Hello There,

I'm from Argentina and I had work in USA 2008 winter season. I would like to get my refund taxes with Direct Deposit on an account that is under the name of a friend in USA (cause I closed mine).
The question is... Can I do that? The bank is going to ask for my permission to do it so? Is there any form that I could fill to make this happen?
An other question related... My friend worked right like me and he got his tax refund and a $300 as a Recovery Rebate Credit... is that possible with a J-1 VISA? Or he have to return that money?

Thank you for the answer.

It is POSSIBLE. But you have to ask yourself if you trust your friend enough. If so, go for it. Simply put his bank information on your tax return forms.

On J1 visa you are nonresident for two years so you can not file resident return. You will not get recovery rebate. Evidently, your friend filed resident return.
Now your friend must file amended return Form 1040X with properly done nonresident return and Form 8843. Read: Your U.S. Tax Return: U.S. Tax Filing Requirements for Non-Residents (http://taxipay.blogspot.com/2008/03/us-tax-filing-requirements-for-non.html)

When you file your tax return, you can give your foreign address. IRS will mail you refund at your address.

Direct Depsoit into a U.S. bank account is supposed to be possible only into an account with YOUR name on it.

If a direct deposit refund comes to an account without your name, the bank is supposed to reject the transaction.

Unfortunately, this only works part of the time.

I agree with Mukata's position: have the refund mailed to you by check.

BTW, you are NOT eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit.

It is generally a bad idea to have your tax refund deposited into another person's bank account.