You need to tell the IRS where to send your refund before you file
Direct deposit sends your tax refund straight to your bank account instead of waiting for a paper check. You choose the account during tax filing—on your return itself, not in a separate step. The IRS processes the deposit once they accept your return, which typically takes 21 days or less if you file electronically and have no errors on your return.
The information you provide must match your bank's records exactly. A typo in your account number or routing number will cause the IRS to reject the deposit and mail a check instead, adding weeks to the wait. You can file your return yourself using free software, through a tax professional, or with help from a community organization—but the direct deposit setup happens the same way regardless.
Key Takeaways
- You enter your bank account and routing number on your tax return during filing, not after—there is no separate form to submit later.
- The account must be in your name or a joint account with your spouse; the IRS will not deposit to someone else's account even if you authorize it.
- Your routing number comes from your bank's website or a check, and your account number appears on checks or in your online banking portal.
- Electronic filing with direct deposit typically delivers your refund within 21 days; paper filing takes much longer even with direct deposit selected.
- If the IRS rejects your deposit due to incorrect information, they mail a check instead, and you will not know about the rejection until the check arrives.
Where to find your routing number and account number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. You can find it on the bottom left of any check you have written, or by logging into your bank's website and looking for account details or settings. If you do not have checks, call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number—they will give it to you when ready.
Your account number is the unique identifier for your specific account at that bank. It appears on the bottom of your checks, usually after the routing number. You can also find it in your online banking portal under account information or account summary. Some banks show it in the mobile app as well. Write both numbers down before you start your tax return so you have them ready.
If you use a credit union instead of a bank, the process is identical—credit unions have routing numbers and account numbers just like banks do. If you use an online bank with no physical branches, you can still use direct deposit; log into your account online to find both numbers.
What type of account you can use for direct deposit
The IRS will deposit your refund to a checking account, savings account, or money market account. The account must be held at a bank, credit union, or other financial institution that participates in the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network—which includes virtually all mainstream banks and credit unions in the United States.
The account must be in your name alone or in a joint account with your spouse. If you file jointly and want the refund in a joint account, both names should appear on the account. The IRS will not deposit to an account in someone else's name, even if you have power of attorney or are a co-signer on the account. If you are filing as head of household or single, the account must be in your name.
You cannot use a prepaid debit card, gift card, or temporary account number for direct deposit. Some tax software will accept these numbers during filing, but the IRS will reject them and mail a check instead. Stick to a permanent account at a bank or credit union.
How to enter your information on your tax return
If you file electronically using tax software (such as IRS Free File, TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct), you will see a section labeled "Refund" or "Where to Send Your Refund" as you work through the return. The software will ask you to choose direct deposit, then enter your routing number and account number. Double-check both numbers before you submit—the software may not catch a typo.
If you file through a tax professional or community organization, tell them you want direct deposit and provide your routing and account numbers. They will enter this information on your return before filing it electronically on your behalf. Ask them to read the numbers back to you to confirm they are correct.
If you file a paper return by mail, you will write your routing number and account number in the boxes provided on the form itself. The instructions that come with the form show exactly where these boxes are located. Mail the return to the address listed in the instructions for your state.
What happens after you file and what to expect
Once the IRS accepts your return, they begin processing it. If you filed electronically and your return has no errors, the IRS typically issues your refund within 21 days. The refund then travels through the ACH network to your bank, which usually deposits it within one to two business days after the IRS sends it. In practice, most direct deposits arrive within 21 days of filing, though some take longer if the IRS needs to review your return.
You can track your refund status using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website. This tool updates once per day and shows whether the IRS has accepted your return, is processing it, or has issued your refund. It will tell you the expected deposit date once the refund has been issued.
If the IRS rejects your direct deposit—usually because the routing or account number does not match your bank's records—you will not receive a notification. Instead, the IRS will mail a paper check to your address on file. This adds several weeks to the wait. You will only know the deposit was rejected when the check arrives or when you check "Where's My Refund?" and see a message about the issue.
If your direct deposit fails or you need to change your account
Once you file your return, you cannot change the account information. If you realize you entered the wrong routing number or account number after filing, contact the IRS when ready at 1-800-829-1040. Explain the error and provide the correct information. The IRS may be able to correct it before processing, but there is no may provide—if they have already rejected the deposit, a check will be mailed instead.
If you filed a paper return and made an error on the form, do not file another return. Call the IRS at the number above and report the mistake. They will note it in their system and attempt to correct it, though again, a check may be mailed if the correction does not happen in time.
If your bank account closes or changes before the refund arrives, contact your bank when ready. Some banks can redirect a deposit to a new account if you notify them quickly. The IRS cannot redirect a deposit once it has been issued, but your bank may be able to help on their end.
Paper filing versus electronic filing and refund timing
Electronic filing is much faster than paper filing, even when both use direct deposit. The IRS processes electronic returns within days and can issue refunds within 21 days. Paper returns take weeks just to be received and entered into the IRS system, so your refund will not be issued for several months even if you selected direct deposit on the form.
If you have a choice, file electronically. Free filing software is available through the IRS Free File program if your income is below a certain threshold, and many community organizations offer free filing help as well. Paper filing should only be used if you have no other option.
Direct deposit works the same way regardless of how you file—the IRS sends the money to your bank account instead of mailing a check. The difference is purely in how long the IRS takes to process your return and issue the refund in the first place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I split my refund between two different bank accounts?
Yes. Most tax software and forms allow you to split your refund into up to three separate deposits. You enter the routing and account number for each account, along with the dollar amount or percentage you want sent to each one. This is useful if you want to send part of your refund to savings and part to checking, or if you are filing jointly and want to split the refund between your account and your spouse's account.
What if I do not have a bank account?
You will need to open one before you file your return. Banks and credit unions offer basic checking accounts with no minimum balance. Some community organizations and nonprofits can help you open an account. Once you have an account and your routing and account numbers, you can proceed with direct deposit as normal. If you cannot open an account in time, you can file your return and receive a paper check by mail instead.
How do I know if my bank participates in direct deposit?
Nearly all banks and credit unions in the United States participate in the ACH network and accept direct deposits. If you have any doubt, call your bank and ask whether they accept ACH direct deposits. They will confirm when ready. Online banks, credit unions, and traditional banks all participate.
Can I use a business account for my personal tax refund?
No. Your tax refund must go to a personal account in your name. If you own a business and have a business account, you cannot deposit your personal refund there. Use your personal checking or savings account instead.
What if the IRS sends my refund to the wrong account by mistake?
Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and report the error. They will investigate and attempt to recover the funds from the bank where the deposit was sent. This process can take several weeks or months. In the meantime, you can also contact the bank where the deposit was sent and explain the situation; some banks will hold the funds pending IRS instruction. Do not attempt to withdraw money that was deposited to the wrong account.