Yes, you can change the bank account where your tax refund lands

You can update your bank account information on your tax return before you file, or after you file but before the IRS deposits the money. The IRS does not lock in your bank details the moment you submit—there is a window to make changes. The method depends on whether you have already filed.

If you have not yet filed, the simplest move is to correct the account number on your return before submission. If you have already filed and realize the account information is wrong, you can contact the IRS directly or file an amended return, though the timing matters because the IRS processes refunds on a schedule.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your bank account on your tax return before you file by correcting the routing and account numbers on Form 1040 or your tax software.
  • If you have already filed, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a change, but only if the refund has not yet been deposited.
  • The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days of accepting your return, so the sooner you catch an error, the more likely you can stop the deposit to the wrong account.
  • If the refund deposits to the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank to recover the funds; the IRS cannot reverse a completed deposit.
  • An amended return (Form 1040-X) can update your bank details, but it takes longer to process than a phone call to the IRS.

Changing your account before you file

If you are preparing your return and have not yet submitted it, check your routing number and account number before you hit send. These numbers appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can log into your bank's website or call the bank directly to confirm them. A single digit wrong means the IRS will send your refund to the wrong place.

Most tax software—TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and others—will ask you to enter your bank details in the direct deposit section. Review this information carefully. If you spot an error, correct it in the software before you file electronically. Paper filers should double-check the routing and account numbers on Form 1040, lines 33a and 33b, before mailing.

This is the easiest and fastest fix because you are preventing the problem rather than trying to solve it after the fact.

Changing your account after you have filed

If you have already filed and realize the bank account information is wrong, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 as soon as possible. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS can update your account information if your return has been accepted but the refund has not yet been issued.

The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days of accepting your return, though some refunds take longer if they require review. You can check the status of your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on irs.gov. If the tool shows your refund has been issued, a phone call will not stop the deposit—it will go to the account you originally listed.

The phone line can be busy, especially during tax season. If you cannot reach the IRS by phone, you can also file an amended return using Form 1040-X, but this takes longer to process (typically 16 weeks or more) and is not the fastest route if you are trying to prevent a deposit to the wrong account.

What happens if the refund goes to the wrong account

If your refund deposits to an account you no longer own or to the wrong bank entirely, the IRS cannot reverse the deposit. You will need to contact the bank that received the money. If it is your old bank, call and explain that a federal refund was deposited in error. The bank may be able to reverse the transaction or return the funds to the IRS, which will then reissue your refund to the correct account.

If the refund went to someone else's account—for example, a joint account you shared with an ex-partner—the situation is more complicated. You may need to work with that person to return the funds, or contact the IRS directly to report the error. The IRS can issue a new refund to the correct account, but this process takes time and may require documentation.

This is why catching the error before the deposit happens is so important. Once the money lands in a bank account, recovery depends on the bank's willingness to cooperate and the account holder's cooperation.

Using an amended return to update your bank account

Form 1040-X is the amended return form. You file it when you need to change information on a return you have already submitted, including your bank account for direct deposit. You will need to provide your original return information, the corrected information, and an explanation of what changed.

The downside is timing. The IRS typically takes 16 weeks or longer to process an amended return, and you cannot use e-file for Form 1040-X in most cases—you have to mail it. If your original refund has already been issued to the wrong account, filing an amended return will not stop that deposit. Instead, it will trigger a second refund to the correct account once the amended return is processed, but you will still need to recover the first deposit from the wrong bank.

File an amended return only if you cannot reach the IRS by phone or if the refund has already been issued and you need to set up a new deposit for a future year.

Timing and the IRS refund schedule

The IRS accepts returns year-round, but the refund timeline depends on when you file and whether your return requires additional review. If you file early in the tax season (January or February), your refund typically arrives within 21 days. If you file later or if your return is flagged for review, it may take longer.

You can track your refund status using Where's My Refund on irs.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app. These tools update once a day and will tell you whether your return has been accepted, whether your refund has been issued, and the expected deposit date. If you see that your refund has been issued but you have not yet received it, check your bank account to confirm it arrived. If it went to the wrong account, contact that bank immediately.

Preventing bank account errors in the first place

Double-check your routing and account numbers before you file. Write them down from your checks or your bank's website, then enter them into your tax software or Form 1040. Read them back to yourself out loud to catch typos. If you are unsure, call your bank and ask them to confirm both numbers.

If you are changing banks during tax season, update your address with the IRS as well. The IRS mails notices to the address on file, and if you have moved, you might miss an important message about your refund. You can update your address on irs.gov or by calling 1-800-829-1040.

If you receive a paper check instead of direct deposit, make sure the IRS has your current mailing address. A check sent to an old address can be lost or stolen, and recovery is slower than fixing a direct deposit error.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account if the IRS has already issued my refund?

No. Once the IRS has issued your refund, the money is on its way to the account you listed on your return. You cannot stop the deposit at that point. If it goes to the wrong account, contact that bank to recover the funds. The IRS can issue a new refund to a different account, but only after you report the error and the bank confirms the money was sent in error.

How do I know if the IRS has issued my refund?

Use Where's My Refund on irs.gov or the IRS2Go app. These tools show whether your return has been accepted, whether your refund has been issued, and the expected deposit date. If the tool says "issued," the money is on its way to your bank. If it says "accepted" but not yet issued, you still have time to call the IRS and request a change.

What if I entered the wrong routing number?

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 immediately if your return has been accepted but your refund has not yet been issued. Have your correct routing number ready. If your refund has already been issued, the money will go to the wrong bank. Contact that bank to see if they can identify and return the deposit, then contact the IRS to request a new refund to the correct account.

Can I file an amended return just to change my bank account?

Yes, you can file Form 1040-X to update your bank account information. However, this takes 16 weeks or longer to process, and you cannot e-file it in most cases. If your refund has not yet been issued, calling the IRS is much faster. Use an amended return only if you cannot reach the IRS by phone or if you need to update your account for a future year.

What if my refund was deposited to a joint account I no longer share with someone?

Contact the other account holder and ask them to help return the funds. If they refuse, contact your bank and explain the situation. You may also need to contact the IRS to report the error and request a new refund. This process can take time, so it is worth trying to resolve it with the account holder first.