You can change your refund destination before the IRS processes your return, but the method depends on whether you have already filed

If you have not yet filed your tax return, you can choose where your refund goes when you prepare it — direct deposit to a bank account, a check mailed to your address, or a debit card. If you have already filed and the IRS has not yet processed your return, you can file an amended return or contact the IRS to request a change. Once the IRS has issued your refund, your options narrow significantly and depend on how the money was sent.

The IRS processes returns in the order they are received, and processing times vary by filing method and complexity. A return filed electronically typically processes within 21 days during tax season, though some take longer. A paper return takes 4 to 6 weeks. The sooner you act, the more options you have.

Key Takeaways

  • Before you file, you can choose direct deposit, a mailed check, or a debit card when you prepare your return on tax software or with a tax professional.
  • After you file but before the IRS processes your return, you can file Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) to change your refund destination, though this adds processing time.
  • Once the IRS has issued your refund, you cannot change where it goes — you must wait for it to arrive and then move the money yourself.
  • If your refund was sent to a closed bank account, contact that bank immediately; many will forward the deposit to your new account or hold it for you to claim.
  • You can check the status of your refund and confirm where it was sent using the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov.

Changing your refund destination before you file

This is the easiest and fastest route. When you prepare your return using tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, FreeTaxUSA, or others) or work with a tax professional, you will enter your refund destination as part of the filing process. You choose one of three methods: direct deposit to a bank or credit union account, a check mailed to your address on file, or a prepaid debit card issued by the tax software company.

Direct deposit is the fastest — the IRS can send money to your account within 21 days of processing your return. A mailed check takes an additional 7 to 14 days after the IRS issues it. A debit card is issued by the software company and funded by the IRS, typically within the same timeframe as direct deposit.

If you are using free tax software through the IRS Free File program, you still choose your refund method during filing. The choice is yours and does not affect your may be able to access for free filing.

Changing your refund destination after you file but before processing

If you have already filed your return electronically and realize you gave the wrong bank account number, closed the account you listed, or want to change to a different method, you can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. This form tells the IRS to disregard your original return and use the new information instead.

To file Form 1040-X, you must prepare it using tax software or a tax professional — the IRS does not accept it by mail during the filing season in most years. You will need a copy of your original return to reference the changes. The amended return will be processed separately, which means it will take longer than your original return would have. Processing time for an amended return is typically 16 weeks, though it can vary.

File the amended return as soon as possible. If the IRS processes your original return before your amended return arrives, your refund will go to the destination on the original return, and you will have to wait for it and redirect it yourself. There is no way to stop the IRS from processing a return once it has begun.

What to do if your refund was already sent to the wrong place

If the IRS has already issued your refund to a bank account you no longer use or to an address where you no longer live, your options depend on the method used.

Direct deposit to a closed account: Contact the bank or credit union that held the account. Many banks will automatically return the deposit to the IRS, which will then mail you a check. Some banks will forward the deposit to your new account if you have one with them. This process can take 2 to 4 weeks. Ask the bank for written confirmation of what they are doing so you can track the refund.

Direct deposit to an account at a different bank: Contact that bank and ask them to reverse the deposit. Provide them with your tax return information and the date the deposit was made. The bank can initiate a reversal, which sends the money back to the IRS. The IRS will then reissue the refund as a check mailed to your address on file, which takes an additional 2 to 4 weeks.

Check mailed to an old address: If the check was mailed to an address where you no longer live, contact the current resident or the postal service. You can also file Form 1040-X to request that the IRS reissue the check to your current address, though this adds processing time. If the check was lost or never received, the IRS can issue a replacement after 120 days from the original issue date.

Using the IRS Where's My Refund tool to confirm your refund destination

The Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov shows you the status of your refund and, once it has been issued, the method used to send it. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.

The tool updates once per day, typically overnight. If your return was filed electronically, you can check the status starting 24 hours after you filed. If you filed a paper return, you can check starting 4 weeks after you mailed it.

The tool will tell you whether your refund is still being processed, has been approved, or has been issued. If it has been issued, it will show the method (direct deposit, check, or debit card) and, for direct deposit, the last four digits of the account number. This is your confirmation that the IRS sent the money to the account you specified.

Preventing refund delivery problems before you file

Double-check your bank account number and routing number before you file. A single digit wrong will cause the deposit to fail. If you are unsure of your routing number, ask your bank or look it up on your bank's website — do not guess.

If you are moving, update your address with the IRS before you file. You can do this using Form 8822 (Change of Address) or by updating your address in your IRS online account at irs.gov. This ensures that any mailed checks or correspondence goes to the right place.

If you are filing with a tax professional or using tax software, review the refund destination information before you submit. Many software programs show you a summary of your return before filing — use this to confirm the account number, routing number, and address are correct.

Refunds sent to a prepaid debit card

Some tax software companies offer to send your refund to a prepaid debit card as part of their filing service. The card is issued by the software company and funded by the IRS. Once funded, you can use it like any other debit card.

If you want to change this after filing, you will need to file an amended return. If the card has already been funded and you no longer want to use it, you can transfer the money to your bank account using the card's app or by calling the card issuer. There is no way to redirect the refund once it has been sent to the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my refund destination if the IRS has already issued it?

No. Once the IRS has issued your refund, you cannot change where it goes. You must wait for it to arrive at the destination on file, then move the money yourself. If it was sent to a closed account, contact that bank immediately — they can often reverse the deposit or forward it to your new account.

How long does it take to change my refund destination using Form 1040-X?

An amended return typically takes 16 weeks to process, which is much longer than an original return. If the IRS processes your original return before your amended return arrives, your refund will go to the original destination. File the amended return as soon as you realize the error.

What if I gave the wrong bank account number?

If you have not yet filed, correct it before you submit your return. If you have already filed, contact your bank to see if they can reverse the deposit. You can also file Form 1040-X to request a new refund to the correct account, though this adds 16 weeks of processing time.

Can I split my refund between two bank accounts?

Yes. When you file your return, you can choose to split your refund among up to three accounts. You specify the amount or percentage that goes to each account. This is done during the filing process and cannot be changed after you file without filing an amended return.

Where can I find my routing number and account number for direct deposit?

Your routing number is on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it on your bank's website. Your account number is on the bottom center of your checks or in your online banking portal. Call your bank if you are unsure — giving the wrong number will cause the deposit to fail.