What Form 697 Is and When You Need It

Form 697 is a verification document that confirms you have set up direct deposit for a specific payment or benefit. It is not a form you file with the IRS or any government agency. Instead, it is a record you receive from the organization paying you — a bank, employer, government benefit program, or other payer — that shows your direct deposit account is active and ready to receive funds.

You typically receive a Form 697 after you have submitted your banking information (account number, routing number, and account type) to set up direct deposit. The form serves as proof that the payer has accepted and verified your account details. Some organizations issue it automatically; others only provide it if you request it.

In 2025, Form 697 is most commonly used by people receiving federal benefits — Social Security, SSI, veterans' benefits, or tax refunds — who need to show proof that direct deposit is active. It may also be issued by employers, state agencies, or other payment sources. The specific use depends on which organization issued it and why you need it.

Key Takeaways

  • Form 697 is a verification document issued by the payer, not a form you submit to the government.
  • It confirms that your direct deposit account has been set up and accepted by the payer's system.
  • You may need it as proof of direct deposit for loan applications, benefit programs, or employment verification.
  • If you do not receive one automatically, you can request it from the organization that is paying you.
  • Keeping a copy in your records protects you if there are questions about whether your direct deposit is active.

Who Issues Form 697 and Why

The organization paying you — not the IRS — issues Form 697. This could be the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, your employer's payroll department, your state's unemployment office, or any other entity that sends you money via direct deposit.

Organizations issue Form 697 for different reasons. Some use it as a standard confirmation that direct deposit setup is complete. Others issue it only when you request it, or when you need proof of direct deposit for a third party — such as a lender, landlord, or government program that requires documentation that you receive income reliably.

The form typically includes your name, the last four digits of your account number, the routing number of your bank, the account type (checking or savings), and the date the direct deposit was activated. It may also show the frequency of payments or the amount, depending on the issuer's standard format.

How to Request Form 697 If You Do Not Have One

If you set up direct deposit but never received a Form 697, contact the organization that is paying you. The process varies by payer.

For Social Security or SSI, call 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. You can also create an account on ssa.gov and view your direct deposit information there; some users can print or read a verification letter from their account.

For veterans' benefits, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs through va.gov or call 1-800-827-1000. They can issue a direct deposit verification letter or form.

For tax refunds, the IRS does not issue Form 697, but your bank will have a record of the direct deposit once it arrives. If you need proof before the refund deposits, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask about your refund status.

For employer payroll, ask your HR department or payroll administrator. They can print a direct deposit verification form or letter on company letterhead.

For state benefits (unemployment, disability, TANF), contact your state's benefit agency directly. Most have online portals where you can view or print direct deposit confirmation.

What Information Form 697 Contains

Form 697 is not a standardized government form with numbered lines like a tax form. Instead, it is a letter or document created by the payer that includes specific details about your direct deposit setup.

Standard information on a Form 697 includes your full name, the account holder's name (which should match yours), the last four digits of your account number, your bank's routing number, the account type (checking or savings), and the date direct deposit was activated. Some versions also show the frequency of deposits (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) or the expected amount of each payment.

The document is signed or stamped by the payer to show it is official. It may be printed on letterhead or issued as a digital document through an online portal.

When You Need Form 697 as Proof

You may need to show Form 697 to a third party in several situations. Lenders often ask for proof of direct deposit when you explore for a loan or credit card, because direct deposit shows stable, recurring income. Landlords may request it as part of a rental process to verify your income source. Some government benefit programs require proof of direct deposit to confirm you are receiving another benefit or income stream.

In each case, the third party is checking that you receive money reliably and that the account is active. Form 697 serves that purpose by showing the payer has accepted and verified your banking information.

If you cannot locate your Form 697, you have alternatives. A recent bank statement showing a deposit from the payer, a pay stub showing direct deposit, or a letter from the payer on official letterhead can often serve the same purpose. Ask the third party what they will accept before you spend time searching for the original form.

Protecting Your Form 697 and Your Account Information

Form 697 contains sensitive information — your account number, routing number, and the name of your bank. Treat it like you would a bank statement. Keep it in a safe place, do not share it unnecessarily, and do not post it online or in emails unless you are certain the recipient is legitimate.

If you are submitting Form 697 to a third party, consider redacting (covering) all but the last four digits of your account number before you send it. Most organizations only need to see enough to confirm the account exists; they do not need your full account number.

If your account information changes — you close the account, switch banks, or open a new account — notify the payer when ready so they can update their records. Your old Form 697 will no longer be valid once the account is closed.

Common Confusion About Form 697

Many people confuse Form 697 with other direct deposit documents. Form W-4 is a tax withholding form you file with your employer; it is not a direct deposit form. Form I-9 is an employment may be able to access form; it has nothing to do with direct deposit. ACH authorization forms are what you actually sign to set up direct deposit — they give the payer permission to access your account. Form 697 comes after that, as confirmation that the setup is complete.

Another source of confusion: Form 697 is not issued by the IRS for tax refunds. The IRS does not use a Form 697. If you set up direct deposit for a tax refund, your bank receives the deposit directly from the IRS's payment processor. You can verify the setup by checking your IRS account on irs.gov or by calling the IRS, but there is no Form 697 involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up direct deposit without Form 697?

Yes. Form 697 is a confirmation document, not a requirement. You can set up direct deposit by submitting your banking information to the payer. Form 697 is issued after the fact to confirm the setup is complete. You only need it if you need proof of direct deposit for a third party.

What if the payer will not issue Form 697?

Not all organizations use Form 697. If the payer does not have a standard form, ask for a direct deposit verification letter on official letterhead instead. It should state your name, the account type, the last four digits of your account number, and the date direct deposit was activated. Most lenders and landlords will accept this as proof.

Is Form 697 the same as a direct deposit authorization form?

No. A direct deposit authorization form is what you sign to give the payer permission to deposit money into your account. Form 697 is issued afterward as proof that the authorization was accepted and the account is set up. You sign the authorization form; you receive Form 697 as confirmation.

Do I need Form 697 to change my direct deposit account?

No. To change your account, submit new banking information to the payer. They will update their records and may issue a new Form 697 showing the new account details. Keep the new one and discard the old one, since the old account is no longer active.

What should I do if Form 697 shows the wrong account number?

Contact the payer when ready and report the error. Do not use that Form 697 as proof. Ask the payer to issue a corrected version. If the account number on file is actually wrong, the payer will need to update it before your next deposit goes through.