Yes, you can change both your account and routing number, but the timing matters
You can change your bank account number or routing number at any time with your bank. The real question is whether the change will reach the government or payment processor before they send your money. If you have already filed a tax return, submitted a refund request, or registered for a payment with your old account details, changing your bank information afterward may not stop the deposit from going to the old account.
The safest approach is to update your information as soon as you know it has changed — before you file or submit anything. If you have already submitted paperwork with old account details, contact the agency or organization handling the payment directly to ask whether they can update your information in their system before processing.
Key Takeaways
- Your bank can change your account number or routing number immediately, but the government or payment processor may not see the change in time to redirect your deposit.
- Tax refunds, stimulus payments, and insurance refunds all use the account and routing number you provided at the time you filed or submitted your request.
- If you filed a tax return with an old account number, contact the IRS directly rather than waiting to see if the deposit fails.
- A failed deposit to a closed account will eventually be returned to the sender, but the process can take weeks or months.
- Some banks can accept deposits to a closed account if the account holder is still a customer; ask your bank whether this applies to you.
When you can safely change your account information
The safest time to change your account or routing number is before you file anything. If you are planning to file a tax return, request a refund, or register for a government payment, update your bank information first, then use the new details on your forms or applications.
If you have not yet filed or submitted your request, you have full control. Use your current, correct account number and routing number. If your bank has already assigned you a new account number because your old one was compromised or expired, use the new one from the start.
What happens if you change your account after filing
Once you have submitted your information to the IRS, a state tax agency, an insurance company, or any other organization, that organization has a record of your account and routing number. Changing your information at your bank does not automatically update that record.
The payment will be sent to the account number and routing number you provided when you filed. If that account no longer exists or belongs to a different bank, the deposit will fail. Your bank will reject it, and it will be returned to the sender — usually within 5 to 10 business days, though the full process can take longer.
Once the payment is returned, the organization that sent it must reprocess it. The IRS, for example, will attempt to reissue a tax refund, but you may have to provide corrected account information before they can send it again. This can add weeks to your wait time.
How to update your account information with the IRS
If you filed a tax return with an old or incorrect account number, contact the IRS before the refund is processed. The IRS processes returns in batches, so the sooner you reach them, the better your chances of stopping the deposit to the wrong account.
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS representative can check whether your return has been processed and, if not, update your account information in their system.
If your return has already been processed and the refund sent to the old account, the IRS will tell you to wait for the deposit to fail and be returned. Once it is returned, you can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) with the correct account information, or contact the IRS again to provide the new details.
What to do if a refund goes to a closed account
If a deposit is sent to an account that no longer exists, your bank will reject it automatically. The payment returns to the sender within 5 to 10 business days. However, the full cycle — from rejection to return to the sender's processing of the return — can take 2 to 4 weeks.
During this time, you will not see the money in any account. Once the sender receives the returned payment, they must reprocess it. Some organizations, like the IRS, will attempt to resend it to the account on file. Others may require you to contact them and provide new information.
If your old account was closed because you switched banks, contact your old bank and ask whether they can still accept deposits on your behalf. Some banks will accept deposits to closed accounts if the account holder is still a customer at that bank. If they can, the money will be held and you can withdraw it, though this adds an extra step.
Updating account information for state tax refunds
State tax agencies handle account changes differently depending on the state. Some allow you to update your information online through your state tax portal before your return is processed. Others require you to call or mail a written request.
Check your state's tax agency website for instructions. Most state tax agencies post their phone numbers and online portals on their main pages. If you filed electronically, you may be able to log into your account and update your information. If you filed on paper, call the state agency directly — the sooner the better.
State refunds typically process more slowly than federal refunds, so you may have more time to catch an error before the money is sent. However, do not assume this. Contact your state tax agency as soon as you realize your account information is wrong.
Changing account information for insurance and business refunds
Insurance companies and businesses handle refund account changes through their customer service departments. If you submitted a claim or initiated a refund with an old account number, contact the company's customer service line immediately.
Have your policy number, claim number, or order number ready. Ask whether the refund has already been processed. If it has not, the company can usually update your account information in their system before sending the payment. If it has already been processed, ask what happens next — some companies will stop the payment and resend it, while others will let it fail and require you to contact them again once it is returned.
Insurance refunds and business refunds vary widely in processing time, so the sooner you contact the company, the better your chances of preventing a failed deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my bank change my routing number without my permission?
No. Your routing number is tied to your bank's location and branch. It changes only if your bank merges with another bank, closes your branch, or you move your account to a different bank. Your bank will notify you in advance if your routing number will change. Your account number is unique to you and does not change unless you close the account and open a new one.
What if I gave the wrong routing number on my tax return?
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 immediately. If your return has not been processed yet, they can correct it in their system. If it has been processed, the deposit will fail and be returned. Once it is returned, you can file an amended return or contact the IRS again with the correct routing number.
How long does it take for a failed deposit to be returned?
A failed deposit is typically rejected by your bank within 5 to 10 business days. However, the full process — from rejection to the sender receiving notice of the return — can take 2 to 4 weeks. During this time, the money is in limbo and you will not see it in any account.
Can I update my account information after I file but before the refund is sent?
Yes, if you contact the organization handling the refund before they process and send it. For the IRS, call 1-800-829-1040. For state tax agencies, contact them through their website or phone line. For insurance and business refunds, call customer service. The sooner you contact them, the better your chances of updating your information before the payment is sent.
What if my new bank has a different routing number than my old bank?
You must use the routing number for your new bank on any new forms or requests. If you have already submitted paperwork with your old bank's routing number, contact the organization handling the payment and ask them to update your information. Do not assume they will automatically use your new bank's routing number.