wrong routing number on return

[arlo]

Anyone have an idea as what to do?

[ChEAr$]

Anyone have an idea as what to do?

If the return is already efiled, nothing can be done; just wait it out and hope whichever bank that is will reject.
Your software probably checked the RTN upon input to insure that it was a valid number insofar as the digits were
in an acceptable range.

Maybe there is a web site to which you might repair to determine which bank it is, and have client call that bank just in
case some information might be obtained. But I doubt that.

[Koss]

What to do

Pray.



Pray that the routing number refers to a bank that does not exist.

If it is in fact a valid routing number--for the wrong bank--then pray that there is no such account number at that bank.

Or, if you're an atheist, you could try doing something else:

Identify which bank has that routing number. Call the bank, and ask for the department that handles ACH transfers. Or maybe even ask to speak to one of their fraud investigators. Then get a street address (not a PO box) and a fax number. Send a letter on your letterhead to the bank, explaining what happened.

I am not suggesting that you describe what happened as fraud. It was probably an honest mistake, by you or by the taxpayer. But if you send it to the fraud department, it will probably get some attention pretty fast. At least in theory, if some customer at that bank who has that account number gets the deposit, withdraws the money, and then refuses to return it or cooperate in an investigation, that could be fraud.

Get permission from your client, and give the bank all the relevant information. Client's name, SSN, address, amount of the refund, and the correct RTN and DAN.

Fax the letter, and also send it by certified mail. Close the letter by requesting a prompt written response.

With a little luck, the bank will not have an account with that number, and they will simply reject the deposit. A few weeks later, the taxpayer will get a paper check.

Or, as I mentioned earlier, if you're really lucky, the routing number may point to a bank that doesn't even exist.

BMK

[Black Bart]

I've used this

a few times:

http://www.gregthatcher.com/Financial/Default.aspx

[thomtax]

a few times:

http://www.gregthatcher.com/Financial/Default.aspx

BB - Thanks for posting this link. I didn't even know one like this existed and am bookmarking it for the future.

LT

[dkss]

here is another link

here is another link for routing numbers

http://www.routingnumbers.org/

[S T]

Found that Bank of America - is changing routing numbers due to an upgrade in there system - Not sure if it is only Southern Calif that is affected, but any of my clients for direct deposit for B of A - I am having the client contact the bank to verify, and then have them sign the Bank Account verification form - produced by software - for both routing # and account #.

Wells Fargo - several years ago also had changed their routing # for electronic and direct deposit.


Sandy

[ChEAr$]

When a bank changes it's current RTN, the old one doesn't go away, but remains active for years to come. Hereabouts, Wells Fargo still accepts as valid the RTN for one of it's predecessors from about 6 years ago.

[Y2KEA]

here is another link for routing numbers

http://www.routingnumbers.org/

I use this site in the rare case I need it. Works great for me.

[taxea]

Prepare and file the request for refund form with a statement of facts. Be sure to include the routing and account number from the tax return DD as well as the correct routing and account numbers.

The IRS will not send the refund check until the bank has returned the funds. Some banks put the funds into an escrow account until they determine the correct account number but the IRS will contact the bank and ask them to return the funds in cases where they have not yet been returned. Due to the confidentiality issues the bank that received the funds will not discuss the issue with you.