Yes, you can call the IRS to change your bank account, but phone lines are slow and mail is often faster

The IRS accepts bank account changes by phone, mail, and online through their website. A phone call to the IRS takes 30 to 90 minutes on hold during tax season, and you will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the last dollar amount from your most recent tax return. If you are changing the account where the IRS sends a refund or makes a payment arrangement, calling works. If you need to update the account for an installment plan or payment you already set up, the phone route is usually your only option.

Mail is slower but does not require you to sit on hold. The IRS processes paper requests in 4 to 8 weeks. Online changes through IRS.gov work only if you are updating your direct deposit information before filing a new return — you cannot use the website to change an account after you have already filed.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to change your bank account for a refund or existing payment plan, but expect to wait 30 to 90 minutes during tax season.
  • Mail a signed letter with your name, Social Security number, filing status, and the new account details to the IRS address for your state, which takes 4 to 8 weeks to process.
  • Use IRS.gov to update your direct deposit information only before you file your return, not after.
  • Have your most recent tax return and new bank account information ready before calling, because the IRS representative will verify your identity using details from that return.
  • If you are changing the account for an installment agreement you already have, calling is your only option — the online system does not handle existing plans.

Calling the IRS: what to expect and what to bring

The IRS phone line is 1-800-829-1040. Call between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. your local time, Monday through Friday. Wait times are shortest in the early morning and longest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. During tax season (January through April), expect 30 to 90 minutes on hold. Outside tax season, waits are typically 15 to 45 minutes.

Before you call, gather your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact dollar amount from the "total tax" line on your most recent tax return. The IRS uses this information to verify your identity. Have your new bank account number and routing number ready as well. The routing number is a nine-digit code printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can ask your bank for it.

When you reach a representative, tell them you need to change your bank account information. They will ask you to confirm your identity, then ask which account you are updating — a refund, a payment plan, or both. They will enter the new account details into your file. The change takes effect immediately in the IRS system, but if a refund or payment was already scheduled to your old account, it may still go there. Ask the representative whether your change stops a pending transaction.

Mailing a bank account change to the IRS

Write a letter on plain paper with your name, current address, Social Security number, filing status, and the date. State that you are requesting a bank account change and provide your new account number and routing number. Sign and date the letter. Do not send original documents — the IRS will not return them.

Mail the letter to the IRS address for your state. The address depends on where you live and whether you are filing as an individual or business. Find your state's address on IRS.gov under "Where to File" or call 1-800-829-1040 and ask for the correct mailing address. Mail takes 4 to 8 weeks to process. If your refund or payment is scheduled before that time, it will go to the old account.

Keep a copy of your letter for your records. The IRS does not send a confirmation that they received it, so if you need proof of the change, you will have to call later and ask a representative to confirm the account on file.

Updating your account online before you file

IRS.gov allows you to update your direct deposit information only if you have not yet filed your return for that year. Log in to your IRS account at IRS.gov using your Social Security number and identity verification. Go to the "Tax Records" section and select "Update Your Information." You can change your direct deposit account there before you file electronically.

Once you file your return, you cannot use the online system to change the account. At that point, you must call or mail a request. This is why it is important to double-check your bank account number and routing number before you file electronically — a mistake now means a phone call or letter later.

What happens if your refund goes to the wrong account

If your refund was deposited into your old account after you changed your information, contact your bank immediately. The bank can reverse the deposit and send it back to the IRS, or they can transfer it to your new account if you own both. This process takes 3 to 5 business days through your bank.

If the old account is closed or belongs to someone else, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and explain what happened. The IRS can issue a replacement check or attempt to recover the deposit. This takes longer — usually 4 to 6 weeks — so contact your bank first if you can.

Changing your account for an installment plan or payment agreement

If you have already set up a payment plan with the IRS and need to change the bank account they withdraw from, you must call 1-800-829-1040. The online system does not allow changes to existing agreements. Have your plan number ready — it was in the letter the IRS sent you when they approved the plan.

The representative will verify your identity and update the account in your payment plan file. The change takes effect on your next scheduled payment. If a payment is scheduled for the next few days, ask whether it will go to the old or new account. If it is going to the old account and you want to stop it, you can request a delay, though this may affect your plan terms.

Timing: when to change your account to avoid missed refunds or payments

Change your account as soon as you know the old one is closing or you are switching banks. If you are expecting a refund, change it at least two weeks before the IRS is scheduled to send it. The IRS publishes refund dates on their website after you file — check "Where's My Refund?" to see the exact date.

If you are on a payment plan, change your account at least one week before your next payment is due. If you miss this window, contact the IRS immediately to delay the payment or request a manual payment arrangement while the account change processes.

If you are filing a return and know your bank account will change before the refund arrives, update your information before you file electronically. This is faster and more reliable than changing it after filing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account on the IRS phone line if I do not have my tax return in front of me?

No. The IRS uses information from your most recent tax return to verify your identity before making any changes. You need the exact dollar amount from the "total tax" line. If you do not have this, you can look it up on IRS.gov using your online account, or call back when you have the information.

What if I am changing my account because my old bank closed?

Call the IRS as soon as possible. Tell the representative that your bank closed and provide your new account information. The IRS will update your file immediately. If a refund or payment was already scheduled to the closed account, ask the representative what happens next — some banks return IRS deposits automatically, and the IRS can reissue them to your new account.

How long does it take for the IRS to use my new bank account?

Changes made by phone take effect immediately in the IRS system, but a refund or payment already scheduled may still go to the old account. Changes made by mail take 4 to 8 weeks. If you are close to a refund or payment date, call instead of mailing.

Do I need to change my account with the IRS if I am just switching banks but keeping the same account number?

No. Your account number stays the same when you switch banks — only the routing number might change. Call your new bank and confirm both numbers before you contact the IRS. If the routing number is different, you do need to update it with the IRS.

Can the IRS send my refund to a different person's account?

No. The IRS will only deposit a refund into an account in your name or a joint account with your spouse if you filed jointly. If you try to provide a different person's account, the IRS will reject it or the bank will return the deposit.