You can add a checking account to your IRS record through IRS Direct Pay, by mail with Form 1040, or through a tax software provider during filing
The IRS does not store your banking information on a permanent account the way a bank does. Instead, you provide your checking account details each time you need the IRS to send or receive money — whether that is a tax refund, a payment toward what you owe, or a stimulus payment. The method you use depends on whether you are filing a return, making a payment outside of filing, or updating information for a refund that is already on the way.
If you are filing a tax return, the easiest route is to enter your account information directly into the tax software you are using or to write it on your paper Form 1040 before you mail it. If you need to make a payment or update account details after filing, you can use IRS Direct Pay, which is the IRS's own payment portal and does not charge a fee. For refunds already in process, you may be able to add or change your account information through your IRS online account.
Key Takeaways
- During tax filing, enter your checking account routing number and account number directly into your tax software or write them on Form 1040 before mailing.
- IRS Direct Pay is a free tool where you can make a payment and provide your checking account details without using a third-party payment processor.
- You can view and update your banking information for a pending refund through your IRS online account at irs.gov if you have registered for one.
- The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank, and the account number is the unique identifier for your checking account; both are printed on the bottom left of your checks.
- The IRS does not store your account information permanently, so you will need to provide it again the next time you file or make a payment.
Adding your account during tax filing
When you file your tax return, you have the option to request that your refund be deposited directly into your checking account. This is called direct deposit, and it is faster and more secure than waiting for a paper check. If you are using tax software — whether free software through the IRS Free File program or commercial software like TurboTax or H&R Block — the software will ask you for your routing number and account number before you submit your return. You enter these numbers into the refund section of the return, and the software includes them in the file it sends to the IRS.
If you are filing a paper return by mail, you will write your routing number and account number on Form 1040 in the boxes labeled "Routing number" and "Account number" in the refund section. You will also select a checkbox to indicate that you want direct deposit. The form itself has a small diagram showing where to find these numbers on a check. Mail the form with your other tax documents to the address shown in the Form 1040 instructions for your state.
Direct deposit refunds typically arrive within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though the IRS sometimes processes returns faster. You can check the status of your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on irs.gov, which updates once per day.
Using IRS Direct Pay to add your account for a payment
If you owe taxes and want to pay by bank transfer, or if you need to update your account information after you have already filed, use IRS Direct Pay. This is a free service run directly by the IRS — you do not pay a fee, and you do not go through a third-party payment processor. Go to irs.gov/payments and select "IRS Direct Pay." You will need to enter your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, your filing status, your expected refund or balance owed from your most recent return, and your date of birth.
Once you have logged in, you can enter the amount you want to pay and your checking account details. You will provide your routing number, account number, and the account type (checking or savings). The IRS will debit your account on the date you choose. You can schedule a payment up to 120 days in advance. Direct Pay does not store your account information after the transaction is complete, so you will need to enter it again the next time you use the service.
Payments made through Direct Pay typically post to your IRS account within one business day. If you need a confirmation number for your records, Direct Pay will display it on screen and give you the option to print or save it.
Updating your account for a refund already in progress
If your refund is already being processed and you need to change the account where it will be deposited, you can do this through your IRS online account. Create an account at irs.gov/account if you do not have one already — you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, filing status, and a valid mailing address on file with the IRS. Once you are logged in, look for the "Refunds" section, which will show any refunds currently being processed.
If the refund has not yet been sent, you may see an option to update your banking information. The window to make this change is limited — you must update your account before the IRS releases the funds to your bank. If you have already received a refund to the wrong account, you cannot redirect it through the IRS website. Instead, contact your bank to see if they can reverse the deposit, or contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to report the error.
Finding your routing number and account number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. Your account number is a unique identifier for your individual checking account. Both numbers are printed on the bottom left of your paper checks, in this order: routing number, then account number, then check number. If you do not have checks, you can find your routing number by calling your bank or by searching the bank's name and "routing number" online — most banks publish this information on their website. Your account number is usually available in your online banking portal or by calling your bank's customer service line.
Do not confuse your routing number with your bank's main phone number or branch code. The routing number is always nine digits and is specific to the location where your account is held. If you enter the wrong routing number, your refund or payment may be sent to the wrong bank, and you will need to contact both the IRS and your bank to recover it.
What happens if you enter the wrong account information
If you provide an incorrect routing number or account number when you file your return or make a payment, the IRS will attempt to send the money to the account you specified. If the routing number does not exist or the account number is invalid, your bank may reject the deposit and send it back to the IRS. This can delay your refund by several weeks while the IRS processes the return and reissues it.
If the routing and account numbers are valid but belong to someone else's account, the money may be deposited into that account. You will need to contact the IRS and your bank immediately to report the error. The IRS can issue a new refund to the correct account, but this process takes time. To avoid this, double-check your routing number and account number before you submit your return or payment, and verify them against a recent check or your bank's website.
Security and privacy when sharing your account information
The IRS website (irs.gov) is encrypted and secure. When you enter your account information through IRS Direct Pay or your IRS online account, the data is transmitted using the same security standard as online banking. The IRS does not store your account information permanently on its servers — it is used only for the specific transaction you are making and then discarded.
Never provide your routing number or account number to someone who calls you claiming to be from the IRS. The IRS does not initiate contact by phone or email to request banking information. If you receive a call or email asking for these details, it is a scam. Hang up or delete the message and report it to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at tigta.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. The IRS will deposit refunds and process payments to either a checking or savings account. When you enter your information, you will select the account type. Make sure you select the correct one, because entering a savings account number but selecting "checking" will cause the deposit to fail.
Do I have to use direct deposit, or can I still get a paper check?
You can request a paper check instead of direct deposit when you file your return. On Form 1040 or in tax software, simply do not enter your account information or do not select the direct deposit option. The IRS will mail you a check, which typically arrives within 21 days of acceptance, though it may take longer depending on mail delays in your area.
What if my bank account is closed after I file but before my refund arrives?
If your account is closed, the bank will reject the deposit and return it to the IRS. The IRS will then reissue your refund, usually by paper check, which will be mailed to the address on file with the IRS. This process can add two to four weeks to your refund timeline. Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 if your refund does not arrive within 21 days of filing.
Can I add my account information to the IRS website to use for all future refunds?
No. The IRS does not store your account information for future use. You must provide your routing number and account number each time you file a return or make a payment. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your banking information.
How long does it take for a direct deposit refund to show up in my account?
The IRS typically processes direct deposit refunds within 21 days of accepting your return. Once the IRS releases the funds, your bank usually deposits them within one to two business days. If you do not see your refund after 21 days, use the Where's My Refund tool on irs.gov to check the status, or call 800-829-1040.