The IRS will not direct deposit to a foreign bank account, even if you have a valid account number and routing information

The IRS only deposits refunds to U.S. bank accounts held at financial institutions that participate in the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network. This includes checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts at U.S. banks, credit unions, and some online banks. If you have a foreign bank account, you cannot receive your refund through direct deposit, regardless of whether that bank has U.S. correspondent relationships.

This restriction applies to all federal tax refunds, including those from individual income tax returns, amended returns, and any other IRS refund. The rule exists because the ACH network operates only within the U.S. financial system, and the IRS has no mechanism to route payments internationally through that system.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS cannot direct deposit to any bank account outside the United States, even if the bank has U.S. correspondent banking relationships.
  • You can receive your refund by paper check mailed to a U.S. address, which you can then deposit into a foreign account yourself.
  • If you have a U.S. bank account, you can use that for direct deposit and then transfer the money to your foreign account after the refund arrives.
  • The IRS will not hold a refund or delay payment while you arrange an alternative method—you must choose a delivery option when you file.
  • Some expats and non-residents use a U.S. address (such as a family member's home or a mail forwarding service) to receive paper checks.

Your options for receiving a refund without a U.S. bank account

If you do not have a U.S. bank account, you have two main paths. The first is to request a paper check, which the IRS will mail to the address you provide on your tax return. This check can be mailed to a U.S. address or, in some cases, to a foreign address, though delivery times are longer and less reliable for international mail. You can then deposit the check into your foreign bank account if that bank accepts foreign checks, though many do not and some charge high fees for processing them.

The second option is to open a U.S. bank account before filing your return. Many U.S. banks allow non-residents to open accounts online, and some require only a valid passport and a U.S. address (which can be a mail forwarding service). Once you have a U.S. account, you can use it for direct deposit, receive your refund quickly, and then transfer the money to your foreign account. This route typically takes longer to set up but results in faster refund delivery and lower fees than international check processing.

How to request a paper check instead of direct deposit

When you file your tax return, you will be asked whether you want direct deposit or a paper check. Select the paper check option. You do not need to provide any bank account information. The IRS will print and mail your check to the address listed on your return.

If you have already filed and selected direct deposit, you cannot change your method after the return is processed. However, if your return has not yet been accepted by the IRS, you can amend it to change from direct deposit to a paper check. Once the return is accepted, the delivery method is locked in. If you made a mistake and direct deposit was rejected (because the account number was invalid or the account was closed), the IRS will automatically issue a paper check instead, though this adds several weeks to the timeline.

Mailing a paper check to a foreign address

The IRS can mail a check to a foreign address, but delivery is slow and unreliable. International mail typically takes four to eight weeks or longer, and checks can be lost or delayed in customs. Many people with foreign addresses instead use a U.S. mail forwarding service, which receives the check at a U.S. address and then forwards it to them internationally, though this adds another layer of delay and cost.

If you choose a foreign address on your return, include the full address with country name and postal code. The IRS will not contact you if the check does not arrive, so if you do not receive it within eight weeks, you will need to contact the IRS to request a replacement. Replacement checks take an additional four to six weeks to arrive.

Opening a U.S. bank account as a non-resident

Several U.S. banks and online financial institutions allow non-residents to open accounts remotely. Common options include online banks such as Charles Schwab Bank, which offers checking accounts to non-residents with a valid passport and a U.S. address. Some require an initial deposit, which is typically $100 to $500. You will need to provide a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) or Individual Identification Number (ITIN) rather than a Social Security Number if you do not have one.

The process usually takes one to two weeks. Once your account is open and active, you can use it for direct deposit on your tax return. After your refund arrives, you can transfer the money to your foreign account through international wire transfer, though most banks charge $15 to $50 per outgoing wire. Some online banks offer lower-cost transfer options or partnerships with foreign banks that reduce fees.

What happens if you list a foreign address on your return

If you list a foreign address as your mailing address on your tax return, the IRS will treat it as valid and mail your check there if you request a paper check. However, if you selected direct deposit and provided a foreign bank account number, the IRS will reject the direct deposit and issue a paper check to your foreign address instead. This rejection is not an error—it is the IRS's standard response to a foreign account number.

The timeline for receiving a check at a foreign address is significantly longer than for a U.S. address. Plan for eight to twelve weeks or more. If you are concerned about mail delivery, provide a U.S. address (such as a family member's address or a mail forwarding service) instead, and arrange to have the check forwarded to you or deposited on your behalf.

Using a mail forwarding service or family member's address

Many people with foreign addresses use a U.S. mail forwarding service to receive their refund check. Services such as Traveling Mailbox, Anymails, or local UPS Store mailboxes provide a U.S. street address where mail can be sent. The service then forwards your mail internationally or holds it for you to pick up. This approach is faster and more reliable than mailing directly to a foreign address, though it adds a small monthly or per-item fee.

Alternatively, you can list a family member's or friend's U.S. address on your return and ask them to deposit the check into your account, forward it to you, or hold it until you return to the U.S. This is free but requires trust and coordination. Make sure the person you list is willing to receive mail on your behalf and understands what to do with the check when it arrives.

Tracking your refund when you cannot use direct deposit

If you requested a paper check, you can track the status of your refund using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. This tool shows whether your return has been processed and whether a check has been issued. It does not track the check once it enters the mail system, so once it shows as issued, you will need to wait for it to arrive.

The tool typically updates once per day, usually overnight. If your return shows as still being processed after 21 days, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. If your check was issued more than eight weeks ago and you have not received it, you can request a replacement check through the IRS website or by calling the same number. Replacement checks take an additional four to six weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a U.S. bank account that someone else owns?

No. The bank account on your tax return must be in your name or jointly in your name and another person's name. The IRS will reject direct deposit to an account that does not include your name. If you want to use someone else's account, you would need to be added as an authorized user or joint owner, which requires going to the bank in person or meeting their remote account modification requirements.

What if my foreign bank says it can accept ACH transfers?

Some foreign banks advertise that they can receive ACH transfers through U.S. correspondent banks, but the IRS does not use this method for tax refunds. The IRS only deposits to accounts within the U.S. ACH network itself. Even if your foreign bank has a U.S. routing number for incoming transfers, the IRS will not recognize it as a valid deposit destination and will issue a paper check instead.

How long does it take to get a refund by paper check to a foreign address?

The IRS typically issues the check within 21 days of processing your return. International mail delivery then takes four to eight weeks or longer, depending on the country and postal service. Total time is usually eight to twelve weeks. If the check is lost, a replacement takes an additional four to six weeks after you request it.

Can I change my refund delivery method after I file?

Not after your return is accepted by the IRS. If your return has not yet been accepted, you can file an amended return to change from direct deposit to a paper check. Once accepted, the delivery method is locked. If direct deposit fails because the account was invalid or closed, the IRS automatically issues a paper check instead.

Do I need a U.S. address to file a tax return?

You need a mailing address on your return, which can be a foreign address. However, if you want to use direct deposit, you need a U.S. bank account. If you want faster delivery of a paper check, using a U.S. address (such as a mail forwarding service or family member's address) is more reliable than a foreign address.