Yes, you can change your bank account for your tax refund, but the method depends on whether you've already filed or not

If you haven't filed yet, you can enter any bank account on your tax return. If you've already filed and want to change where the refund goes, the IRS lets you do this through their Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov, but only within a narrow window—usually before the refund is issued. Once the money leaves the IRS and heads to your original bank, changing it becomes much harder and may require you to contact your bank or the IRS directly.

The key is timing. The sooner you catch the mistake or change your mind, the more options you have. Waiting until after the refund has been deposited means dealing with your bank's rules instead of the IRS's process.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your bank account information on an unfiled return before you submit it to the IRS.
  • If you've already filed, use the IRS Where's My Refund tool to change your account before the refund is issued—this window is usually only a few weeks.
  • Once the IRS sends the refund to your original bank, you'll need to contact that bank to redirect it, which may not be possible depending on their policies.
  • If a refund lands in the wrong account, you can request the IRS recall it, but this process takes time and requires documentation.
  • Direct deposit is faster and more secure than a paper check, so changing to a valid account is worth doing quickly.

Changing your account before you file

This is the simplest scenario. If you're preparing your return and haven't submitted it yet, you can enter the correct bank account information directly on the form. On Form 1040 (the main individual income tax return), the direct deposit information goes in lines 33a, 33b, and 33c. You'll need your routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings).

Double-check these numbers before you file. A single digit wrong sends your refund to someone else's account or causes the deposit to fail and triggers a paper check instead—which takes weeks longer. Your bank statement or a check from your account will show both numbers. Many banks also display this information in their online portal under account details.

Changing your account after filing but before the refund is issued

If you've already submitted your return and realize the bank account is wrong, log into Where's My Refund at IRS.gov. This tool shows the status of your refund and, if it hasn't been issued yet, gives you the option to change your direct deposit account. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount from your return.

This window closes once the IRS marks your refund as issued. The timing varies—some refunds are issued within a week or two, others take longer depending on whether your return was selected for review or had errors. Check Where's My Refund frequently if you know the account is wrong. Once you see "issued," the tool no longer lets you make changes.

What happens if the refund has already been sent to your bank

If the IRS has already issued the refund to your original bank account, you have two paths: contact your bank, or contact the IRS to request a recall.

Contacting your bank: Call the bank that received the deposit and explain the situation. Some banks can reverse an incoming deposit if you catch it quickly—usually within one or two business days. Others cannot reverse deposits at all, especially if the account belongs to someone else. If the account is yours but you want the money moved to a different account, your bank may simply tell you to transfer it yourself once it posts.

Requesting an IRS recall: If the refund went to the wrong account (not yours) or your bank won't help, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, the return year, and the amount ready. The IRS can attempt to recall the refund from the receiving bank, but this process takes weeks and isn't may provide to work. The receiving bank has to agree to return the money, and if the account holder has already spent it, recovery becomes a civil matter, not an IRS matter.

Correcting a refund sent to someone else's account

If your refund landed in another person's account due to a typo in your routing or account number, the situation is more complicated. The IRS can request the receiving bank return the funds, but the bank will only do so if the account holder cooperates or if the bank determines the deposit was made in error.

Start by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and filing a report. Provide the incorrect account number and routing number you used. The IRS will send a formal request to that bank. This can take 30 to 60 days. In the meantime, if you know whose account it is, you could contact them directly and ask them to return the money, though you have no legal claim to it once it's in their account.

To prevent this in the future, verify your routing and account numbers character by character before filing. Many people confuse their routing number with their account number or transpose digits.

Using a different bank account on an amended return

If you file an amended return (Form 1040-X) because you made an error on your original return, you can also change your direct deposit account on the amended return. The same rules apply: enter the new account information in the direct deposit section, and make sure the numbers are correct. The amended return takes longer to process than an original return—usually 8 to 12 weeks—so don't expect a quick refund.

If you've already received a refund from your original return and are filing an amended return because you owe more money, you won't be receiving another deposit. The amended return is for correcting errors, not for changing where money goes on a return that's already been processed.

Why direct deposit is safer than a paper check

Direct deposit puts your refund in your account within one to three business days of the IRS issuing it. A paper check takes two to three weeks to arrive by mail, and if it's lost or stolen, you have to request a replacement, which adds another month. If your address has changed, a check sent to an old address is gone.

Direct deposit also eliminates the risk of a check being forged or altered. The only risk is entering the wrong account number—which is why catching and fixing it early matters so much. If you don't have a bank account, some tax preparation services and community banks offer low-cost checking accounts specifically for receiving tax refunds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account on my tax return after I've e-filed it?

Not through the filing system itself. Once e-filed, you can only change it through the IRS Where's My Refund tool if the refund hasn't been issued yet. If it has been issued, you'll need to contact your bank or the IRS directly. Check Where's My Refund frequently to catch the window before the refund is sent out.

What if I entered the wrong routing number but the correct account number?

The deposit will fail or go to the wrong bank. The IRS will typically issue a paper check instead, which takes weeks. If you catch it before the refund is issued, use Where's My Refund to correct it. If it's already been issued, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the error and request a recall.

How long do I have to change my bank account after filing?

You have until the IRS marks your refund as issued in the Where's My Refund tool. This is usually one to four weeks after filing, depending on processing time. Once issued, the tool no longer allows changes. After that, your only option is to contact your bank or the IRS directly.

If my refund goes to the wrong account, will the IRS automatically get it back?

No. The IRS can request the receiving bank return the funds, but the bank is not required to comply. If the account holder has already spent the money, recovery is difficult. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to file a report and request a recall, but expect the process to take 30 to 60 days with no may provide of success.

Can I change my bank account if I'm getting a refund from an amended return?

Yes. Enter the new direct deposit information on Form 1040-X when you file the amended return. The amended return will take 8 to 12 weeks to process. If you've already received a refund from your original return, an amended return that results in a refund will be deposited to the account you list on the amended form.