IRS Highlights Direct Deposit and Electronic Filing for Swift Tax Refunds

The IRS has reminded taxpayers that the fastest way to get their tax refund is by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit. Further, eight out of ten taxpayers get their refunds by using direct deposit. The IRS uses the same electronic transfer system to deposit tax refunds that is used by other federal agencies to deposit nearly 98% of all Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits into millions of accounts. Moreover, taxpayers can simply select direct deposit as the refund method when using tax software or working with a tax preparer, and either they or their tax preparer type in their account and routing number. The Service has reminded taxpayers they should only deposit refunds directly into U.S. affiliated accounts that are in their name, their spouse’s name or both if it’s a joint account.

In addition, by using direct deposit, taxpayers can split their refund into up to three financial accounts, including a bank or Individual Retirement Account. Taxpayers can split their refund by using tax software or by using Form 8888, Allocation of Refund (including Savings Bond Purchases), if they file a paper return. However, no more than three electronic tax refunds can be deposited into a single financial account or prepaid debit card. Taxpayers who exceed the limit will receive an IRS notice and a paper refund will be issued for the refunds exceeding that limit. The safest and most accurate way to file a tax return is to file electronically. Taxpayers can track their refund using "Where’s My Refund?" or by downloading the IRS2Go mobile app.

Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC (www.wilsontaxlaw.com) is a boutique Orange County tax controversy law firm that specializes in representation of individuals and businesses before federal and state tax authorities with audits, appeals, FBAR, offshore compliance, litigation and criminal defense.  Firm founder, Joseph P. Wilson, is a former Federal tax prosecutor and trial attorney for the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board.  Wilson Tax Law Group is exclusively comprised of former IRS litigators and Assistant US Attorneys from the US Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Tax Division and Criminal Division.

For further information, or to arrange a consultation please contact: Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC

Newport Beach and Yorba Linda, California

Tel: (949) 397-2292 (Newport Beach Office)

Tel: (714) 463-4430 (Yorba Linda Office)