Where and how to change your bank details on file
You can update your checking account information with the IRS through three main routes: the IRS website using your online account, by mail using Form 8822-B, or by phone through the IRS automated system. The fastest method is your online IRS account if you have one set up — you can change your bank details there without waiting for mail processing. If you do not have an online account or prefer not to use one, Form 8822-B takes about two to four weeks to process by mail.
The IRS needs your updated bank information before they issue a refund or payment to you. If you send in old or incorrect account details, the payment will be rejected by your bank and sent back to the IRS, which delays your money by weeks or months. Updating your information now — before you file a return or expect a payment — prevents that delay.
Key Takeaways
- You can update your bank details through your IRS online account, by mailing Form 8822-B, or by calling the IRS automated line at 800-829-1040.
- Online account updates take effect immediately, while Form 8822-B takes two to four weeks to process.
- You will need your routing number and account number, both printed on the bottom left of your checks.
- If you file a tax return, you can also provide new bank details directly on the return itself when you file.
- The IRS will not update your information over email or through third-party tax software — you must use one of the three official methods.
Setting up or logging into your IRS online account
Creating an IRS online account takes about 10 minutes and gives you permanent access to update your bank details whenever you need to. Go to IRS.gov and look for the "Sign in" link in the top right corner. You will be directed to create a login through a third-party identity verification service — currently either ID.me or Login.gov. Both services ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo ID and answering security questions based on your credit history.
Once you are logged in, look for "Profile" or "Account Settings" in the menu. The exact wording varies depending on which verification service you used, but the option is always near the top of the page. From there, you should see a section for "Banking Information" or "Direct Deposit Details." Click to edit, enter your routing number and account number, and save. The change takes effect immediately for any future payments the IRS sends you.
If you already have an account but cannot remember your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. If you have trouble verifying your identity through ID.me or Login.gov, you can call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and ask for help — they can walk you through the process or help you use an alternative verification method.
Using Form 8822-B to update by mail
Form 8822-B is the official IRS form for changing your address, phone number, or banking information. You can download it from IRS.gov or request a copy by calling 800-829-3676. Fill in your name, Social Security number, and the new banking information in the spaces provided. You do not need to explain why you are changing your account — just provide the routing number and account number.
Mail the completed form to the IRS address listed on the form itself, which varies by state. The IRS processes Form 8822-B in the order it arrives, typically within two to four weeks. If you are expecting a refund soon, mail the form as soon as possible — if the IRS processes your refund before they process your form, the payment will go to your old account and you will have to wait for it to be returned and reissued.
Keep a copy of the form for your records. If you want to confirm the IRS received it, you can call 800-829-1040 after four weeks and ask them to check the status of your account update.
Updating through the IRS phone line
You can also update your bank details by calling the IRS automated system at 800-829-1040. Press the menu options to reach the automated banking information update line — you do not need to speak to a representative. Have your routing number and account number ready. The automated system will confirm the information you entered and process the update immediately.
This method works well if you do not have internet access or prefer not to create an online account. The downside is that you cannot see a confirmation on screen — you will have to trust that the system accepted your input correctly. If you are unsure whether the update went through, call back a few days later and ask a representative to confirm your current banking information on file.
What information the IRS needs from you
The IRS requires two pieces of banking information: your routing number and your account number. Both are printed on the bottom left of any check from your account. The routing number is the first nine digits, and the account number follows it. If you do not have checks, you can contact your bank directly and ask for both numbers — they will provide them over the phone or in writing.
Do not provide your PIN, password, or debit card number to the IRS. The IRS will never ask for those. If someone claiming to be from the IRS asks for sensitive information beyond your routing and account numbers, hang up — that is a scam.
Make sure the account is in your name or a joint account where you are listed as the owner. The IRS cannot send refunds to accounts belonging to someone else, even if you have permission to use the account. If you only have access to someone else's account, you will need to open your own account or use a different payment method.
Timing: when your update takes effect
If you update through your online IRS account, the change is active immediately. Any refund or payment the IRS issues after that point will go to your new account. If you update by mail using Form 8822-B, allow two to four weeks for processing. During that time, if the IRS issues a payment, it may still go to your old account — there is no way to know exactly when the form will be processed.
If you are filing a tax return and want to change your bank details at the same time, provide the new information directly on the return when you file. The IRS will use the account number on your return, not any old information on file. This is the safest method if you are expecting a refund and have recently changed banks.
What to do if your payment was sent to the wrong account
If the IRS sent a refund or payment to an old account and it was rejected, the money is returned to the IRS automatically. The IRS then reissues the payment to your correct account, but this process takes an additional four to six weeks. You do not need to do anything — the IRS will send the payment again once they receive the rejection from your bank.
You can check the status of your refund or payment using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. The tool will tell you whether the payment is still pending, was rejected, or has been reissued. If it shows a rejection, the reissued payment should arrive within four to six weeks of the rejection date.
If more than six weeks have passed since the rejection and you still have not received the payment, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and provide them with the date the original payment was rejected. They can look up the reissued payment and confirm whether it has been sent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I update my bank information through tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block?
No. Tax software lets you enter your bank details when you file a return, and those details go on that specific return. The IRS does not update your permanent account information based on tax software entries. If you want to change the banking information the IRS has on file for future payments, you must use the IRS website, Form 8822-B, or the phone line.
What if I do not have checks and cannot call my bank?
Log into your bank's website or mobile app — most banks display your routing and account numbers in the account settings or transfer section. If you cannot find them online, visit a branch in person with your ID and ask for both numbers. You do not need to order checks to get this information.
Will updating my bank information affect my tax return or refund amount?
No. Updating your banking information only tells the IRS where to send money — it does not change what you owe or what you are owed. Your refund amount is based on your income, deductions, and withholdings, not on your bank account.
How do I know if the IRS actually received my Form 8822-B?
The IRS does not send a confirmation letter for Form 8822-B. After four weeks, call 800-829-1040 and ask a representative to confirm your current banking information on file. If it matches what you sent, the form was processed. If it still shows your old account, the form may not have arrived — you can mail it again or use the online account method instead.
Can I update my bank information if I owe back taxes?
Yes. Updating your banking information does not affect tax debt. However, if you owe back taxes, the IRS may offset any refund you receive against what you owe. You can still update your account information — it just means future payments will be applied to your debt rather than sent to your account.