Change your direct deposit information before you file, or update it with the IRS after filing

If you want your tax refund sent to a different bank account than the one on file with the IRS, you have two windows to make the change. The easiest is before you file your return — you straightforward enter the new account details on the form itself. If you've already filed, you can update your direct deposit information through the IRS website, by phone, or by mail, though the change takes longer to process and may not reach the IRS in time if your refund is already in the payment pipeline.

The IRS does not automatically update your direct deposit information from year to year. If you changed banks, closed an account, or want to use a different account this year, you need to take action yourself. The process is straightforward, but timing matters — changes made after you file take weeks to register in the IRS system.

Key Takeaways

  • Changing your direct deposit before filing is the safest option — enter the new account number and routing number directly on your tax form.
  • If you've already filed, use IRS.gov, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, or mail Form 8453 to update your account information.
  • The IRS needs your new routing number and account number, both of which you can find on a blank check or by contacting your bank.
  • Changes made after filing can take two to four weeks to process, so if your refund is already approved, the change may not take effect in time.
  • If your refund was sent to a closed or wrong account, contact your bank when ready — they can sometimes reverse the deposit or redirect it.

Changing direct deposit before you file your return

When you prepare your tax return — whether you use tax software, a tax preparer, or paper forms — you'll enter your direct deposit information in the refund section. This is the moment to provide your new account details. Have your new bank account number and routing number ready before you start.

You can find both pieces of information on a blank check from your new account. The routing number is the nine-digit code on the left side of the bottom line; the account number is on the right side of that same line. If you don't have checks, call your bank and ask for your routing number and account number, or log into your online banking portal — most banks display both on the account details page.

Enter these numbers carefully. A single digit wrong will cause the IRS to reject the deposit and send a check instead, which delays your refund by weeks. If you're using tax software, it usually validates the account number format as you type. If you're working with a tax preparer, confirm the numbers out loud before they submit the return.

Updating direct deposit after you've already filed

If you filed your return and then realized you need to change the account, you have three ways to notify the IRS. The fastest is through IRS.gov if you have an online account. Log in, go to the "Refund Status" section, and look for the option to update your direct deposit information. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.

If you don't have an IRS online account or prefer not to use it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and return information ready. The IRS can update your account over the phone, though wait times are often long, especially during tax season. Ask the representative to confirm the new account number and routing number before you hang up.

The third option is to mail Form 8453 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return) or a written request to the IRS address listed in your tax return instructions. Include your name, Social Security number, the new routing number and account number, and the date you filed. Mail it to the same address where you'd send an amended return. This method takes the longest — typically two to four weeks — and may not work if your refund has already been processed.

What happens if your refund goes to the wrong account

If your refund was deposited into a closed account, an old account, or the wrong account entirely, contact your bank when ready. Many banks can reverse a deposit that was sent in error, especially if you catch it within a few days. The bank will need to initiate a reversal request with the IRS, which can take one to two weeks.

If the account belongs to someone else or a different institution, the situation is more complicated. The receiving bank may refuse to reverse the deposit without IRS involvement. In this case, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 and explain what happened. The IRS can issue a replacement check or attempt to recover the funds, though this process takes several weeks.

Do not wait to contact your bank or the IRS. The sooner you report the error, the faster it can be corrected. Keep records of all calls and correspondence — the date, time, name of the person you spoke with, and what they told you.

Timing: when the change will take effect

Changes made before you file take effect when ready when you submit your return. The new account information is part of your filing, so there's no delay.

Changes made after filing take much longer. If you update your information through IRS.gov or by phone, the IRS needs two to four weeks to process the change and update its system. If your refund has already been approved and is in the payment queue, the change may not take effect in time, and your refund will go to the old account.

Mail-in updates take even longer — typically three to four weeks just to reach the IRS, plus additional processing time. This method is the least reliable if your refund is already approved.

Getting your routing number and account number

You need both pieces of information to change your direct deposit. A blank check from your new account shows both: the routing number (nine digits) is on the left of the bottom line, and the account 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. Have your account number or card ready so they can verify your identity. You can also log into your online banking portal — most banks display both numbers on the account summary or account details page.

Some banks offer multiple routing numbers depending on how you're sending money (ACH, wire transfer, check). For tax refunds, you need the routing number for ACH deposits, which is the standard number the IRS uses. If your bank gives you multiple numbers, ask which one is for ACH deposits.

Common mistakes that delay your refund

The most common error is transposing a digit in the account number or routing number. The IRS will reject a deposit with incorrect numbers and send a check instead, adding weeks to your wait. Double-check both numbers before you file or submit the change.

Another mistake is waiting too long to update your information after filing. If you file in early February but don't update your direct deposit until mid-March, the IRS may have already processed your refund and sent it to the old account. The earlier you make the change, the better your chances of catching it before payment.

Some people also confuse their account number with their debit card number. These are not the same. Your account number is the longer number on the bottom of your check; your card number is the 16-digit number on the front of your card. Use the account number, not the card number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my direct deposit if I've already received my refund?

No, once the refund has been deposited, it's in your account. You can't change where it goes. However, you can update your direct deposit information for next year's refund or for any other refunds the IRS may issue. If the refund went to the wrong account, contact your bank or the IRS to attempt a reversal.

What if I don't know my routing number?

Call your bank and ask for your routing number for ACH deposits. Have your account number or card ready so they can verify your identity. You can also check your online banking portal or look at a blank check from your account. The routing number is always nine digits and appears on the bottom left of the check.

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

If you change your information before filing, it takes effect when ready. If you change it after filing, the IRS needs two to four weeks to process the update. If your refund has already been approved, the change may not take effect in time, and your refund will go to the old account.

What if I file electronically but want to change my direct deposit to a different account?

You can update your information through IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or by mail. However, electronic filing doesn't give you a second chance to enter the account information — you have to update it separately after filing. For this reason, it's better to verify your account details before you file electronically.

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account for my tax refund?

Yes, the IRS can deposit to either a checking or savings account. You'll need the routing number and account number for whichever account you choose. Some banks have different routing numbers for checking and savings accounts, so confirm you have the correct routing number for the account type you're using.