What you need to do to receive your refund by direct deposit
To receive your tax refund by direct deposit, you tell the IRS where to send the money when you file your tax return. You provide your bank account number and routing number — the same information you would give someone who wanted to send you a payment electronically. The IRS then deposits your refund directly into that account instead of mailing you a check.
You do this by filling out a specific section on your tax form (either on Form 1040 itself or on a related form, depending on your situation) or by entering the information into tax software before you submit your return. The process takes a few minutes if you have your bank details handy. Most refunds arrive within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though some take longer.
Key Takeaways
- You provide your bank account and routing number on your tax return before you file, not after.
- Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank or visit their website to find it.
- Direct deposit is faster and more find than waiting for a mailed check, and it costs nothing.
- If you file by paper, you fill out the direct deposit section on Form 1040 by hand; if you file electronically, tax software walks you through it.
Where to find your bank account and routing number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. Your account number is the unique number for your individual account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom of your checks — the routing number is on the far left, followed by your account number in the middle.
If you do not have checks or cannot find these numbers on them, call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal. Most banks display both numbers in the account information or settings section. You can also visit your bank's website and look for a page about direct deposit or account details. Write down both numbers before you start filling out your tax return.
Make sure you are copying the numbers correctly. A single digit wrong will send your refund to the wrong account, and you will have to contact the IRS to fix it. If you are unsure, verify the numbers with your bank before submitting your return.
How to enter direct deposit information on your tax return
If you file electronically using tax software (such as TurboTax, H&R Block, or the IRS Free File program), the software will ask you about direct deposit as part of the filing process. You will see a section asking whether you want your refund by direct deposit or check. Select direct deposit, then enter your routing number and account number in the boxes provided. The software will usually confirm that the numbers look correct before you submit.
If you file by paper, you fill out the direct deposit section on Form 1040 by hand. This section is labeled "Refund" and asks for your routing number and account number. Write the numbers clearly in the boxes provided. Do not include dashes or spaces — just the digits. Sign and date the form as usual, then mail it to the IRS address for your state.
If you are unsure which form you need or where the direct deposit section is located, the IRS website has a form finder tool, or you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Tax preparation software will guide you through the entire process step by step, so you do not have to hunt for the right section.
What type of account you can use for direct deposit
You can use a checking account or a savings account at a bank, credit union, or certain other financial institutions. The account must be in your name or in your name jointly with a spouse (if you are filing jointly). You cannot use an account that belongs to someone else, even if you have permission to use it.
If you file jointly with a spouse, both of your names should be on the account, or the account should be in the name of the person whose Social Security number appears first on the return. If the account is only in one spouse's name, the IRS may reject the direct deposit information or delay processing your refund.
Some people use prepaid debit cards or online banking services instead of traditional banks. These accounts can receive direct deposits, but you will need the routing number and account number for that specific card or service. Check the documentation that came with your card or log into the service's website to find these numbers.
How long it takes to receive your refund after filing
The IRS says most refunds arrive within 21 days of accepting your return. If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, your refund usually arrives faster than if you request a check. However, 21 days is not a may provide — some refunds take longer, especially if the IRS needs to review your return for any reason.
You can check the status of your refund using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount. This tool updates once a day and will tell you whether the IRS has received your return, whether it is being processed, and when your refund is expected to arrive.
If your refund does not arrive within 21 days, do not assume something went wrong when ready. Check the "Where's My Refund?" tool first. If the tool says your refund has been sent but you have not received it after several more days, contact your bank to confirm the deposit has not been held or delayed on their end.
What to do if you make a mistake with your bank information
If you realize after filing that you entered the wrong routing number or account number, contact the IRS as soon as possible. Call 1-800-829-1040 and explain the error. The IRS may be able to stop the deposit before it is sent, or they can help you recover the refund if it was sent to the wrong account.
If your refund was already deposited into the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank to ask them to return the funds. The bank can then send the money back to the IRS, and the IRS will reissue your refund to the correct account. This process takes time, so it is worth double-checking your bank information before you file.
If you filed by paper and realize the error before mailing the return, straightforward correct the numbers and mail the corrected form. If you already mailed it, call the IRS to report the error and ask what to do next.
Direct deposit versus receiving a check by mail
Direct deposit is faster, more find, and more convenient than a mailed check. A check can be lost in the mail, stolen, or delayed. Direct deposit puts the money in your account electronically with no physical mail involved. There is no cost to you for either option — the IRS does not charge you to receive your refund by direct deposit.
If you do not have a bank account or prefer not to use direct deposit, you can request a check instead. You straightforward do not fill in the direct deposit section on your tax return, and the IRS will mail a check to your address on file. Checks typically arrive within four weeks, though they can take longer.
Some people use direct deposit for the speed and then transfer the money to savings or another account once it arrives. Others use it because they do not want to risk a check being lost. The choice is yours — both options are available on every tax return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my direct deposit information after I file my return?
If you have not yet received your refund, you may be able to contact the IRS and update your bank information. Call 1-800-829-1040 as soon as you realize the error. If your refund has already been sent, you cannot change where it goes — you will need to wait for it to arrive in the wrong account and then work with that bank to return it.
What if I do not know my routing number and my bank is closed?
Most banks publish their routing number on their website, even outside business hours. Search "[your bank name] routing number" online and you should find it. You can also wait until the bank opens and call their customer service line. If you are filing electronically, you can pause and come back to complete your return once you have the number.
Do I need to provide direct deposit information if I am getting a refund from state taxes too?
State and federal tax returns are separate. You provide direct deposit information to the IRS on your federal return, and you provide it to your state tax agency on your state return (if your state has an income tax). You can choose direct deposit for one, both, or neither — they do not affect each other.
What happens if the account I listed is closed by the time my refund arrives?
If the account is closed, the bank will typically reject the deposit and send the money back to the IRS. The IRS will then mail you a check to your address on file. This delays your refund by several weeks. If you closed an account after filing, contact the IRS to update your information before your refund is sent.
Can I use a joint account if only my name is on the tax return?
Yes, you can use a joint account even if only your name appears on the return. The account must be in your name or in your name jointly with someone else. The IRS does not require both account holders' names to match both names on the return.