If no refund is due, how can I transmit the direct deposit data to the feds with an e-file return in order to receive the virus economic stimulus payment?

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

You cant.  We just have to wait for IRS to come up with a way to get that information to them, or be thankful when a check arrives.

[BobKamman]

 Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Sunday that the administration is working to create an online system that will allow people to submit their direct-deposit information to the government so that they can receive their coronavirus relief checks more quickly.

"We will create a web-based system for people where [if] we don't have their direct deposit [information], they can upload it, so that they can get the money immediately, as opposed to checks in the mail," Mnuchin said on CBS News's "Face the Nation."

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

I can already hear the sound of that website crashing on opening day!

[willie3]

Yes, thank you both Lisa and Bob; I am aware of what other agencies are doing to help solve this problem, and I expect to utilize them. I was hoping, in a wistful way, that the Lacerte coders could simply allow that data to be included in the fields that are already present on a 1040, rather than mask it blank if there is actually no refund showing on a return. I am in Japan, and most folks claiming the FEIE have no liability or refund, so the direct deposit data does not appear on the return even if entered into the software. For paper returns, I simply add it, but that is not possible for e-files. I add a "statement" to include the banking data, in the hope that a human might see it. The Lacerte coders could fix this in a jiffy by simply allowing entered direct deposit data to populate the appropriate fields. 

Perhaps I was too subtle in asking how to do it. Instead, how about: "why not fix this?" might help my clients more. Anyone know how to get Intuit's attention? This is an easy fix that will help many clients. 

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

Its the IRS computers that would need to be reprogrammed to pick the info up on the tax return.

[willie3]

Perhaps. Is that an assumption, or, do you code for the Service? I think the best response is for preparers and Intuit to send that data now, so that when and if the Service figures out how to access it, the data are already in the client's account file, and then the direct deposits can be made without further delay (not unlike Social Security recipients). It's bad around the world, as we all know. Let's do something to help people as soon as possible rather than adding more steps, and more delays.

[George4Tacks]

@IntuitAustin @willie3 has a very good idea. What is the likelihood that Lacerte or PS or PTO or all might incorporate this into the program?

My guess is the MEF is not set up for it and it will never happen. I hope Austin proves me wrong.

[BarbaraT]

It never hurts to ask!  From the Help menu, select Lacerte Feedback.  Enter your "Lacerte Enhancement Idea Form".

[George4Tacks · Accepted solution]

How about a first quarter estimate of $10 direct debit? 

[willie3]

Now here is someone who is thinking. Thank you, George. Possibly an elegant solution. 1040 page 2 still does not populate the direct banking details, but there are some fields in the estimate page that indicate the needed data. Let's hope. Also, $1 seems to be sufficient, rather than $10: "Smaller, but aah, cleaner...and well worth a dollar."

[George4Tacks]

But, will IRS do a direct deposit to a direct debit account? Only the shadow knows and unfortunately he probably doesn't talk with Mnuchin. Now if they could only put my idea on their shiny new poster https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/e-poster_payments.pdf

[willie3]

Valid point, but the data are the same whether a debit or credit. Whether the data populates a refund field is in the realm of the Shadow, to be sure.

[George4Tacks]

I will let you know if it works for me. I used direct debit on my 2018 and have not yet filed for 2019. I should know in a week, RIGHT?

[IntuitAustin]

Intuit has partnered with the IRS to create a Stimulus Registration for non-tax filers. For more information see here: https://turbotax.intuit.com/stimulus-check/

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

Look for this from the link above!

[IntuitAustin]

Great call out, thanks Lisa!

[Just-Lisa-Now-]

I saw a screen shot (in a tax preparer FB group) from someones Wells Fargo account showing the $1200 COVID-19 Stimulus payment landing in their bank account already...so it appears to be rolling out sooner than anticipated.....

[IntuitAustin]

Wow, they aren't wasting time! 

[BobKamman]

But remember, 

The IRS reminds taxpayers that scammers may:

• Emphasize the words "Stimulus Check" or "Stimulus Payment." The official term is economic impact payment.

[willie3]

$1 did not do it, and it was ignored. Later reading of daily IRS notices indicates that bank data for a payment are not used for direct deposit of refunds. Failed.

[qbteachmt]

"indicates that bank data for a payment are not used for direct deposit of refunds. Failed."

Payment of taxes is money Out of banking. Deposits are money Into banking. That's why it isn't being used for stimulus payments.

Are you following the IRS FAQ topic? They keep updating it:

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment-frequently-asked-questions