You can update your bank account details with the IRS through three main routes: online through your IRS account, by mail with Form 8822-B, or by phone during tax season

The IRS needs your current checking account information to deposit refunds, make payments, or send notices. If you've changed banks, closed an account, or need to correct the routing or account number on file, you have options that don't require visiting an office in person. The fastest method is updating through your IRS online account if you have one set up. If you don't use online tools or need to make changes for a prior year, Form 8822-B works but takes longer. Phone support is available during tax season but lines are often busy.

The method you choose depends on whether you're updating for a current tax year, a prior year return, or an ongoing payment arrangement. Each route has different timelines and works best for different situations.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your bank account through your IRS online account, by mailing Form 8822-B, or by calling the IRS during tax season, with online being the fastest option.
  • Form 8822-B is the official form for address and account changes and takes four to six weeks to process by mail.
  • If you're updating for a current-year refund, make the change as soon as possible since the IRS processes deposits on a set schedule.
  • The IRS will not process a refund to a closed account; if you send a return with outdated information, the refund will be held and you'll receive a notice.
  • For ongoing payment plans or installment agreements, contact the IRS directly to update your account rather than relying on form submission alone.

Updating through your IRS online account

If you have an IRS online account set up at IRS.gov, you can update your bank account information directly in the account settings. Log in, navigate to your profile or account settings, and look for the option to update banking information or direct deposit details. This method is the fastest because the change takes effect immediately in the IRS system, though processing times for refunds still depend on when the IRS processes your return.

You'll need your routing number and account number from a check or your bank's website. Have both ready before you log in. The IRS online account also shows you the status of any pending refunds or payments, so you can confirm whether your change took effect before a deposit is scheduled.

Not all IRS accounts have this feature enabled yet. If you don't see a banking information section in your account settings, use Form 8822-B instead or call the IRS during tax season.

Submitting Form 8822-B by mail

Form 8822-B is the official IRS form for updating your address, phone number, and banking information. You can download it from IRS.gov or request it by phone. Fill in your name, Social Security number, the tax year the change applies to, and your new routing and account numbers. Mail it to the address listed on the form — this varies by state, so check the current form before sending.

Processing takes four to six weeks from the date the IRS receives your form. If you're expecting a refund soon, this timeline may be too slow. Mail the form as early as possible if you know a refund is coming. Keep a copy for your records and consider using certified mail if the change is time-sensitive.

Form 8822-B also works for correcting information on a return you've already filed. If you filed with the wrong account number and realize it before the IRS processes your refund, submitting this form can prevent the refund from being sent to a closed or incorrect account.

Calling the IRS to update your account

During tax season (January through October), you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to update your banking information over the phone. Have your Social Security number, the tax year in question, and your new routing and account numbers ready. The representative will update your account in the system and provide a confirmation number.

Phone updates take effect immediately, but IRS phone lines are often busy during tax season, and wait times can exceed an hour. This method works best if you're calling early in the day or outside peak tax season (November through December). If you reach a representative, confirm that they've entered your information correctly before hanging up.

Outside tax season, phone support for account updates is limited. The IRS recommends using Form 8822-B or your online account during these months.

What happens if you file with outdated account information

If you file a tax return with an old or incorrect checking account number, the IRS will attempt to deposit your refund to that account. If the account is closed or the number is wrong, the bank will reject the deposit. The IRS will then hold your refund and send you a notice by mail explaining what happened.

You'll have options to either provide corrected banking information or request a check instead. This process adds two to four weeks to your refund timeline. To avoid this, update your account information before filing if you know your account details have changed.

If you've already filed and realize the account number is wrong, update it immediately using one of the three methods above. The sooner you correct it, the sooner the IRS can process the refund to the right account.

Updating your account for payment plans and installment agreements

If you have an active payment plan or installment agreement with the IRS, updating your bank account requires more than just changing the information in your account. Contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 or through your online account to notify them of the change. This ensures that automatic payments continue without interruption.

Provide your agreement number (found on your IRS notice) along with your new routing and account numbers. Confirm that the IRS has updated the information before your next scheduled payment date. If you don't update the payment plan details and the IRS tries to withdraw from a closed account, the payment will fail and you may face penalties or late fees.

For payment agreements set up through a third-party payment processor (like a credit card or online payment service), you may also need to update your information directly with that processor, not just with the IRS.

Timing matters when you're expecting a refund

The IRS processes refunds on a schedule, typically issuing them within 21 days of receiving your return if you file electronically. If you update your account information after the IRS has already scheduled your refund for deposit, the change may not take effect in time. The refund will go to the account number on file when the deposit was processed.

If you're expecting a refund and need to update your account, do it as soon as possible. Check the status of your refund using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. If the tool shows your refund has been issued, it's too late to change the account number for that deposit — you'll need to wait for the bank to reject it and then provide corrected information when the IRS contacts you.

For future refunds or payments, updating your account now ensures the next transaction goes to the correct place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my account information if I filed jointly with a spouse?

Yes, but both spouses should be aware of the change since it affects where the joint refund will be deposited. If you're updating the account and your spouse disagrees, contact the IRS to discuss your options. The IRS generally deposits joint refunds to the account listed on the return, so updating it changes where both of your money goes.

What if the IRS rejected my refund because my account was closed?

The IRS will send you a notice explaining the rejection and asking you to provide corrected banking information or request a check instead. Reply to the notice with your new account details or choose the check option. Processing the corrected refund takes an additional two to four weeks from the date the IRS receives your response.

Do I need to update my account if I'm getting a check instead of direct deposit?

No. If you've requested a check on your return or told the IRS you prefer checks, your banking information doesn't matter for that refund. However, updating your account is still useful if you have other pending payments or notices from the IRS that may involve deposits in the future.

How do I know if my account update went through?

If you updated through your online account, the change is immediate. If you mailed Form 8822-B, the IRS doesn't send a confirmation — wait four to six weeks and check your account to see if a deposit arrives at the new account. If you called, write down the confirmation number the representative gave you and keep it with your tax records.

Can I update my account for a return I filed several years ago?

No. The IRS only processes refunds within a limited window after filing. If your refund was issued more than a few years ago, that tax year is closed. If you believe you're owed a refund from a prior year, contact the IRS or file an amended return for that specific year.