You can split your federal tax refund between two accounts, but only through the IRS Form 8888
The IRS allows you to divide your federal tax refund among up to three separate bank accounts on a single tax return. This is done using Form 8888, Allocation of Refund (Including Savings Bond Purchases), which you attach to your tax return when you file. Without this form, your entire refund goes to whichever single account you list on your return.
The split does not have to be equal. You can send $500 to one account and $1,200 to another, or any other breakdown that adds up to your total refund. The IRS processes all deposits at the same time, so both accounts receive their portions on the same day—typically within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return.
State tax refunds work differently and do not allow splits. Each state has its own refund rules, and most require the entire state refund to go to a single account. If you want to split a state refund, you would need to receive it in one account first, then transfer money manually to a second account.
Key Takeaways
- Form 8888 is the only way to split a federal tax refund, and you must attach it to your return when you file—you cannot add it after filing.
- You can divide your refund among up to three bank accounts in any dollar amounts you choose, and all deposits happen on the same day.
- State tax refunds cannot be split through any form; your entire state refund must go to one account.
- If you file electronically, your tax software will have a Form 8888 option; if you file on paper, you print and attach the form yourself.
- The IRS needs routing numbers and account numbers for each account, and those numbers must be correct or the deposit will fail and delay your refund.
How to fill out Form 8888 and attach it to your return
Form 8888 is a one-page form with simple fields. You enter your refund amount on line 1a, then decide how much goes to each account. Line 1b is for the first account (checking or savings), line 2b for the second account, and line 3b for the third account if you want one. The amounts on lines 1b, 2b, and 3b must add up exactly to your total refund.
For each account, you provide the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank) and the account number. The routing number is printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it on your bank's website or by calling customer service. The account number is usually printed on your checks as well, or visible in your online banking portal. Write these numbers carefully—a single digit wrong will cause the deposit to fail.
If you file electronically through tax software, the software will walk you through Form 8888 as part of the filing process. You enter the account information into the software, and it generates the form and attaches it automatically. If you file on paper, you download Form 8888 from IRS.gov, fill it out by hand or print it, and attach it to the front of your tax return with a paper clip or staple.
What happens if you enter the wrong account or routing number
If a routing number or account number is incorrect, the IRS will attempt the deposit and it will be rejected by the bank. When this happens, the IRS stops processing and holds your refund. You will receive a notice in the mail explaining which account failed and asking you to contact the IRS or file an amended return with the correct information.
This delay can add two to four weeks to your refund timeline. To avoid it, verify both numbers before you file. Call your bank or log into your account online and confirm the routing number and account number match what you entered on Form 8888. Many people copy these numbers incorrectly from checks or memory.
If you discover the error after you have already filed, do not wait for the IRS notice. Contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 and explain the mistake. Providing the correct information early can sometimes prevent the rejection or speed up the reprocessing.
Splitting a refund between checking and savings at the same bank
You can send part of your refund to a checking account and part to a savings account at the same bank, or to accounts at two completely different banks. The process is identical—you just enter the routing number and account number for each account on Form 8888.
If both accounts are at the same bank, the routing number will be the same for both lines on the form, but the account numbers will be different. Make sure you are using the correct account number for each account. Many people have multiple accounts at one bank and mix up the numbers, which causes one or both deposits to fail.
Why you might want to split your refund
Some people split their refund to automatically put money into savings without the temptation to spend it. By sending part of the refund directly to a savings account, the money never sits in a checking account where it is easy to access. This is a simple way to force yourself to save without having to manually transfer money later.
Others split a refund because they have joint accounts with a spouse or partner and want to divide the money between personal and shared accounts. Or they might have accounts at two different banks and want to consolidate funds without waiting for a transfer to process.
If you are expecting a large refund and want to cover multiple financial goals at once—paying down debt, building an emergency fund, and covering a planned expense—splitting the refund lets you direct each portion to its intended purpose immediately.
State tax refunds and whether they can be split
Most states do not allow you to split a state tax refund the way the federal government does. Your entire state refund must be deposited into a single account. A few states have their own split-refund options, but these are rare and usually only available if you file electronically through that state's tax portal.
If you want to split a state refund, the only option is to receive the full amount in one account, then manually transfer part of it to a second account after the deposit clears. This takes an extra few days but accomplishes the same goal. Check your state's tax authority website to confirm whether a split option exists before you file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add Form 8888 after I have already filed my return?
No. Form 8888 must be attached to your return when you file. If you have already filed without it, you would need to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) to change where your refund goes. This adds several weeks to the process. It is better to file correctly the first time.
What if one of my accounts is closed by the time the IRS tries to deposit?
The deposit will be rejected and your refund will be held. The IRS will send you a notice asking you to provide a new account number or contact them. You can then give them an active account to deposit into, but this causes a delay of two to four weeks.
Can I split my refund three ways?
Yes. Form 8888 allows up to three separate accounts. You can send $500 to one account, $800 to a second, and $700 to a third, for example. All three deposits happen on the same day.
Do I need Form 8888 if I want my entire refund in one account?
No. If your refund is going to a single account, you just enter that account's routing and account number on your main tax return. Form 8888 is only needed when you want to split the refund between two or more accounts.
Can I split my federal refund and my state refund the same way?
You can split your federal refund using Form 8888, but your state refund must go to one account. If you want to split your state refund, you have to receive it in one account first, then transfer part of it manually to a second account after it arrives.