for weeks.

Wait, how does this actually work? Do they have some special way to skip the IRS hold line or something?

Sorry, but this sounds like BS. Nobody can magically get through to the IRS faster than anyone else. The hold times are what they are. Is this just paying someone else to wait on hold for you?

They use a system that navigates the IRS phone tree and waits on hold for you. When an actual agent picks up, you get a call connecting you directly to that agent. You don't have to sit through all the waiting yourself. It's not magic - they're essentially waiting in line for you and then calling you when they reach the front. I was skeptical too, but after waiting on hold for over 2 hours myself with no luck, I was willing to try anything. Got connected to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes after using their service.

I used H&R Block online and already checked there. Unfortunately they said once the return is submitted there's nothing they can do to change the banking info. They suggested exactly what others have said - just wait for it to get rejected and for the IRS to send a paper check. Really wish there was a way to fix this proactively!

That's disappointing but not surprising. Most tax software companies take a hands-off approach once the return is submitted. They're basically just the middleman for filing. If your refund is substantial, you might consider calling the IRS directly, even though the chances of making a change are slim. Sometimes if you catch it early enough in processing, they can flag the account. The IRS Refund Hotline is 800-829-1954, but be prepared for very long wait times.

This is actually an important point. The MICR line typically contains three parts: the routing number, account number, and check number, along with special symbols. If you only included the portion that has your account number (without the special symbols), it might still go through. It really depends on exactly what you entered.

That's a really good point! @NebulaNinja - you should double-check exactly what you entered. If you look at the bottom of one of your checks, the MICR line usually has your routing number first, then your account number, then the check number. They're separated by special symbols that look like this: ⑆ ⑈ ⑆ If you accidentally copied the whole MICR line, your actual account number might be buried in there. Banks sometimes can still process deposits if the account number portion is readable, even with extra characters. It's worth checking your return to see exactly what numbers you put down - you might get lucky!

Thanks for the reassurance! I actually did move about 6 months ago and completely forgot about updating my address with the IRS. I updated it with my bank and most other places, but totally spaced on the IRS. I'll definitely file that Form 8822 right away - the last thing I need is my refund check getting sent to my old apartment! Really appreciate everyone's advice here. It's frustrating to deal with my own mistake, but at least I know what to expect now and have some concrete steps to take. Going to check that MICR situation @Santiago mentioned too - maybe I'll get lucky and the account number portion will still work!