How to resolve Lacerte diagnostic Ref. 17018, verify bank account information

What's new for Individual tax refunds for tax year 2025:

Tax refund checks for individual taxpayers will be phased out beginning on September 30, 2025. Until further notice, taxpayers should continue using existing forms and procedures, including those filing their 2024 returns on an extension of a due date prior to December 31, 2025. For tax year 2025 returns, the IRS will send Notice CP53E if the return didn't have direct deposit information. This can delay the refund by up to six weeks. For more information from the IRS see here.

The following e-file critical diagnostic may generate in Lacerte:

Please verify that the prior year bank account information is correct before applying it to the current year return. (ref. #17018)

How to resolve diagnostic Ref. 17018 in 2016 or newer:

1. Select the Details tab.
2. Go to Screen 3, Miscellaneous Information/Direct Deposit.
3. Scroll down to the Direct Deposit of Refund / Electronic Payment section.
4. Select the box labeled Bank account information verified.

How to resolve diagnostic Ref. 17018 in 2015 or prior:

1. From the Settings menu, select Options.
2. Select the Tax Return tab.
3. Under the Tax Return Options section, select Yes from the option Verify Bank Accounts.