Where and how to tell the IRS about a new or changed bank account

You can update your checking account information with the IRS through Form 8888, by mail, or through your online IRS account if you have one set up. The method you use depends on whether you are filing a tax return, expecting a refund, or simply notifying the IRS of a change for future payments. The IRS does not have a phone line where you can report account changes directly—you must submit the information in writing or through their online portal.

If you are filing a tax return and want your refund deposited to a new account, the easiest route is to enter the account details on your return itself. If you have already filed and need to change where a refund goes, or if you are receiving other payments from the IRS (such as Economic Impact Payments or advance Child Tax Credit payments), you will need to use a different method.

Key Takeaways

  • Include your new bank account information directly on your tax return if you have not yet filed, and the IRS will deposit your refund there automatically.
  • If you have already filed or need to change account details for non-refund payments, use Form 8888 or contact the IRS by mail with your name, Social Security number, and new account details.
  • The IRS processes account changes within two to four weeks, but refunds may take longer depending on whether your return is still being processed.
  • You can view and update some account information through your IRS online account if you have registered at IRS.gov, though this does not cover all payment types.
  • Never call the IRS claiming to represent yourself as the account holder to change information over the phone—the IRS will not make changes this way.

Adding your account to your tax return before you file

If you have not yet filed your tax return and expect a refund, the simplest method is to enter your checking account information on the return itself. You will need your routing number (the nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank to confirm them.

On Form 1040, this information goes in the "Refund" section. If you are using tax software, the program will prompt you to enter these details and will verify the routing number before you submit. The IRS uses this information to deposit your refund by direct deposit, which is faster and more secure than a paper check. Once you file, do not change this information unless you are certain the account is no longer valid—changing it after filing can delay your refund.

Updating your account after you have already filed

If you have filed your return and now need to change the account where your refund will be deposited, you cannot do this through the return itself. Instead, you must contact the IRS directly. The fastest method is to use Form 8888, which is specifically for changing refund delivery information after filing.

Mail Form 8888 to the IRS address listed in the form's instructions, along with a copy of your tax return or a letter that includes your name, Social Security number, the tax year, and your new routing and account numbers. Include a note explaining that you are changing your refund deposit information. The IRS will process the change within two to four weeks, though if your refund has already been processed or sent, the change will not affect that payment.

If your refund has already been deposited to the old account, you will need to contact your bank to see if the deposit can be reversed or redirected. Some banks can recover funds within a short window; others cannot. Do this immediately if you discover the error.

Changing account information for non-refund IRS payments

If you receive other payments from the IRS—such as Economic Impact Payments, advance Child Tax Credit payments, or other federal payments—the process for updating your account is different from updating a refund deposit account. These payments are often administered through the Treasury Department rather than the IRS directly.

For Economic Impact Payments and similar stimulus payments, you can update your account information through the IRS's "Get My Payment" tool on IRS.gov, which was available during the pandemic. For ongoing payments like advance Child Tax Credit deposits, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm the current process, as procedures change depending on which program is active.

If you are self-employed or receive business income and have set up an account for quarterly estimated tax payments, you can update that information by contacting the IRS or through your online IRS account if you have one.

Using your IRS online account to view and update information

If you have created an account on IRS.gov, you can log in to view some of your account information and, in limited cases, update it. To set up an account, go to IRS.gov and select "Sign in" or "Create an account." You will need to verify your identity using either a Social Security number and date of birth or an existing login from another government agency.

Once logged in, you can view your tax return history, payment history, and refund status. However, the ability to change your bank account information through the online account is limited and does not cover all payment types. For most account changes, you will still need to use Form 8888 or contact the IRS by mail.

What information the IRS needs to process your account change

Whether you are updating your account by form, mail, or online, the IRS will need the same core information: your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, the tax year in question, and your new routing and account numbers. Double-check these numbers before submitting—a single digit wrong will cause the deposit to fail or go to the wrong account.

Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank or credit union. Your account number is typically 10 to 12 digits and identifies your specific account within that bank. If you are unsure of either, call your bank's customer service line or log into your online banking portal—both will display these numbers clearly.

If you are updating your account because you closed the old one, include a note explaining this. If the old account is still open, the IRS may attempt to deposit to it first, and the deposit could be rejected or delayed.

How long it takes for the IRS to process your account change

Once the IRS receives your account change request, processing typically takes two to four weeks. This is the time needed for the IRS to update its records and prepare to send your next payment to the new account. If you are waiting for a refund that has not yet been processed, the change may take effect before the refund is sent. If your refund has already been processed or sent, the change will not affect it.

If you submitted Form 8888 by mail, add one to two weeks for postal delivery before the IRS even begins processing. For this reason, if your refund is urgent, consider whether it is faster to let the refund go to the old account and have your bank reverse it, rather than trying to change the account information.

You can check the status of your refund at any time using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. This tool will tell you whether your refund has been processed, sent, or is still being reviewed. It does not show pending account changes, so if you have submitted a change request, you may need to contact the IRS directly to confirm it was received.

What to do if your account change is rejected or lost

If you submitted a change request and your refund was not deposited to the new account, the request may have been rejected due to an error in the routing or account number, or it may have been lost in the mail. Check your refund status first using "Where's My Refund?" to see whether the IRS attempted a deposit and where it went.

If the deposit went to the old account, contact your bank immediately to see if they can reverse it or redirect it. If the deposit was rejected entirely, the IRS will typically hold the refund and attempt to contact you. You can resubmit your account change request using Form 8888 or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to verify that your new information was received and processed correctly.

Keep a copy of any form you submit to the IRS, along with the date you mailed it and the address you sent it to. If there is a dispute about whether the IRS received your request, this documentation will help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my account information over the phone with the IRS?

No. The IRS does not change account information over the phone, even if you call and provide your Social Security number and other identifying details. All account changes must be submitted in writing on Form 8888, by mail, or through your online IRS account. This policy protects you from fraud.

What happens if I give the IRS the wrong routing or account number?

If the number is wrong, the deposit will be rejected by your bank and returned to the IRS. The IRS will then hold the refund and may attempt to contact you. You can resubmit the correct account information, but this will delay your refund by several weeks. Always verify both numbers with your bank before submitting.

Do I need to update my account information if I am not expecting a refund?

No, unless you receive other payments from the IRS or federal government. If you owe taxes and are setting up a payment plan, you may need to provide account information for automatic withdrawals, but this is separate from refund deposit information.

How do I know if the IRS received my Form 8888?

The IRS does not send a confirmation when it receives Form 8888. If you mailed it, send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm that your account change was processed, though wait times are often long.

Can I change my account information for a refund that has already been deposited?

No. Once a refund has been deposited, you cannot ask the IRS to redirect it. You must contact your bank to see if they can reverse the deposit or recover the funds. Some banks can do this within a short window; others cannot. Act immediately if you discover the deposit went to the wrong account.