Adding a bank account to IRS.gov takes about 10 minutes and requires your routing number, account number, and a recent tax return
You add a bank account to your IRS online account through the IRS.gov portal itself, not through a separate form. The IRS calls this feature Direct Pay when you are making a payment, or you can store it in your account profile for future use. You will need your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code) and your checking or savings account number. The IRS does not charge a fee for this service.
The reason to add your account now, before you need it, is that the process moves faster when you already have a stored payment method. If you wait until you owe money or are filing a return, you can still add it on the spot, but having it ready means one fewer step during tax time or when a bill arrives.
Key Takeaways
- You add your bank account through IRS.gov by signing into your account, navigating to payments or profile settings, and entering your routing and account numbers.
- Your routing number comes from the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it on your bank's website or by calling the bank directly.
- The IRS verifies new bank accounts by making two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your account, which you then confirm in your IRS profile.
- Once verified, your bank account stays in your IRS profile and can be used for payments, refund delivery, or both, depending on what you choose.
- If you add an account and then change banks, you will need to add the new account separately; the old one does not automatically update.
Finding your routing number and account number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. It appears on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app—most banks display the routing number in the account details or settings section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for the routing number for your checking or savings account.
Your account number is the second set of digits on the bottom of your check, usually 10 to 12 digits long. It identifies your specific account at that bank. If you do not have a check, your bank's website or app will show this number as well. Write both numbers down before you start the IRS process so you do not have to switch between windows.
Steps to add your account on IRS.gov
Start by going to IRS.gov and signing into your account using your username and password, or by creating a new account if you do not have one yet. You will need to verify your identity using either a Social Security number, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or an Employer Identification Number (EIN), depending on what type of account you are setting up.
Once you are logged in, look for a section labeled "Payments" or "Account Profile" or "Payment Methods"—the exact label varies depending on which part of the site you are in. If you are making a payment right now, you will see an option to add a new payment method. If you are just storing an account for future use, go to your account settings or profile page and look for "Add Bank Account" or "Payment Methods." Click that option and enter your routing number and account number when prompted.
The IRS will ask you to confirm the account type (checking or savings) and may ask for your bank's name. After you submit, the system will tell you that verification is pending. This is normal and expected.
How the IRS verifies your bank account
Within one to two business days, the IRS will send two small deposits to your bank account—usually between 1 cent and 99 cents each. These are real deposits that will appear in your account. You do not need to do anything except wait for them to arrive and note the amounts.
Once the deposits show up in your account (check your bank statement or your bank's app), go back to IRS.gov and log into your account. Navigate to the same payment methods or account settings section where you added the account. You will see a prompt asking you to confirm the two deposit amounts. Enter the exact amounts and click verify. The IRS will then mark the account as verified, and you can use it immediately.
If the deposits do not arrive within five business days, or if you cannot find them in your account, contact your bank to make sure the account number and routing number you provided were correct. If they were wrong, you will need to remove that account from your IRS profile and add it again with the correct information.
Using your stored bank account for payments and refunds
Once your account is verified, you can use it for IRS payments, refund delivery, or both. When you make a payment through IRS Direct Pay, you can select your stored account from a dropdown menu instead of entering the numbers again. When you file a tax return, you can choose to have your refund deposited directly to that account.
The IRS processes bank transfers differently depending on the method. Direct Pay transfers usually arrive within one business day. Refunds deposited to a bank account typically arrive within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though many arrive faster. If you are making a payment and the deadline is very close, confirm the timing with the IRS before you submit, because a one-day delay could mean a late-payment penalty.
What to do if you change banks
If you close the account you added to IRS.gov or switch to a different bank, you will need to add your new account separately. The old account does not automatically update, and if you try to use it after closing it, the payment will fail or be rejected by your bank.
Log back into IRS.gov, go to your payment methods, and remove the old account. Then add your new bank account using the same process: enter the routing number and account number, wait for the two verification deposits, and confirm the amounts. This usually takes three to five business days total.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you enter the wrong routing number or account number, the verification deposits may not arrive, or they may go to the wrong account. If this happens, remove the account from your IRS profile and add it again with the correct information. Do not try to verify an account you know is wrong—it will not work, and you will have to start over.
If you have trouble logging into IRS.gov itself, make sure you are using the correct username and password. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Username or Password" link on the login page. If you are still locked out after resetting your password, you may need to verify your identity again using a phone call or mail verification process, which the IRS will guide you through.
If your bank account is flagged as suspicious or if the IRS rejects your account for security reasons, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. They can tell you why the account was rejected and whether you can add it again or need to use a different account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a savings account instead of a checking account?
Yes. The IRS accepts both checking and savings accounts for payments and refunds. When you add the account, you will be asked to specify which type it is. The verification process is the same for both.
What if the two verification deposits do not show up in my account?
Wait five business days from the date you submitted your account information. If they still have not arrived, contact your bank to confirm the routing number and account number are correct. If they are wrong, remove the account from IRS.gov and add it again with the correct information.
Do I have to add my bank account to file my taxes?
No. You can file your taxes and request a refund without adding a bank account to IRS.gov. However, if you want your refund deposited directly to your bank instead of receiving a check by mail, you will need to provide your bank information when you file your return.
Can I use someone else's bank account on my IRS account?
The IRS requires that the bank account belong to you or to a spouse if you are filing jointly. Using someone else's account without their permission is fraud. If you need to send money to someone else, that is a separate transaction outside the IRS system.
How long does it take to verify my bank account?
The two verification deposits usually arrive within one to two business days. Once they arrive and you confirm the amounts in your IRS account, verification is instant. The whole process typically takes three to five business days from start to finish.