Quick answer

If your direct deposit landed in a closed account, the bank usually returns the money to the IRS and the agency will reissue your refund. To speed recovery: confirm status with the IRS, contact your bank, and submit Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) if the refund isn’t reissued automatically. (IRS: Where’s My Refund? and Form 3911). https://www.irs.gov/refunds https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-3911

Step-by-step recovery process

  1. Confirm the refund was issued
  • Check the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool first (https://www.irs.gov/refunds). The tool shows whether the refund was processed and whether it was deposited or a check was mailed.
  1. Contact your bank
  • If the refund status shows it was deposited, call the bank that would have received the deposit. If the account was closed, most banks return the funds to the IRS automatically. Ask the bank to confirm whether they returned the deposit and the date of return; note any reference or trace number.
  1. Wait for the IRS to receive the returned funds (usually short)
  • When the bank returns a direct deposit, processing time varies by bank but often takes a few days to a few weeks. Once the IRS receives the returned amount, they will reissue the refund.
  1. Contact the IRS if reissue is delayed
  • If you don’t see progress in 3–4 weeks after the bank confirms the return, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (personal returns) or use the online tools. Be ready to provide your SSN, tax year, filing status, exact refund amount, and a copy of the filed return. (IRS: general contact info). https://www.irs.gov/
  1. File Form 3911 when required
  • If the refund was issued but not recredited to you, use Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) to start a formal trace. The form and instructions explain where to mail it and what documentation to include. (IRS: About Form 3911). https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-3911

Documents to have ready

  • Copy of the tax return for the year in question
  • Exact refund amount and date shown by IRS tools
  • Bank statements showing account closure or absence of deposit
  • Government ID and Social Security number

What to expect — timelines

  • Bank return to IRS: days to a few weeks (varies by bank)
  • IRS internal processing then reissue (paper check or new direct deposit): commonly 4–6 weeks after IRS receives returned funds
  • Typical total recovery time: often 6–12 weeks from the date the refund was first deposited to a closed account. These are typical ranges; cases with offset issues or identity verification can take longer. (IRS guidance: follow Form 3911 instructions.)

When identity theft or offset may be involved

  • If the IRS suspects identity theft, or if your refund was offset for debts (child support, unpaid federal debt, state offsets), resolution will take longer. If you suspect fraud, follow IRS identity-theft procedures and documentation requirements. For more on fraud-related refund recovery, see our guide: Navigating Identity Theft Tax Refund Claims: Prevention & Recovery Steps (finhelp.io). https://finhelp.io/glossary/navigating-identity-theft-tax-refund-claims-prevention-recovery-steps/

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Waiting too long: don’t assume the IRS will reissue immediately—check the status and follow up.
  • Giving incomplete information: keep your SSN, filing status, and exact refund amount handy when contacting the bank or IRS.
  • Filing the wrong form: use Form 3911 for a missing or misdirected refund trace; do not use unrelated forms.

Professional tips from my practice

  • Contact the bank first—banks often return deposits quickly and can provide documentation you’ll need when contacting the IRS.
  • Be proactive: if the return is confirmed, call the IRS and ask a representative to open a trace; follow up and keep notes (date, rep name, and reference numbers).
  • Use secure channels: share sensitive details only on the IRS site, over the IRS phone number, or in the mailed Form 3911 package.

Related FinHelp guides

What to do if you can’t reach the IRS

  • Try calling early in the morning or late in the week outside peak filing season.
  • Use the IRS online tools where possible; keep proof of attempts (call logs, screenshots) if you later file Form 3911.

Disclaimer

This article is educational and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a tax professional or contact the IRS directly. authoritative sources cited: IRS “Where’s My Refund?” and Form 3911 information pages (IRS.gov).