Yes, you can change your bank account with the IRS, but the method depends on why you're changing it and what the IRS owes you or you owe them

If you've opened a new account, closed an old one, or need to correct banking details the IRS has on file, you can update your information. The IRS accepts changes through their online portal, by mail, or through a tax professional. The fastest route is usually the IRS website if you have an account set up there. If the IRS is sending you a refund or a payment is being withdrawn from your account, the timing of your change matters — update too late and your money may go to the old account.

The process is straightforward for most people, but there are specific forms and procedures depending on your situation. If you're changing your account before filing taxes, it's simpler than if you're trying to redirect a refund that's already in process.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your bank account information through IRS.gov, by mail using Form 8453, or through a tax professional before or after filing your return.
  • If a refund has already been issued to an old account, you cannot redirect it through the IRS — you must contact your bank to see if the deposit can be recalled or reversed.
  • Changes made through IRS.gov take effect immediately for future transactions, but refunds already in process may still go to the old account.
  • If you're setting up a payment plan or owing taxes, update your account information before the IRS attempts to withdraw funds to avoid failed transactions and penalties.
  • Keep a record of when you made the change and through which method, in case the IRS processes a transaction to the wrong account.

Updating your account before you file taxes

The easiest time to change your bank account is before you file your return. When you file electronically, you'll enter your current banking details on your tax form. Make sure the account number, routing number, and account type (checking or savings) are correct before you submit. If you're filing by mail, write your banking information clearly on the form you're submitting.

If you're using tax software or working with a tax professional, they'll ask for your banking details as part of the filing process. Double-check this information before you authorize the filing. Once your return is accepted by the IRS, the banking information you provided is locked in for that year's refund or payment.

Changing your account after you've filed

If you've already filed and need to update your banking information, you have a few options. The fastest is to log into your IRS account on IRS.gov using your username and password or by signing in with ID.me. Once logged in, you can view your account transcript and, in some cases, update your banking information directly through the portal. Not all account types allow online changes, so if you don't see an option to edit, move to the next method.

You can also mail Form 8453 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return) or a written request to the IRS address listed on your tax notice. Include your name, Social Security number, the tax year, your old account details, and your new account details. Mail it to the IRS office that handles your area — check your most recent tax notice for the address. This method takes several weeks to process.

If you work with a tax professional or CPA, they can submit the change on your behalf through their IRS account. This is often faster than mailing it yourself.

What happens if a refund was already sent to the old account

If the IRS has already issued your refund to an old account and you've closed that account or no longer have access to it, the IRS cannot redirect the money. Instead, contact your bank immediately. If the account is still open, ask the bank to reverse the deposit or recall it. Banks can sometimes reverse recent deposits, but this depends on whether the receiving bank has already processed the transaction.

If your bank cannot reverse the deposit, the money may be returned to the IRS as undeliverable. The IRS will then hold the refund and you'll need to contact them to claim it. This process can take several months. Keep documentation of your bank's response and any attempts to recover the funds — you may need this if you file a dispute with the IRS.

To avoid this situation, update your banking information as soon as you know it's changed, even if you've already filed. The sooner you update it, the less likely a refund will be sent to the wrong place.

Changing your account for payment plans or tax debt

If you owe taxes and have set up a payment plan with the IRS, or if the IRS is withdrawing money from your account for back taxes, update your banking information before the withdrawal date. The IRS will attempt to withdraw from the account on file, and if that account is closed or incorrect, the withdrawal will fail. A failed withdrawal can result in additional fees and penalties.

Update your information through IRS.gov, by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, or by mailing a written request with your name, Social Security number, and new banking details. If you're on a payment plan, the IRS may ask you to reauthorize the withdrawal from your new account. Do this promptly to keep your plan in good standing.

How to verify the IRS has your correct information

After you've submitted a change, verify that the IRS received and processed it. Log into your IRS account on IRS.gov and check your account transcript. Your transcript will show the banking information the IRS has on file for you. If it still shows the old account after a week, follow up by mail or phone.

If you filed a return and the IRS accepted it with your new banking information, that information is locked in for that year's refund. You can see the status of your refund on IRS.gov using the "Where's My Refund?" tool, which will also show the account the refund is being sent to. If the account shown is incorrect, contact the IRS immediately.

Keep a record of when you made the change, which method you used (online, mail, or phone), and any confirmation number or receipt the IRS provided. If a transaction goes to the wrong account, this documentation will help you resolve the issue faster.

What to do if the IRS sends money to the wrong account

If you discover that the IRS sent a refund or payment to an incorrect account, act quickly. First, contact your bank and ask if the deposit can be reversed or recalled. Provide the bank with the deposit date and amount. If your bank cannot recover the funds, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 and explain the situation. Have your Social Security number, the tax year, and the amount ready.

The IRS can investigate and may be able to recover the funds from the receiving bank if the deposit was made in error. This process takes time, sometimes several months. In the meantime, do not spend money you're expecting to recover. If the IRS determines the funds were sent in error, they will reissue your refund to the correct account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account information over the phone with the IRS?

The IRS does not update banking information over the phone for security reasons. You must use IRS.gov, mail a written request, or work through a tax professional. If you call the IRS for other reasons, they can confirm what banking information they have on file, but they won't change it during the call.

How long does it take for the IRS to process a bank account change?

Changes made through IRS.gov take effect immediately for future transactions. Changes submitted by mail take two to four weeks to process. If you're waiting for a refund, make the change as soon as possible — refunds already in transit to an old account cannot be redirected.

What if I entered the wrong routing number when I filed my taxes?

Contact the IRS as soon as you notice the error. If your refund hasn't been issued yet, the IRS may be able to correct it before processing. If the refund has already been sent to the wrong bank, that bank will likely reject it as invalid, and it will be returned to the IRS. You'll then need to claim the refund or have it reissued to the correct account.

Do I need to update my bank account if I'm getting a tax refund advance or loan?

Yes. Tax refund advances and loans are processed through the tax preparation company, not the IRS directly. Make sure you provide the correct banking information to the tax preparation company. This is separate from your IRS account information.

Can I change my account information if I'm under an IRS audit?

Yes, you can update your banking information at any time, including during an audit. However, if the IRS is withholding a refund as part of the audit process, the refund will not be issued until the audit is complete, regardless of what account you have on file.