Why you need a bank account linked to the IRS

The IRS uses a linked bank account to send you refunds, process payments you owe, and in some cases, communicate about your account status. Without one on file, refunds arrive by check (which takes longer), and you cannot set up automatic payments for taxes you owe. If you receive notices about penalties or back taxes, having a bank account linked lets the IRS draft payments directly if you set up a payment plan.

You add a bank account through the IRS online portal called IRS.gov, through your tax software when you file, or by mail using Form 9465-FS if you are setting up a payment plan. The method you use depends on whether you are filing a return, paying an existing balance, or updating information on an account you already have.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add a bank account to your IRS account through IRS.gov, your tax software during filing, or by mailing Form 9465-FS with your payment plan request.
  • Direct debit (automatic withdrawal) is the fastest way to pay taxes owed and the only way to set up a payment plan that does not require a credit card.
  • The IRS will verify your bank account by depositing and withdrawing two small amounts (usually under $1 each) within one to two business days.
  • Once verified, your bank account stays on file for future tax years unless you remove it or close the account.

Adding a bank account when you file your tax return

If you are filing a return and expect a refund, your tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, or others) will ask for your bank account information during the filing process. You enter your routing number and account number, and the software transmits this to the IRS when you e-file. This is the most common route because it happens at the moment you file.

The IRS accepts the account information immediately, but the refund itself does not arrive until the IRS processes your return — typically 21 days from the date you file, though it can take longer if the return is flagged for review. Your bank account does not need to be verified separately when you file; the IRS treats the account you provide as confirmed for that refund.

If you are filing by mail instead of e-filing, you cannot include bank account information on the paper return itself. You would need to add the account separately through IRS.gov or wait until you file electronically in a future year.

Adding a bank account through IRS.gov

You can add or update a bank account on IRS.gov by logging into your account through the IRS Online Account tool. This requires creating an account with an identity verification method — either a username and password, or a third-party login (Google, Apple ID, or others). Once logged in, you navigate to the account settings or profile section and select the option to add or update banking information.

When you enter your routing number and account number, the IRS initiates a verification process. The IRS deposits two small amounts (typically between $0.01 and $0.99 each) into your account within one to two business days. You then return to IRS.gov and confirm the exact amounts of both deposits. Once you confirm, the account is verified and active for future refunds and payments.

This process is useful if you have already filed and want to add a bank account for a future refund, or if you need to update an account that is already on file. It also works if you are setting up a payment plan and want to use direct debit instead of a credit card.

Adding a bank account when setting up a payment plan

If you owe taxes and want to set up a payment plan, you can request direct debit (automatic withdrawal from your bank account) as the payment method. This is done through the IRS payment plan tool on IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or by mailing Form 9465-FS with your request.

When you choose direct debit during the payment plan setup, you provide your routing number and account number at that time. The IRS will verify the account using the same two-deposit method described above. Direct debit is the only payment plan option that does not charge a setup fee, making it the cheapest way to pay taxes over time.

If you set up the payment plan by phone or through IRS.gov, the verification happens automatically after you submit your information. If you mail Form 9465-FS, include your bank account information on the form, and the IRS will verify it after receiving your request.

What information you need to provide

You will need your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the number of the specific checking or savings account you want to use). Both appear on the bottom left of your checks. If you do not have checks, you can find this information by logging into your bank's website or app, calling your bank's customer service line, or visiting a branch in person.

The account can be a checking or savings account in your name. It does not have to be the same account where you receive your paycheck. Some people use a separate account specifically for tax payments and refunds.

You do not need to provide your bank's name or address — only the routing and account numbers. The IRS uses these two pieces of information to locate your account and verify it belongs to you.

How verification works and how long it takes

After you submit your bank account information, the IRS deposits two small amounts into your account. These deposits appear in your bank account within one to two business days, though some banks process them faster. The deposits are labeled with a code that tells you the amounts are from the IRS.

Once you see both deposits in your account, you return to IRS.gov (or the tool where you entered the information) and confirm the exact amounts. After you confirm, the account is verified and the IRS withdraws both deposits back out, usually within one to two more business days. The entire process typically takes three to five business days from start to finish.

If you do not confirm the deposit amounts within a certain window (usually 30 days), the verification expires and you will need to start over. If the amounts do not match what you enter, the verification fails and you can try again with the same account or provide a different one.

What happens after your account is verified

Once verified, your bank account stays on file with the IRS for future tax years. If you file a return next year and expect a refund, the IRS will automatically send it to this account unless you change it. If you have a payment plan set up with direct debit, the IRS will withdraw your monthly payment from this account on the date specified in your plan.

You can update or remove your bank account at any time through IRS.gov. If you close the bank account or switch banks, you should update your IRS account with the new information before filing your next return or before your next payment plan payment is due. If the IRS tries to deposit or withdraw from a closed account, the transaction will fail and you may face delays in receiving a refund or additional fees if a payment bounces.

If you have multiple accounts with the IRS (for example, if you are self-employed and also have a W-2 job), you can link the same bank account to all of them, or use different accounts for each. The choice is yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add a bank account if I do not have an IRS online account yet?

Yes. You can add a bank account through your tax software when you file, or you can create an IRS online account first and then add the bank account. Creating an account requires identity verification and takes a few minutes. If you are setting up a payment plan by phone, you can provide your bank account information directly to the IRS representative without needing an online account.

What if the verification deposits do not show up in my account?

Wait two to three business days, as some banks process ACH deposits more slowly. If the deposits still do not appear after five business days, your routing or account number may be incorrect. Log back into IRS.gov and try again with the correct information. If you are unsure of your routing number, contact your bank directly.

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?

Yes. The IRS accepts both checking and savings accounts. Some people prefer to use a savings account for refunds to avoid spending the money immediately. The verification process is the same regardless of account type.

What if I want to remove my bank account from the IRS?

You can delete your bank account information from your IRS online account at any time. If you do this before filing a return, any refund will be mailed to you as a check instead. If you have a payment plan with direct debit set up, removing the account will stop automatic payments, so contact the IRS to arrange an alternative payment method.

Does adding a bank account cost anything?

No. Adding a bank account to your IRS account is free. The only cost associated with direct debit is the payment plan setup fee (if you set up a plan), but direct debit itself has no fee — in fact, it is the only payment plan option with no setup fee.