Why do the accounting and routing numbers on the bottom of the 1040 differ from what I have entered for my client on the bank screen?
When using a bank product, the IRS transfers the refund to the bank, and the bank transfers it either to the preparer (to print a check for the taxpayer) or to the taxpayer’s bank (for a direct deposit) depending on the bank product selected.
Consequently, the routing and account numbers appearing at the bottom of the 1040 belong to the banking partner and not the taxpayer.