Update your bank account information directly with the IRS before filing, or change it after you file through the IRS website

If you need to change the bank account where your tax refund will land, the method depends on whether you have already filed your return. Before you file, you can enter or correct your bank details in tax software or on the IRS form itself. After you file, you can update your account information through the IRS's online tool called Get My Payment, though the window to make changes is limited — typically a few days after you submit your return.

The IRS does not mail refunds to bank accounts; it sends them by direct deposit only if you provide routing and account numbers. If you do not provide banking information, the IRS will mail a check instead, which takes longer. Updating your account before filing is the safest approach because it eliminates the risk of the IRS processing your refund to an old or incorrect account.

Key Takeaways

  • Update your bank account in your tax software or on your paper return before you file — this is the simplest and most reliable method.
  • After you file, you can change your account through the IRS Get My Payment tool, but only within a narrow window before the IRS processes your refund.
  • You will need your routing number (nine digits) and account number (up to 17 digits) from a check or your bank's website.
  • If the IRS deposits money to the wrong account, contact that bank immediately to request a reversal, then file an IRS Form 8949 or call the IRS to report the error.
  • Refunds sent by check take two to three weeks; direct deposits typically arrive within one week of the IRS approving your return.

How to update your account before filing your return

If you are using tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, FreeTaxUSA, or others), the program will ask for your routing and account number during the interview process. Enter the correct information at that step. Most software shows you where to find these numbers — usually on the bottom left of a check, or you can log into your bank's website and find them in the account settings or profile section.

If you are filing a paper return (Form 1040), write your routing and account number in the boxes labeled "Routing number" and "Account number" on the return itself. The form includes instructions showing exactly where these boxes are. Double-check the numbers before you mail the return, because once the IRS receives it, changing the account becomes harder.

If you are filing through a tax professional or accountant, give them your correct bank details when you meet or send them your documents. Ask them to confirm they have entered the numbers correctly before they submit your return to the IRS.

How to change your account after you have filed

After you file, you can change your bank account through the IRS Get My Payment tool at irs.gov/payments. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status. The tool shows you the status of your refund and, if the refund has not yet been processed, allows you to update your account number.

The critical detail: you can only change your account if the IRS has not yet approved your return for payment. Once the IRS marks your refund as "approved" or "sent," the account information is locked and you cannot change it through Get My Payment. This window is usually only a few days after you file, so check the tool as soon as you receive your filing confirmation.

If you miss the window and the refund has already been approved, you will need to contact the IRS directly. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time) and explain that your refund went to the wrong account. The IRS can sometimes intercept the deposit before it reaches the bank, but this is not may provide.

Finding your routing and account numbers

Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is unique to your account and can be up to 17 digits. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account — the routing number comes first, then the account number.

If you do not have a check, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for "account details," "account information," or "routing number" in the settings or profile section. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to provide your routing and account number over the phone.

Make sure the account is in your name or a joint account with your spouse (if you are filing jointly). The IRS will not deposit a refund into an account belonging to someone else, even if you have access to it.

What happens if your refund goes to the wrong account

If the IRS deposits your refund to an incorrect account — either because you entered the wrong number or because the bank processed it incorrectly — contact the bank that received the deposit immediately. Explain that the money was deposited in error and ask them to reverse it and return it to the IRS. Banks can usually do this within a few business days if you catch it quickly.

After the bank reverses the deposit, the money returns to the IRS, which will then reissue your refund. This process can add two to four weeks to your timeline. In the meantime, file a report with the IRS by calling 1-800-829-1040 or by mailing Form 3911 (Application for IRS Assistance) to the address shown in the form instructions. Include a copy of your bank statement showing the reversed deposit.

If the bank refuses to reverse the deposit or if the account holder will not cooperate, the IRS can investigate, but this takes longer. Document everything in writing and keep copies of all correspondence with the bank and the IRS.

Direct deposit versus check: timing and security

Direct deposit is faster and more secure than a check. A refund sent by direct deposit typically arrives within one week of the IRS approving your return. A refund sent by check takes two to three weeks from approval, and checks can be lost or stolen in the mail.

If you do not provide banking information on your return, the IRS automatically sends a check. You cannot request direct deposit after you have filed a return that was set up for a check — you would have to amend your return or wait for the check and deposit it yourself.

If you have a savings account instead of a checking account, you can use that for direct deposit. The IRS accepts both. Make sure you have the correct routing number for your bank — some banks have different routing numbers for different regions or account types, so verify with your bank before you file.

Common mistakes when updating bank information

The most common error is transposing digits in the routing or account number. A single wrong digit will cause the deposit to fail or go to the wrong account. Before you submit your return, read both numbers aloud to yourself or have someone else read them back to you to catch mistakes.

Another mistake is using a routing number from a different bank or branch. If you have accounts at multiple banks, make sure you are using the routing number for the bank where you want the refund deposited. If you recently switched banks, use the routing number for your new bank, not your old one.

Some people enter their account number incorrectly because they include leading zeros or forget that account numbers can be different lengths. Copy the number exactly as it appears on your check or in your bank's system, including any leading zeros.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account if my refund has already been sent?

No. Once the IRS marks your refund as "sent," the account information cannot be changed. If the refund went to the wrong account, contact that bank immediately to request a reversal. The bank can return the money to the IRS, which will then reissue your refund to the correct account — a process that typically takes two to four weeks.

What if I do not know my routing number?

Call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal and look for account details or routing information. You can also look at the bottom left of any check from that account. If you do not have checks, your bank can provide the number in seconds over the phone.

Can I use a savings account for my tax refund?

Yes. The IRS accepts direct deposit to both checking and savings accounts. Make sure you have the correct routing number for your bank — some banks assign different routing numbers to different account types or regions. Confirm with your bank before you file.

How long does it take for the IRS to process a direct deposit after I file?

The IRS typically approves and deposits refunds within one to two weeks of receiving your return, though it can take longer if your return requires review. You can track your refund status through the IRS Get My Payment tool or by calling 1-800-829-1040.

What if I filed with the wrong account number and did not catch it in time?

Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 as soon as you realize the error. The IRS may be able to intercept the deposit before it reaches the bank, but this is not may provide. If the deposit goes through, contact the receiving bank and ask them to reverse it. The IRS will then reissue your refund to the correct account.