You can change your bank account for a tax refund, but the method depends on whether you have already filed or are about to file

If you have not yet filed your tax return, you can simply provide your new bank account information when you file — the IRS will deposit to whichever account you list on that return. If you have already filed and the refund has not been deposited, you can contact the IRS to request a change, though this works only within a narrow window. If your refund has already been deposited to the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank to reverse the deposit or recover the funds.

The IRS does not automatically update bank details after a return is filed. Once you submit your return with a specific account number and routing number, that is where the money goes — unless you intervene before the deposit clears.

Key Takeaways

  • If you have not filed yet, enter your correct bank details on your return and the IRS will deposit to that account.
  • If you have filed but the refund has not arrived, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to request a change, but only if you catch it before the deposit processes.
  • The IRS processes refunds in batches; once a deposit is sent to your bank, the IRS cannot recall it.
  • If money lands in the wrong account, contact that bank immediately to report the error and ask about reversal options.
  • Changing your bank account for future refunds requires filing a new return or waiting until next tax season.

Changing your bank before you file your return

This is the simplest scenario. When you prepare your tax return — whether you use tax software, a preparer, or paper forms — you will enter your bank account information in the direct deposit section. Double-check the routing number and account number before you submit. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank; the account number is the one tied to the account you want the refund in.

If you are using tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, the direct deposit fields are usually near the end of the return. If you are working with a tax preparer, tell them which account you want the refund sent to and confirm it in writing before they file. If you are filing by mail on Form 1040, the direct deposit information goes in the bottom section of the form.

Once you file with the correct account details, the IRS will send your refund there. There is no need to contact anyone — the system works as long as your routing and account numbers are correct.

Requesting a change after you have filed but before the deposit arrives

If you filed your return with the wrong bank account and realize the mistake before the refund is deposited, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to request a change. This works only if the refund has not yet been sent to your bank. The IRS processes refunds in batches, so there is a window of time between when your return is processed and when the money actually leaves the IRS account.

When you call, have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS representative will check the status of your refund. If it has not been sent yet, they can flag your account for a change. However, the IRS cannot may provide they will catch it in time — if the batch has already been processed, the deposit is on its way and cannot be stopped.

This is why timing matters. If you discover the error within a few days of filing, you have a better chance. If weeks have passed, the refund has likely already been sent. You can also check the status of your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov before you call, which will tell you whether the refund has been sent or is still being processed.

What to do if the refund was already deposited to the wrong account

If the money has already landed in the wrong bank account, you cannot ask the IRS to reverse it or send it elsewhere. The IRS's job is done once the deposit is sent. Instead, you need to contact the bank that received the deposit and report the error.

Call the customer service number on the back of the card or debit account that received the deposit. Explain that a tax refund was deposited to the account in error and that you are not the account holder (or that it went to the wrong account of yours). The bank can investigate and may be able to reverse the deposit, sending the money back to the IRS. This process typically takes 5 to 10 business days, after which the IRS will reissue your refund to the correct account — but you will need to provide the correct account information to the IRS.

If the account holder refuses to return the money or if the bank cannot reverse it, you may need to file a dispute with your bank or contact the IRS directly to report the issue. Keep records of all calls and correspondence.

Correcting a typo in your routing or account number

A single wrong digit in your routing number or account number can send your refund to a different bank or account entirely. If you filed with a typo and the refund went somewhere unexpected, the recovery process is the same: contact the bank that received it and ask for a reversal.

Routing numbers are nine digits and are specific to each bank and branch. Account numbers vary in length but are usually 8 to 12 digits. If you are unsure of either number, log into your online banking or call your bank's customer service line. Do not guess — a wrong number will cause the refund to bounce or land in the wrong place.

Once you have confirmed the correct numbers, you can contact the IRS to request that your refund be reissued to the right account. This is faster than waiting for a reversal from the wrong bank, though both processes take time.

Changing your bank account for next year's refund

If you want to change your bank account for future tax years, you do not need to do anything special outside of tax season. When you file your next return, simply enter the new bank account information in the direct deposit section. The IRS does not store your banking details from year to year — each return is independent.

If you change banks mid-year and want to update your information for an expected refund before next tax season, your only option is to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) with the new account details. This is usually not worth the effort unless the refund is large and you are certain it will arrive soon. In most cases, it is simpler to wait for the refund to arrive in the old account and then transfer it yourself, or to let it go to the old account and request a reversal if necessary.

Using the IRS Where's My Refund tool to track your status

Before you take any action, check the status of your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount. The tool will tell you whether your refund is still being processed, has been approved, or has been sent to your bank.

If the status shows "Sent to Your Bank," the deposit has already left the IRS and you cannot change it through the IRS. If it shows "Processing" or "Approved," there may still be time to request a change by calling 800-829-1040. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, so check it daily if you are trying to catch a refund before it is sent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the IRS stop a refund deposit after it has been sent to the bank?

No. Once the IRS sends a deposit to your bank, the IRS cannot recall it. The bank receives the money and processes it according to the account number provided. If the deposit went to the wrong account, you must contact that bank to request a reversal.

How long does it take to reverse a refund that went to the wrong account?

A bank reversal typically takes 5 to 10 business days. After the money returns to the IRS, you will need to provide the correct account information so the IRS can reissue your refund, which adds another 1 to 3 weeks. The total process can take 3 to 4 weeks.

What if I filed with the wrong routing number but the correct account number?

The routing number tells the IRS which bank to send the money to. A wrong routing number will send your refund to a different bank entirely, even if the account number is correct. Contact that bank to report the error and request a reversal, then provide the IRS with the correct routing number.

Do I need to file an amended return to change my bank account?

Only if you have already filed and want to change the account before the refund arrives. Filing an amended return (Form 1040-X) with new bank details is an option, but calling the IRS at 800-829-1040 is usually faster if you catch it in time.

Can I change my bank account information after the IRS has already processed my return?

Not directly. Once your return is processed, the bank account information is locked in. Your only options are to call the IRS before the deposit is sent, or to contact the receiving bank after the deposit arrives to request a reversal.