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Pitfalls Using 3rd Party Accounts

My income tax check was sent to my mom's account, because I don't have one. Then mom had money problems and the account was overdrawn. When my stimulus payment came, it went to her account, which I did not know. Can the bank keep my money?


The bank was entitled to credit that payment to the account indicated in the payment instructions, even if the name in those instructions didn't match the name on your mother's account. Although you might try convincing the bank to issue you a check for the stimulus payment, they are not compelled to do so by any law or regulation.

It's never a good idea to have tax refunds or other electronic payments directed to someone else's account. Even if you don't have a bank account, you can direct the IRS or local tax authorities to send your refunds and other payments by mail.

This matter has to be resolved between you and your mother. Since part of what she owed to the bank was paid by your stimulus payment, that is now money she owes to you. How you and your mother sort it out will be up to the two of you.

Published on BankingQuestions.com 8/07/08