Direct deposit sends your refund straight to your bank account instead of waiting for a paper check
To receive your tax refund by direct deposit, you provide your bank account information on your tax return before you file. The IRS or your state tax agency deposits the money directly into the account you specify—usually within 21 days of the agency accepting your return, though it can be faster. You need your routing number and account number, both of which appear on a blank check or are available from your bank's website or customer service line.
Direct deposit is faster and more secure than a mailed check. You don't have to worry about a check getting lost in the mail, and you can use the money as soon as it lands in your account. The process is the same whether you file electronically or by mail, though electronic filing is more common and reduces errors.
Key Takeaways
- You enter your routing number and account number on your tax return form before filing, and the IRS or state agency deposits your refund directly into that account.
- Direct deposit typically arrives within 21 days of your return being accepted, though many refunds arrive in 5 to 10 business days.
- You can find your routing number on the bottom left of a blank check, or by calling your bank or visiting its website.
- If you file by mail, write your routing and account numbers on the return itself in the spaces provided; electronic filing is faster and has fewer errors.
- You can change your direct deposit account information before you file, but not after—if you need to change it after filing, you must wait for a paper check or contact the IRS.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is unique to your specific account. Both appear on the bottom of a blank check from your account: the routing number is on the far left, the account number is in the middle, and your check number is on the right.
If you don't have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Most banks also display this information in their online banking portal—log in, go to your account details or settings, and look for "routing number" and "account number." Credit unions and online banks work the same way; the information is always available by phone or online.
Make sure you have the correct numbers before you file. A single digit wrong means your refund goes to the wrong account, and you'll have to contact the IRS or your state to fix it.
How to enter direct deposit information on your federal return
If you file electronically using tax software or a tax professional, the software will ask for your routing and account number in a section labeled "Refund" or "Direct Deposit." Enter the numbers exactly as they appear on your check or bank statement, with no spaces or dashes. The software will usually verify the numbers before you submit.
If you file by mail using Form 1040 or another IRS form, write your routing number and account number in the spaces provided on the return itself. The form has a box labeled "Routing number" and "Account number" in the refund section. Use only numbers—no letters or symbols. Mail the return to the IRS address for your state.
Electronic filing is faster and more accurate because the software catches errors before submission. If you file by mail, the IRS processes the return more slowly, and handwriting errors can delay your refund or send it to the wrong account.
How to enter direct deposit information on your state return
Most states that have an income tax allow direct deposit on state returns. The process is identical to the federal return: you enter your routing number and account number in the refund section of the state form or tax software.
If you file your state return separately from your federal return, make sure you use the same bank account for both, or specify different accounts if you want to split the refunds. Some tax software lets you split a refund between multiple accounts—for example, sending part of your federal refund to checking and part to savings. Check whether your state allows this before you file.
State processing times vary. Some states deposit refunds within 10 business days; others take three to four weeks. Check your state's tax agency website for the typical timeline.
What happens after you file with direct deposit information
Once the IRS or state agency accepts your return, they begin processing it. You can track the status of your federal refund using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov, which updates once per day. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return. The tool will tell you whether the return is still being processed, approved, or sent to your bank.
The agency sends the refund electronically to your bank, which then deposits it into your account. This transfer usually takes one to three business days after the agency approves the return. You'll see the money in your account and can use it immediately.
If you filed electronically, the whole process typically takes 5 to 21 days from acceptance to deposit. If you filed by mail, add 2 to 4 weeks for the IRS to receive and process the paper return before the direct deposit timeline begins.
What to do if you need to change your direct deposit account after filing
Once you've filed your return with direct deposit information, you cannot change the account through the IRS or state website. If you filed electronically and realize you entered the wrong account number before the return was accepted, contact the IRS or state immediately—you may be able to withdraw and refile with the correct information.
If your return has already been accepted and you need to change the account, you have two options: wait for the refund to arrive in the wrong account and then transfer it yourself, or contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request that they stop the direct deposit and issue a paper check instead. The IRS can do this only if you call before the refund is deposited; once it's in the wrong account, you'll need to retrieve it from that account holder.
To avoid this problem, double-check your routing and account numbers before you file. Take 30 seconds to verify them against a recent bank statement or a blank check.
Direct deposit for amended returns and additional refunds
If you file an amended return (Form 1040-X) to claim a larger refund, you can request direct deposit of the additional amount. The amended return form has the same direct deposit section as the original return. Use the same account information, or specify a different account if you prefer.
Amended returns take longer to process—typically 8 to 12 weeks from filing. The IRS will deposit the additional refund by direct deposit if you requested it, or issue a paper check if you didn't provide account information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a savings account for my tax refund direct deposit?
Yes. You can direct deposit to any account type—checking, savings, money market, or even a prepaid debit card account—as long as you have the routing number and account number. Some people direct deposit to savings to avoid spending the refund immediately.
What if my bank account is closed by the time my refund arrives?
If your account is closed, the bank will reject the deposit and the IRS will issue a paper check instead, which takes several additional weeks. If you know your account will be closed, contact the IRS before filing to arrange an alternative.
Can I split my refund between two bank accounts?
Yes, if you file electronically. Most tax software allows you to split your federal refund into up to three accounts. Enter the routing and account number for each account and the dollar amount or percentage you want sent to each. State returns may or may not allow splitting—check your state's tax agency website.
How do I know if my direct deposit went through?
Check your bank account online or call your bank to see if the deposit arrived. You can also use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool, which will show "Refund sent" once the money has been transferred to your bank. The tool updates once per day.
What if I entered the wrong routing number but the correct account number?
The refund will go to the wrong bank. Contact the IRS immediately at 1-800-829-1040 to report the error. They may be able to stop the deposit if it hasn't been processed yet, or you'll need to retrieve the money from the wrong bank and request a corrected deposit.