Where to find and update your bank account information
In TurboTax, you change your bank account in the section where you enter your refund information. The exact location depends on which TurboTax product you use, but the process is similar across all versions.
If you are using TurboTax online (the web version), go to the Federal Taxes tab, then select Refund. Look for the section labeled How do you want your refund? or Refund Method. If you are using TurboTax Desktop (the software you download), the refund section appears in the interview flow under Refund or Payment, depending on your version year.
Once you locate the refund section, you will see options for how to receive your refund: direct deposit, check, or other methods depending on your situation. Select Direct Deposit if that is your choice, and the form will ask for your bank account details.
Key Takeaways
- Bank account changes in TurboTax happen in the Refund section, which you reach through Federal Taxes (online) or the interview flow (Desktop).
- You will need your routing number and account number, which appear on the bottom left of your checks or through your bank's website or app.
- TurboTax saves your changes automatically as you enter them, so you do not need to click a separate save button.
- If you change your account after you file, you must contact the IRS directly — TurboTax cannot update a return that has already been submitted.
- Direct deposit refunds typically arrive within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though some banks deposit funds earlier.
What information you need to enter
To change your bank account in TurboTax, have your bank details ready. You will need your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the number of the specific account you want the refund deposited into).
Find these numbers on a check from the account. The routing number appears on the bottom left, and the account number is to its right. If you do not have a check, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or statements. Most banks display both numbers in the account information section.
You will also need to confirm the account type: Checking or Savings. TurboTax requires this because the IRS uses different processing codes for each type.
Step-by-step process for online TurboTax
Open TurboTax and sign into your account. Navigate to the Federal Taxes tab at the top of the screen.
Click on Refund in the left menu or search for "refund" using the search bar. TurboTax will take you to the section titled How do you want your refund? or similar wording depending on your product version.
Select Direct Deposit as your refund method. A form will appear asking for your routing number, account number, and account type. Enter each piece of information carefully — a single digit wrong will cause the IRS to reject the direct deposit and mail a check instead, delaying your refund by weeks.
After you enter your bank details, TurboTax automatically saves the information. You can move forward with the rest of your return. If you need to change the account again before you file, return to this same section and update the numbers.
Step-by-step process for TurboTax Desktop
Open TurboTax Desktop and begin your return. As you work through the interview, you will reach a section on refunds or payments — the exact name varies by year.
When prompted about how you want to receive your refund, select Direct Deposit. The program will open a form asking for your routing number, account number, and account type.
Enter your bank information exactly as it appears on your check or in your bank's system. TurboTax saves your entries as you type. If you realize you entered the wrong account after you have moved to another section, you can return to the refund section at any time before you file to make corrections.
What happens if you change your account after filing
If you have already filed your return and submitted it to the IRS, TurboTax cannot change your bank account information. The return is no longer in TurboTax's system — it is with the IRS.
To change your account after filing, you must contact the IRS directly. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (the main tax line) and tell them you need to update your direct deposit information. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount from your return ready. The IRS can update your account if they have not yet processed your refund, but once the money is sent to the original account, you will need to work with your bank to recover it.
If the IRS has already deposited your refund into the old account, contact that bank and ask about their process for recovering misdirected funds. Some banks can reverse the deposit if you report it quickly; others require you to work with the IRS to issue a new refund.
Common mistakes that delay refunds
The most frequent error is transposing a digit in the routing number or account number. The IRS rejects direct deposits with incorrect numbers and sends a check instead. A check takes 7 to 14 business days to arrive by mail, plus processing time on your end.
Another mistake is entering a savings account number when you selected "Checking" as the account type, or vice versa. The mismatch causes the IRS to reject the deposit. Always double-check that the account type you select matches the actual account you are depositing into.
Some people change their bank account in TurboTax but forget to update it if they switch banks between the time they file and the time the IRS processes the return. If you change banks after you file, contact the IRS immediately to update your account information.
Verifying your bank account before you file
Before you submit your return to the IRS, verify that your routing number and account number are correct. Pull up a check or your bank's website and compare the numbers you entered in TurboTax to the actual numbers on file.
Pay special attention to the first and last digits — these are easy to misread. If you are unsure, call your bank's customer service line and read the numbers back to them to confirm. A five-minute verification call now prevents a delayed refund later.
TurboTax displays your bank information in the review section before you file. Take a moment to read it carefully. If anything looks wrong, go back to the refund section and correct it before you submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account after TurboTax has submitted my return to the IRS?
No. Once TurboTax submits your return, it is out of TurboTax's control. You must contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to change your account. If the IRS has not yet processed your refund, they can update it; if they have already deposited the money, you will need to contact your bank or the IRS to recover it.
What is the difference between a routing number and an account number?
Your routing number identifies which bank you use (nine digits, on the bottom left of a check). Your account number identifies your specific account at that bank (usually 10 to 12 digits, to the right of the routing number). Both are required for direct deposit.
How long does it take for a direct deposit refund to arrive?
The IRS typically processes refunds within 21 days of accepting your return. Many banks deposit the funds before the 21-day window closes. If you file early in the tax season, your refund may arrive faster. If the IRS rejects your direct deposit due to incorrect account information, they will mail a check instead, which takes an additional 7 to 14 business days.
What should I do if I entered the wrong account type (checking vs. savings)?
If you have not yet filed, go back to the refund section in TurboTax and change the account type to match your actual account. If you have already filed, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to update it before they process your refund.
Can I use a joint account for my refund?
Yes. Enter the routing number and account number for the joint account, and select the account type (checking or savings). The IRS will deposit the refund into that account. Both account holders will have access to the funds once they are deposited.