How to Add Your Bank Account to the IRS

Why the IRS needs your bank account information

The IRS uses your bank account details to deposit tax refunds directly into your checking or savings account instead of mailing a paper check. Direct deposit is faster — typically 21 days or less from the date the IRS accepts your return — and reduces the risk of a check getting lost or stolen. If you owe taxes instead of receiving a refund, having your account on file also lets the IRS set up a payment plan or payment agreement directly with your bank.

You do not have to provide bank information. You can still receive a paper check or set up other payment methods. But if you want the fastest refund, direct deposit is the standard route.

Key Takeaways

You add your bank account to the IRS by providing your routing number and account number on your tax return, either on paper Form 1040 or through tax software.
Your routing number identifies which bank you use; your account number identifies which specific account within that bank receives the deposit.
You can find both numbers on the bottom left of any check you write, or by calling your bank directly.
Once you file your return with this information, the IRS stores it for that tax year only — you must provide it again the next year if you want direct deposit.
If you file a paper return, write the routing and account numbers in the spaces marked on Form 1040; if you use tax software, it will prompt you for these numbers before you file.

Finding your routing number and account number

Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. Your account number is a separate code — usually 10 to 12 digits — that identifies which account at that bank is yours. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you write, in this order: routing number first, then account number, then check number.

If you do not have checks or prefer not to look them up that way, call your bank's customer service line. The number is on your bank statement, your debit card, or the bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number and account number for direct deposit. They will give you both in under a minute. If you use a credit union instead of a bank, the process is identical — ask for your routing number and account number.

Make sure you have the right account. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank — a checking account and a savings account, for example — confirm which one you want the refund to go into before you file your return.

Adding your account information to a paper tax return

If you file Form 1040 on paper, look for the section labeled "Refund" near the bottom of the form. You will see three boxes: one for routing number, one for account number, and one to select whether the account is checking or savings. Write your nine-digit routing number in the first box, your account number in the second box, and check the box that matches your account type.

Double-check both numbers before you mail the form. A single digit wrong will cause the IRS to reject the direct deposit and mail a check instead, which delays your refund by several weeks. If you are unsure about either number, call your bank again rather than guessing.

Adding your account information through tax software

If you file electronically using tax software — whether free software like IRS Free File, commercial software like TurboTax or H&R Block, or through a tax preparer — the software will prompt you for your routing number and account number before you file. The prompt usually appears in a section labeled "Refund Method" or "Direct Deposit." Enter both numbers exactly as they appear on your check or as your bank provided them.

Tax software typically validates your routing number against the IRS database before you submit, so if you enter a number that does not match any real bank, the software will flag it and ask you to correct it. This catches most typos before your return is filed. After you file, the IRS receives this information along with your return.

What happens after you file with your bank account information

Once the IRS accepts your return, it processes the direct deposit instruction along with the rest of your return. If your return is approved and you are owed a refund, the IRS sends the deposit to your bank using the routing and account numbers you provided. Your bank then deposits the money into your account. This entire process usually takes 21 days or less from the date the IRS accepts your return, though it can take longer during peak tax season (February through April) or if your return requires additional review.

You can track the status of your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on the IRS website. This tool shows you whether the IRS has accepted your return, whether it is being processed, and when the refund is expected to be deposited. If there is a problem with your bank account information, the tool will usually show a message asking you to contact the IRS.

If the IRS rejects your bank account information

If you provided incorrect routing or account numbers, the IRS will reject the direct deposit and mail a paper check instead. You will see this status in the Where's My Refund tool, which will show "refund issued" with a check date rather than a deposit date. The check will arrive by mail within two to three weeks of that date.

If this happens, do not provide corrected bank information for the same tax year — the IRS will not process a second direct deposit once a check has been issued. Instead, when you file your return for the next tax year, provide the correct routing and account numbers. If you need your refund faster than waiting for the check, you can deposit the check at your bank once it arrives, or cash it at most retail locations.

Bank account information is not stored year to year

The IRS does not keep your bank account information on file after the tax year ends. This means if you want direct deposit for your next year's refund, you must provide your routing and account numbers again when you file that return. This is by design — it prevents someone from filing a fraudulent return in your name and redirecting your refund to their account without your knowledge.

If your bank account changes between tax years — you switch banks, close an account, or open a new one — make sure to provide the new routing and account numbers on your next return. If you file with old account information, the direct deposit will fail and you will receive a check instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?

Yes. The IRS accepts both checking and savings accounts for direct deposit. When you provide your account information, you will see a box asking you to select the account type. Choose the one that matches the account you provided the number for. Make sure you have the correct routing number for your bank — it is the same for both checking and savings accounts.

What if I do not have a bank account?

You can still file your tax return and receive your refund by check. Leave the direct deposit section blank on your return, and the IRS will mail a paper check to the address on your return. The check usually arrives within three to four weeks. Some people also open a prepaid debit card account or a basic savings account at a bank or credit union specifically to receive their refund by direct deposit, since it is faster.

Can I change my bank account information after I file?

No. Once you file your return with bank account information, you cannot change it. If you realize you provided the wrong account number after filing, contact the IRS as soon as possible — they may be able to stop the deposit before it is processed, though this is not always possible. If the deposit goes through to the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank to have the money returned, then contact the IRS to arrange a redeposit to the correct account.

Do I need to provide my bank account information if I owe taxes?

No. If you owe taxes, you do not need to provide bank account information on your return. You can pay the IRS by check, money order, credit card, debit card, or electronic bank transfer through the IRS website. If you set up a payment plan, the IRS can withdraw payments directly from your bank account, but you set that up separately after you file, not on the return itself.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.