The person who did my taxes entered their account number instead of mine, and is denying it and I didn't receive my refund.

[ashfrank95]

What steps should I take to receive my refund and find out who account number is on my tax return?

[VolvoGirl]

If the bank rejects the deposit (which they should if your name is not on the account) then the IRS will mail a check to the address on your return.

Was your return Accepted?  You can check your efile status here     <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/efile-status-lookup/">https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/ef...>

What does the IRS say?  IRS Where's my refund     <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/">https://www.irs.gov/refunds/</a>

[rjs]

Many banks do not check the name on the deposit against the name on the account. They will just deposit the refund in the specified account number.

If your tax preparer had your refund deposited in their own bank account, they stole your refund. It's out-and-out theft. You should report it to your local police. If you paid the person to do your taxes, you should also file a complaint with the IRS. See the following link on the IRS web site for the procedure to follow.

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/make-a-complaint-about-a-tax-return-preparer">https://www.irs....>

Unfortunately, if it's a case of theft, it's not clear whether you will be able to recover the stolen refund, and there is no fixed procedure for doing so.

[rjs]

Added link to preparer complaint procedure that was omitted from previous comment.

<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/make-a-complaint-about-a-tax-return-preparer">https://www.irs....>

[Opus 17]

Understand the following facts first: 

1. Turbotax can't be used by professional tax preparers (anyone who charges money).  If they used Turbotax, they already broke IRS regulations.

2. If you used Turbotax (either with a pro improperly, or a friend helped you for free) and chose that you would pay your turbotax fees out of your refund, your bank account number may not appear on your return.  Your refund will be send to a third party bank (Cevista, Green Dot, or a couple others) who deduct the fees then send the rest of the money to you.  It may be that your refund is just not paid yet, and you are looking at the bank account number for the processor.   Make sure your tax returns were accepted.  If they were rejected (usually for technical reasons) you will have to fix the errors and re-transmit them. https://shop.turbotax.intuit.com/efile/efile_status_lookup.jsp Then check the IRS to see if the refund is paid yet. https://www.irs.gov/refunds/

If the third party bank has your refund (they may be holding it for verification) you can contact them directly. You can contact Santa Barbara Bank & Trust (SBBT) customer service at 877-908-7228 or visit their website www.sbtpg.com

If your refund is paid and it was definitely paid to someone else, then:

Here is the link to request a transcript of your tax return, to verify what account number was actually used.  (You can get a transcript for free or a photocopy for a fee.)  https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript  You can add that information to the police report and the police can find out who owns that bank account (you can't do that on your own, but the police can).

If you signed a tax return, or authorized by electronic signature, a tax return that had someone else's bank account on it, then the IRS will probably take the position that they followed your instructions and will not pay another refund.  However, here is the procedure to start a trace on your refund.  This will probably not result in a new refund from the IRS, but will give you information to use in your police report. https://www.irs.gov/help-resources/tools-faqs/faqs-for-individuals/frequently-asked-tax-questions-an...

The bank is supposed to reject a deposit if the name and SSN of the tax refund does not match the name and SSN of the bank account holder, so you may be able to sue the bank in small claims court.

You should definitely file a police report, a report with the IRS, and with the better business bureau.

[Cjmuniz222]

My tax preparer filed my taxes and had them deposited in her bank account not mine

[Opus 17]

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@Cjmuniz222 wrote:

My tax preparer filed my taxes and had them deposited in her bank account not mine

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Turbotax can't help you.  Contact your local police or the state attorney general.  If the person is actually a real accountant, they will have a license from the state and you can also contact the licensing board. 

[rjs]

@Cjmuniz222 

It's illegal for a tax preparer to have your refund deposited in her account. You should file a complaint about the preparer with the IRS. Go to the following link on the IRS web site for instructions and forms.

Make a Complaint About a Tax Return Preparer

As for getting your refund, that is between you and the preparer. If she does not give you the money promptly, you might need help from a lawyer. Neither the IRS nor TurboTax can help you with this.

Needless to say, find a new tax preparer for next year.

[VolvoGirl]

And the bank should have rejected the deposit if your name isn't on the account.  They would send it back the the IRS.  Then the IRS will mail a check to the address on your return return.  Does your tax return have your address on it?  Did you ask the IRS if and when they sent it?  And to where?

[Latanya890]

The person who did my taxes entered his on account number for my taxes even tho I asked for a check an I dont want my stimulus  check to go there I want to put in my on account number help

[Opus 17]

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@Latanya890 wrote:

The person who did my taxes entered his on account number for my taxes even tho I asked for a check an I dont want my stimulus  check to go there I want to put in my on account number help

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There is nothing Turbotax can do for you.  If this is a legitimate paid preparer (Accountant, licensed, etc.) you can probably complain to the state licensing board.  If a casual preparer (fly by night) you may still be able to complain to the state licensing board, the state attorney general, or the local police.

Presumably, if you used a paid preparer who was legit, and they used their own escrow account, the IRS should probably be able to tell the difference between a taxpayer who uses their own bank account and a taxpayer who uses a paid preparer's bank account.  The IRS has announced a plan to post a web site where taxpayers can update their bank information but I don't know if it would apply to your situation or not. 

[Jelicao]

The person who did my taxes entered their account number , but I don’t want to use their bank for my stimulus check. They keep telling me irs has a website they about to set up so people who already file can change their bank account to another account..but I wondering what are the qualifications because I only have their routing number and last 4 of their account but I do have the pin they use, please anyone who know help!?

[Opus 17]

Same answer as to the previous person.  TurboTax can’t help you.

The IRS has opened its website for the stimulus payment. There are two sections on the web site. Be sure to use the one that applies to your situation.

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments

[ilaguisonlian]

Hi. I have the same situation with you, i would to discuss it further if you can send me a message on my email [email address removed]. Thanks!

[Swinneyfreda4]

My tax preparer used his router number and account number when he filed my taxes and my refund was sent to his account I didn't have any problem I received my refund however I don't want my stimulus check sent to my tax preparers account I want to provide my account number and router number how do I provide my account information?