The IRS does not require you to have a checking or savings account, but it makes refunds faster and more reliable
The IRS will send your refund by check if you do not provide a bank account number. A paper check takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail after the IRS processes your return, and you then have to deposit it yourself. If you have a checking or savings account and give the IRS your routing and account numbers, the IRS deposits your refund directly into that account in 1 to 3 business days — no check to wait for, no deposit step, no risk of the check getting lost in the mail.
Direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to receive a refund, but it is not mandatory. You can file your tax return and request a paper check instead. The choice is yours when you file.
Key Takeaways
- The IRS accepts tax returns from people without bank accounts and will mail a paper check to your address instead.
- Paper checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail after processing, while direct deposit takes 1 to 3 business days.
- You provide your bank account information on your tax return itself — either on Form 1040 (lines 33a, 33b, 33c) or through your tax software.
- If you do not have a bank account, you can still receive your refund by check, but you will need to wait longer and handle the deposit yourself.
- The IRS does not verify that the account number you provide belongs to you, so entering the wrong number will delay your refund.
How to provide your bank account information to the IRS
When you file your tax return, you enter your bank details in a specific section. On the paper Form 1040, this is lines 33a, 33b, and 33c — you enter your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings). If you use tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or the IRS Free File program, the software walks you through the same fields and submits them with your return.
You do not need to contact your bank or the IRS separately. The information goes directly on your return. Double-check the routing and account numbers before you file, because the IRS does not verify them beforehand — if you transpose a digit, your refund will go to the wrong account and you will have to contact the IRS to correct it.
If you are filing a joint return with a spouse, you can direct the refund to either spouse's account, or split it between two accounts. The return itself shows whose account receives the money.
What happens if you do not provide a bank account
If you leave the bank account lines blank on your return, the IRS will mail a paper check to the address you list on your return. The check is issued in your name (or both names if it is a joint return). You will receive it by mail 7 to 10 business days after the IRS finishes processing your return.
Once the check arrives, you have to deposit it into a bank account yourself, take it to a check-cashing service, or cash it at a retailer that offers check cashing. Some check-cashing services charge a fee — typically $2 to $5 depending on the check amount and the service. Banks do not charge to deposit a check you receive.
Paper checks can also be lost or delayed in the mail, especially during high-volume periods like April and May. If your check does not arrive within 10 business days of the IRS processing date, you can contact the IRS to have them investigate.
Timing differences between direct deposit and paper checks
Direct deposit is significantly faster. Once the IRS processes your return and approves your refund, the money moves to your bank account in 1 to 3 business days. You can use the money immediately — it is in your account and available to spend or transfer.
Paper checks take longer because the IRS has to print the check, mail it to you, and then you have to deposit it. The total time from approval to money in your account is typically 10 to 15 business days, sometimes longer if mail is slow or if you delay depositing the check.
The IRS publishes a refund status tool on its website (Where's My Refund?) that shows whether your return has been processed and whether your refund has been sent. If you chose direct deposit, the tool will tell you the expected deposit date. If you chose a paper check, it will tell you the expected mailing date.
What to do if you gave the IRS the wrong account number
If you filed your return and then realized you entered the wrong routing number, account number, or account type, contact the IRS as soon as possible. The sooner you report the error, the better your chances of stopping the deposit before it goes to the wrong account.
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (the main customer service line) and explain that you provided incorrect bank information on your return. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the correct account information ready. The IRS can attempt to intercept the deposit, but this only works if they catch it before the money leaves their system — usually within one business day of processing.
If the refund has already been deposited into the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank to ask them to return the funds. The bank can reverse the deposit if you report it quickly. This process can take several days to a few weeks depending on the bank.
Checking accounts versus savings accounts for IRS refunds
The IRS accepts both checking and savings accounts for direct deposit. When you file your return, you specify which type of account you are using. There is no advantage to one over the other from the IRS's perspective — the deposit works the same way and takes the same amount of time.
Some people choose savings accounts because they want to keep the refund separate from their everyday spending money. Others use checking accounts because they are easier to access. The choice depends on your banking setup and your personal preference. The IRS will deposit to whichever account you tell it to.
Make sure the account is in your name or, if it is a joint return, in the name of at least one of the people filing. The IRS will not deposit to an account in someone else's name.
If you do not have a bank account at all
If you do not have a checking or savings account anywhere, you have two options: receive a paper check, or open a bank account before you file.
A paper check is the simplest route if you do not want to open an account. File your return without providing bank information, and the IRS will mail the check to you. You can then cash it at a check-cashing service, a retailer, or deposit it into a temporary account if you decide to open one later.
If you want direct deposit but do not have an account, you can open one at a bank, credit union, or online bank before you file. Many banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. Opening an account typically takes 10 to 15 minutes online or in person, and you receive your routing and account numbers immediately. Once you have those numbers, you can file your return with direct deposit information included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my mind about direct deposit after I file?
No, once you file your return with direct deposit information, you cannot change it to a paper check through the IRS. If you need to change your bank information, you must contact the IRS before they process your return — usually within a few days of filing. After processing begins, you cannot modify the deposit method.
What if my bank rejects the IRS deposit?
If the account number is invalid or closed, the bank will reject the deposit and return it to the IRS. The IRS will then mail you a paper check instead, which delays your refund by several weeks. Contact your bank to confirm your account is open and active before you file.
Does the IRS charge a fee for direct deposit?
No, the IRS does not charge you anything for direct deposit. Your bank also does not charge you to receive a direct deposit. Direct deposit is free.
Can I split my refund between two accounts?
Yes, if you file Form 1040, you can split your refund among up to three accounts. You specify the amount that goes to each account on lines 33a through 33c. This is useful if you want to put part of your refund into savings and part into checking.
How do I know if the IRS received my direct deposit information correctly?
The IRS does not send a confirmation that your bank information was received. You can check the status of your refund using the Where's My Refund tool on the IRS website — if it shows a deposit date, your information was accepted. If there is an error, the tool will eventually show that your refund was mailed as a check instead.