Ask Terry Questions Tax refund updated bank information

Tax refund updated bank information

By Terry Savage on April 02, 2021 | Wild Card

Ms Savage,
Our 2020 taxes have been filed electronically with a new bank routing number and new checking account number. The claim was accepted and payment was made but to my former bank information. It was my understanding that the IRS would read the tax form and see new account information and electronically send check to my new account? IRS didn’t catch it.
I know I have to wait for a paper check. Why didn’t IRS read the new account information on my 2020 tax form? How can I get IRS update their records for future refunds? Local IRS office closed due to COVID and no one answers phone due to COVID. Can you please help? I’m a senior and as you always hear living on a limited income, however I need that money to catch up on things.

Terry Says

My sympathies on this. But there is no way to get to the IRS to tell them about their mistake. I’m afraid you’re going to have to watch your mailbox for a check or a debit card. Or assuming you are on Social Security, watch that account.
They may have been going by the info on your 2019 return, which they checked first. That had your old banking info. BUT, they are also saying they will make another pass at all of the payments made based on 2020, and if they find new info they may catch it then.
Sorry I can’t be more specific. Eventually you’ll get it — even if you have to file for a credit on your 2021 return next year at this time!

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