The IRS accepts bank account updates through Form 8822-B or by phone, but the method depends on whether you're changing your account for tax refunds, payments, or both

You can update your bank account with the IRS in three ways: by mail using Form 8822-B, by phone through the IRS automated line, or through your online IRS account if you have one set up. The fastest route is usually the phone line — it takes about 10 minutes and the change takes effect within one to two weeks. Mail takes 4 to 6 weeks. Online updates through your IRS account are immediate but only work if you've already registered.

The reason you're updating matters. If you're changing the account where refunds land, you need to act before the IRS processes your return — once they've sent a refund to an old account, you can't redirect it through a bank update. If you're changing the account for making tax payments, you can update anytime. If you're changing both, use the same method for both at once.

Key Takeaways

  • Form 8822-B is the official document for updating your bank account, and you mail it to the IRS address listed on the form itself, not to your local tax office.
  • The IRS phone line for bank updates is available during business hours and requires your Social Security number, filing status, and the last dollar amount of your prior-year tax return to verify your identity.
  • Changes made by phone or mail take one to two weeks to appear in the IRS system, so don't expect immediate confirmation.
  • If the IRS has already sent a refund to an old account, you cannot change it through a bank update — you must contact your bank or file a claim with the IRS.
  • Online account updates through IRS.gov work instantly but only if you've already created and verified your account.

Updating by phone: the fastest method

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact amount from line 24 (total tax) or line 33 (total tax and credits) of your most recent tax return ready. The representative will ask which account you're updating — refunds, payments, or both — and will take your new routing number and account number.

The IRS will send you a confirmation notice by mail within 7 to 10 days. Do not assume the change is complete until you receive it. If you don't get a notice within two weeks, call back and verify the update went through. The change itself takes effect within one to two weeks of the call, but the confirmation arrives separately.

Updating by mail using Form 8822-B

Download Form 8822-B from IRS.gov or request it by phone. Fill in your name, address, Social Security number, and filing status exactly as they appear on your tax return. In the section for "Address Change," leave it blank — instead, go to the section labeled "Bank Account Information" and enter your new routing number and account number. Check the box for whether you're updating your refund account, payment account, or both.

Mail the completed form to the address printed on the form itself — this varies by state and changes periodically, so do not use an old address. Include a copy of your driver's license or passport for identity verification. The IRS recommends sending it certified mail so you have proof of delivery. Processing takes 4 to 6 weeks, and you'll receive a confirmation notice by mail.

Updating through your online IRS account

If you've already created an account on IRS.gov and verified your identity, you can log in and update your bank account information directly. Go to "Account" and select "Update Bank Account Information." Enter your routing number and account number, choose whether the update applies to refunds, payments, or both, and submit. The change takes effect immediately in the IRS system.

This method works only if you've completed the identity verification process on IRS.gov, which requires either a Social Security number and date of birth, or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you haven't set up an account yet, creating one takes 10 to 15 minutes but identity verification can take up to 24 hours. For that reason, phone or mail may be faster if you need the change to take effect urgently.

What to do if a refund already went to the old account

If the IRS has already processed and sent your refund to an old bank account, updating your account information will not redirect it. Instead, contact your bank and ask them to reverse the deposit or return it to the IRS. Some banks can do this within one business day; others take up to 10 days. Ask the bank for a written confirmation that the funds were returned.

If your bank cannot reverse the deposit or if the money was already withdrawn, you'll need to file a claim with the IRS. Call 1-800-829-1040 and explain that a refund was deposited to a closed or incorrect account. The IRS can issue a replacement check or arrange a new direct deposit to your correct account, but this process takes 6 to 8 weeks. Keep documentation of your bank's response and any written confirmation from your bank that the deposit was not reversed.

Updating your account for tax payments only

If you make quarterly estimated tax payments or pay taxes when you file, you can update your payment account separately from your refund account. Use the same methods — Form 8822-B, phone, or your online account — and specify that you're updating your payment account only. This is useful if you want refunds to go to one account (such as a savings account) and payments to come from another (such as a checking account).

When you make a payment through IRS.gov or through an approved payment processor, you'll enter your bank details at that time. Updating your account information in advance means those details will be pre-filled, but you can still change them for any individual payment. The advance update is optional for payments but required if you want the IRS to automatically debit your account.

Timing and what to expect after you update

After you submit your update by any method, the IRS takes one to two weeks to process it. During that time, if you file a tax return or make a payment, the IRS may still use your old account information. Do not file a return or make a payment during the processing window if you're concerned about using the wrong account — wait until you receive your confirmation notice.

Once the change is complete, the IRS will send you a written confirmation by mail. This notice confirms the new account number on file and the date the change took effect. Keep this notice with your tax records. If you need to verify that your update went through before the notice arrives, you can log into your online IRS account and check the bank account information section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my bank account if I owe back taxes?

Yes. Updating your bank account does not affect your tax debt or payment plan. If you have an installment agreement or payment plan with the IRS, updating your account tells the IRS where to send refunds or where to debit payments if you've authorized automatic withdrawals. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm how your payment plan will be affected.

What if I enter the wrong routing or account number?

If you realize the mistake before the IRS processes a refund or payment, update your account again immediately using any of the three methods. If a refund or payment has already been sent to the wrong account, contact your bank right away. Your bank can often reverse the transaction or return the funds. If the money was withdrawn, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the error.

How long does it take for a refund to arrive after I update my account?

The account update itself takes one to two weeks. After that, refund timing depends on when you file and how the IRS processes your return. Direct deposits typically arrive within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, but can take longer during peak filing season. The account update does not speed up or slow down refund processing — it only changes where the refund goes.

Do I need to update my account if I'm filing jointly with a spouse?

If you file jointly, both spouses' names should be on the account you're updating. The account can be in either spouse's name or both names, but the routing and account numbers must be correct. If you and your spouse have separate accounts and want refunds split between them, you cannot do that through an account update — you'll need to use Form 8888 when you file your return.

Can I update my account on the IRS mobile app?

The IRS mobile app does not currently have a feature for updating bank account information. You must use IRS.gov, the phone line, or Form 8822-B. The IRS app is designed for checking refund status and viewing tax records, not for making account changes.