Yes, you can change your bank account after filing taxes, but the timing matters for refunds and payments

If you filed your tax return with one bank account and then closed that account or switched banks, the IRS can still reach you—but the process gets slower and more complicated. The IRS has systems to handle account changes, but they work differently depending on whether you are waiting for a refund or owe money. If you changed accounts before the IRS processed your return, you may be able to update it. If the IRS already sent money to a closed account, recovery takes weeks or months.

The key is acting fast. The sooner you contact the IRS or your bank after filing, the better your chances of redirecting the money without delay.

Key Takeaways

  • If you filed with one bank account and then closed it, contact the IRS before they process your return to request an account update.
  • Money sent to a closed account is returned to the IRS automatically, which then issues a check or attempts a new electronic deposit—adding four to six weeks to your refund.
  • Your old bank can tell you whether a deposit was rejected and when it was sent back to the IRS.
  • If you owe taxes, changing your bank account does not stop the IRS from collecting; they will pursue the debt regardless of which account you use.
  • The IRS does not accept bank account changes by phone or email; you must file an amended return or contact them in writing through specific channels.

What happens when the IRS deposits to a closed account

When you close a bank account, the bank does not simply accept deposits into it. Instead, the deposit is rejected and bounced back to the sender—in this case, the IRS. This process is automatic and takes a few days. The IRS then receives notice that the account is closed and must decide what to do next.

Once the IRS receives the rejection, they typically issue a paper check and mail it to the address on your tax return. This adds significant time: the check takes one to two weeks to arrive, and you must then deposit it yourself. In some cases, the IRS may attempt a second electronic deposit to a different account if you have provided one, but this only happens if you have already notified them of the change.

The entire cycle—rejection, processing, check issuance, and mailing—usually takes four to six weeks longer than a successful electronic deposit would have.

How to update your bank account before the IRS processes your return

If you filed your return recently and realize you used the wrong account, you have a narrow window to make a change. The IRS processes returns in batches, and once your return enters the system, changing the account information becomes much harder. You have roughly two to three weeks from the filing date before processing typically begins, though this varies by filing method and time of year.

Contact the IRS directly using their phone line at 1-800-829-1040. Explain that you filed a return with an incorrect bank account and ask whether your return has been processed yet. If it has not, the IRS can sometimes flag your file for a manual review and update the account information. Be ready to provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the correct account and routing numbers.

If the IRS has already begun processing, they will tell you so. In that case, you will need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X and include the correct bank account information. This is slower but ensures the IRS has your updated details on record.

Recovering a refund sent to a closed account

If the IRS already sent your refund to a closed account, your old bank will reject the deposit. Contact your old bank and ask them to confirm that the deposit was rejected and when it was returned to the IRS. Request a written confirmation; you may need this later.

Once the bank confirms the rejection, the IRS will receive the bounced deposit within a few business days. The IRS will then issue a check to the address on your return. You do not need to do anything else—the check will come automatically. However, if your address has changed, update it with the IRS before the check is mailed.

To update your address, call 1-800-829-1040 or use the IRS online account tool at irs.gov if you have set up an account. Provide your Social Security number and current address. The IRS can update your address in their system within one business day, though the check may already be in the mail by then.

If you do not receive the check within eight weeks of the rejection, contact the IRS again. They can trace the check and issue a replacement if needed.

What to do if you owe taxes instead of receiving a refund

If you filed a return showing that you owe money, changing your bank account does not change your tax obligation. The IRS will pursue collection regardless of which account you use. However, if you set up a payment plan or payment arrangement, you should update your bank account information with the IRS to ensure payments are processed correctly.

If you owe and the IRS initiates a bank levy (a direct withdrawal from your account), they will use the account information on file from your return. If that account is closed, the levy will be rejected, but the IRS will not stop trying to collect. They may pursue other collection methods, such as wage garnishment or a lien on your property.

To avoid complications, contact the IRS before they attempt collection and provide your current bank account information. You can do this by calling 1-800-829-1040 or by setting up a payment plan through the IRS website.

Filing an amended return to correct your bank account

If the IRS has already processed your original return and you need to update your bank account, file Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return). This form tells the IRS that you are correcting information from your original return, including the bank account used for your refund.

You can file Form 1040-X by mail or through tax software that supports amended returns. Mail it to the address shown in the form instructions for your state. Processing an amended return takes longer than an original return—typically four to six weeks—because it requires manual review.

Include a note with your amended return explaining that you are updating your bank account information due to a closed account or account change. Provide the correct routing number and account number. The IRS will use this information when they process your amended return and issue your refund.

Preventing this problem on future returns

Before you file your tax return, verify your bank account information three times: the routing number, the account number, and the account type (checking or savings). A single digit wrong will cause the deposit to bounce. If you are using tax software, it often has a verification step—use it.

If you know you will be closing an account soon, file your return before you close it. If you have already closed the account, wait until you have opened a new one and have the correct account details before filing.

Keep your bank account information current with the IRS. If you change banks in future years, update your account details on your next tax return. The IRS does not carry account information from year to year; each return is treated separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call the IRS and tell them my new bank account over the phone?

The IRS will not update your bank account information over the phone for security reasons. You must file an amended return, contact them in writing, or update your account through the IRS online portal if you have one set up. Calling is useful only to confirm whether your return has been processed yet.

How long does it take to get a check instead of a direct deposit?

Once the IRS receives notice that your account is closed, they issue a check within one to two weeks. The check then takes one to two weeks to arrive by mail. Total time is usually four to six weeks longer than a successful electronic deposit.

What if I changed banks but did not close my old account?

If your old account is still open, the IRS deposit will go through normally. You can then transfer the money to your new account yourself. There is no delay or complication in this scenario.

Will the IRS charge me a fee for the bounced deposit?

No. The IRS does not charge you a fee when a deposit is rejected. However, your old bank may charge you a fee for the rejected deposit attempt, depending on their policy. Contact your bank to ask about their fee structure.

Can I update my bank account on the IRS website?

If you have an IRS online account, you can view your return information and some account details, but you cannot change your bank account information through the website. You must file an amended return or contact the IRS directly to make changes to your refund account.