You can change your checking account with the IRS through Form 8888, by calling the IRS directly, or by updating your account during tax filing

The IRS holds your banking details for tax refunds, estimated tax payments, and other transactions. If you need to change which account receives your refund or payments, you have three main routes: file Form 8888 (Allocation of Refund) if you're changing accounts before filing your return, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 during tax season, or update your information when you file electronically through tax software or a tax professional.

The method you choose depends on your timing. If you're filing your return and want the refund to go to a new account, the easiest step is to enter the correct account number and routing number in your tax software before you submit. If you've already filed and need to change where a refund goes, or if you want to change the account used for future estimated payments, you'll need to contact the IRS directly or file an amended return.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your checking account on your tax return itself by entering the new account and routing number in your tax software before filing.
  • If you've already filed and need to change where your refund goes, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and the refund amount ready.
  • Form 8888 lets you split a refund across multiple accounts or change accounts before filing, but only works if you haven't submitted your return yet.
  • The IRS updates your account information in their system within one to two business days after you call, but refunds already in process cannot be redirected.
  • If you file an amended return using Form 1040-X, you can specify a different account for any additional refund owed to you.

Changing your account before you file your return

The simplest time to change your checking account is before you file. When you use tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, or similar) or work with a tax professional, you'll enter your bank account and routing number as part of the filing process. If you're switching to a new account, just enter the new account number and routing number instead of the old one. Double-check both numbers before you submit—the IRS will reject a refund if either number is wrong, and your money will be returned to the Treasury, requiring you to claim it later.

You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any check from that account, or by searching your bank's name plus "routing number" online. Your account number appears on the bottom right of your checks. Some banks also display both numbers in their mobile app or online banking portal under account details.

If you want to split your refund between two or more accounts—for example, sending part to checking and part to savings—use Form 8888. You can file this form with your return to direct different portions of your refund to different accounts. This form only works if you haven't filed your return yet, so complete it before you submit your tax filing.

Changing your account after you've already filed

Once you've filed your return, the IRS has your account information on record. If you need to change it, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, the amount of the refund you're expecting, and your new account and routing number ready. The IRS representative will update your account in their system, which typically takes one to two business days.

This works only if your refund hasn't been processed yet. The IRS processes refunds in the order they receive returns, and the timeline varies by year and filing method. If you filed electronically, your refund is usually processed within 21 days. If you filed by mail, it can take four to six weeks. Once the refund has been issued to your old account, the IRS cannot redirect it—you'll need to contact your old bank to retrieve it or wait for it to be returned to the Treasury.

To find out whether your refund has been processed, use the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov. This tool shows the status of your refund and tells you whether it has been sent to your bank. If the status says "Approved" or "Sent to your bank," the refund is already in motion and cannot be changed by calling the IRS.

Using Form 1040-X to change your account on an amended return

If you've already filed and received your refund, but you need to file an amended return for any reason, you can use Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) to specify a different account for any additional refund owed to you. This form is filed separately from your original return and takes longer to process—typically 16 weeks or more.

On Form 1040-X, you'll enter your new account and routing number in the same section where you would on a regular return. The IRS will send any additional refund resulting from the amendment to the new account you provide. If the amendment results in taxes owed instead of a refund, you'll need to pay by check, money order, or electronic payment—not through bank account deduction.

What happens if the IRS rejects your account information

If you enter an incorrect account number or routing number, the IRS will attempt to deposit your refund and the bank will reject it. When this happens, the refund is returned to the IRS, and you'll receive a notice in the mail explaining what went wrong. The IRS will hold the money and you can then request it be reissued to the correct account, but this process adds four to six weeks to your refund timeline.

To avoid this, verify your account and routing numbers before you file. Call your bank or check your online banking portal if you're unsure. Some banks have multiple routing numbers depending on the type of transaction, so confirm you're using the routing number for direct deposits, not wire transfers.

Changing the account for estimated tax payments

If you make quarterly estimated tax payments and want to change which account the IRS withdraws from, you'll need to update your information through the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) or by calling the IRS. EFTPS is the official system for making federal tax payments, and you can enroll at eftps.gov. Once enrolled, you can schedule payments and update your bank account information directly in the system.

If you prefer not to use EFTPS, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and provide your new account details. The IRS will update your record, but you'll still need to initiate each payment yourself—the IRS does not automatically withdraw from your account unless you've set that up through EFTPS or your tax professional's payment system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take the IRS to update my account information?

The IRS updates your account in their system within one to two business days after you call. However, if your refund has already been sent to your old account, changing your information won't redirect it. Use the Where's My Refund tool to check whether your refund has been processed before you call to change your account.

Can I change my account if my refund is already on the way?

No. Once the IRS has issued your refund to your bank, it cannot be redirected. If you discover the account is wrong after the refund has been sent, contact your old bank to see if you can retrieve it, or wait for it to be returned to the IRS and request a reissue to the correct account.

What if I don't know my routing number?

Your routing number is printed on the bottom left of any check from your account. You can also find it by searching your bank's name plus "routing number" online, or by calling your bank's customer service line. Make sure you get the routing number for direct deposits, not wire transfers, as some banks have different numbers for each.

Do I need to file Form 8888 if I'm just changing one account?

No. Form 8888 is only needed if you want to split your refund across multiple accounts. If you're changing from one account to another, just enter the new account number in your tax software before you file. Form 8888 is useful if you want part of your refund to go to checking and part to savings, for example.

What should I do if the IRS rejected my account information?

The IRS will mail you a notice explaining the rejection. You can then contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to provide the correct account information and request that your refund be reissued. This process typically adds four to six weeks to your refund timeline. To prevent this, verify your account and routing numbers before filing.