Where and how to tell the IRS your new bank account details

You can update your bank account information with the IRS through three main routes: the IRS website using your online account, by mail using Form 8888, or by phone during tax season. The fastest method is logging into IRS.gov and updating your account directly, which takes about five minutes. If you prefer mail or phone, the process is slower but works just as well — mail typically takes four to six weeks to process, and phone lines are available during filing season (January through mid-April).

The reason to update your account information matters: the IRS uses it to deposit tax refunds, send Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks), and process other payments directly to your bank. If your account details are wrong or outdated, the IRS will attempt the deposit, it will fail, and you'll have to request a paper check or trace the payment — a process that can take months.

You do not need to update your information unless something has actually changed: you switched banks, closed an account, or corrected an error on a previous return. If your current account is correct, leave it alone.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS website (IRS.gov) is the fastest way to update your bank account — log in, navigate to your account settings, and make changes in minutes.
  • Form 8888 (Allocation of Refund) lets you change your account by mail, but you must file it with your tax return or as a separate submission; it takes four to six weeks to process.
  • During tax season, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to update your account over the phone, though wait times are often long.
  • The IRS uses your bank account information to deposit refunds and federal payments, so an outdated account will cause the deposit to fail and delay your money.
  • You need your routing number and account number from your bank; if you do not have them, call your bank or check a blank check.

Updating your account online through IRS.gov

Log into your IRS online account at IRS.gov using your username and password, or create one if you do not have an account yet. You will need either a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), plus a way to verify your identity — this can be a driver's license, passport, or other government ID. The IRS will ask you to confirm your identity by answering security questions or receiving a code by text or email.

Once you are logged in, look for "Account" or "Profile" settings (the exact label varies by year). Select the option to view or update your banking information. Enter your new routing number and account number, choose whether the account is checking or savings, and save your changes. The update takes effect immediately in the IRS system, though it may take a few days for the change to sync across all IRS databases.

This method works year-round, not just during tax season. If you are expecting a refund or payment and realize your account information is wrong, updating it online is your fastest option — you can make the change the same day the IRS processes your return.

Submitting Form 8888 by mail or with your tax return

Form 8888 (Allocation of Refund) is the official IRS form for directing your refund to a specific bank account. You can file it as part of your tax return when you submit it, or you can send it separately to the IRS after you have already filed. If you file it with your return, include it in the same envelope or upload it with your e-filed return. If you send it separately, mail it to the IRS address for your state (listed on the form itself).

Form 8888 requires your routing number, account number, account type (checking or savings), and the name on the account. You can download the form from IRS.gov for free. Processing time is typically four to six weeks from the date the IRS receives it. This method is useful if you do not have online access or prefer to handle everything by mail, but it is slower than updating your account online.

If you file your return electronically (e-file), you can often enter your bank account information directly in the tax software you use — you do not need to print and mail Form 8888. Check your software's instructions; most programs ask for banking details as part of the refund setup.

Calling the IRS to update your account by phone

During tax season (January through mid-April), you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to update your bank account information over the phone. Have your Social Security number, routing number, and account number ready before you call. The IRS representative will verify your identity by asking security questions, then update your account in their system.

Phone lines are typically busiest in February and March; if you call in January or April, wait times are shorter. Expect to hold for 30 minutes to two hours during peak times. Once the representative confirms your new information, the update is recorded immediately, though it may take a few days to process fully.

Outside of tax season (May through December), the IRS phone line for general questions is still available, but representatives may have limited ability to update banking information. Your best option outside tax season is the online account or Form 8888 by mail.

What information you need before you start

Gather these details from your bank before you update your account with the IRS: your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the number of the specific checking or savings account). You also need to know whether the account is checking or savings.

If you do not have this information handy, call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal — both will show you your routing and account numbers. You can also find the routing number on the bottom left of any blank check from that account, and the account number is printed on the check as well (usually the middle set of numbers).

Do not use a prepaid card, money transfer service account, or business account unless you are certain the IRS accepts it. The IRS prefers standard checking and savings accounts at banks and credit unions. If you are unsure whether your account type is acceptable, call your bank or the IRS before you submit your information.

What happens after you update your information

Once the IRS has your new bank account information, they will use it for all future deposits: tax refunds, Economic Impact Payments, and any other federal payments sent to you. The change takes effect immediately if you update online, or within four to six weeks if you submit Form 8888 by mail.

If you updated your account after the IRS already processed your return and attempted a deposit to your old account, the old deposit will fail and the IRS will issue you a paper check instead. You can track the status of your refund on IRS.gov using the "Where's My Refund?" tool; if it shows a failed deposit, the check will arrive by mail within two to three weeks.

If you made an error when entering your routing or account number, contact the IRS as soon as you realize the mistake. The sooner you correct it, the better — a wrong account number will cause the deposit to bounce back to the IRS, and you will have to wait for a paper check or request a trace.

Correcting a mistake on a previous return

If you filed a return with incorrect bank account information and the IRS has already processed it, you have two options: wait for the deposit to fail and receive a paper check, or contact the IRS to correct the information before the deposit is attempted.

To correct it before the deposit, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 as soon as possible. Have your Social Security number and the correct routing and account numbers ready. The IRS can update your account in real time if your return has not yet been processed for payment. If the return has already been processed and the deposit has failed, you will receive a paper check by mail; this typically takes two to three weeks after the failed deposit attempt.

You can also file an amended return using Form 1040-X if you need to correct other information on your return at the same time. However, if the only error is your bank account information, calling the IRS is faster than filing an amended return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my bank account information after I file my tax return?

Yes. If you file your return and then realize your bank account information is wrong, you can update it online at IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or by mailing Form 8888. The sooner you make the change, the better — if the IRS has not yet processed your return for payment, your update will take effect before the deposit is attempted.

What if the IRS tries to deposit to my old account and it fails?

The deposit will bounce back to the IRS, and they will issue you a paper check instead. The check will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. You can track the status of your refund on IRS.gov using "Where's My Refund?" to see when the check is mailed.

Do I need to update my bank account every year?

No. Once you update your account with the IRS, it stays on file unless you change it. You only need to update it if you switch banks, close an account, or correct an error. If your account information is still correct, you do not need to do anything.

Can I use a prepaid card or PayPal account for my IRS refund?

The IRS prefers standard checking and savings accounts at banks and credit unions. Some prepaid cards and money transfer services may work, but it depends on whether they have a routing number and account number. Call your prepaid card provider or the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm before you submit your information.

How long does it take for the IRS to process my updated bank account information?

If you update online, the change takes effect immediately. If you mail Form 8888, allow four to six weeks for processing. If you call during tax season, the update is recorded right away, though it may take a few days to sync across all IRS systems.