Change your banking information before the IRS deposits your refund

If you filed your tax return with the wrong bank account number or routing number, you can update it before the IRS processes your refund — but only within a narrow window. The IRS accepts banking changes through its Where's My Refund tool for a short period after you file, and some states offer similar options. Once the IRS has approved your return and begun processing the refund, you cannot change the account through the IRS website; at that point, your only option is to wait for a check or contact the IRS directly to request a reissue.

The method you use depends on whether you filed electronically or by mail, whether your return has already been accepted, and which state you live in. This guide walks you through each scenario and explains what happens if you miss the window to change your information online.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your bank account information through the IRS Where's My Refund tool only before the IRS accepts your return — usually within 24 hours of e-filing.
  • If your return has already been accepted and approved, you cannot change the account online; you must request a check or contact the IRS to reissue the refund.
  • Some states allow you to update banking information on their own tax portals even after federal acceptance, so check your state revenue department's website.
  • If the IRS deposits money into the wrong account, you can file a Form 3115 or contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a reissue to the correct account.

Update your account before the IRS accepts your return

The window to change your banking information online is very short. If you e-filed your return, the IRS typically accepts it within 24 hours. During that window — before acceptance — you can log into Where's My Refund on IRS.gov, select your return, and update your account number and routing number.

To do this, go to IRS.gov, click "Where's My Refund," enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount shown on your return confirmation, then look for an option to update your banking information. Not all returns show this option; it appears only if your return has not yet been accepted by the IRS system.

If you filed by mail, you cannot change the information online. Your only option is to wait and see whether the IRS accepts the return as filed, then contact them to request a reissue if the deposit goes to the wrong account.

What to do after the IRS accepts your return

Once the IRS has accepted your return — which you can confirm by checking Where's My Refund — the online banking update option disappears. At this point, you have two paths: request a check instead of a direct deposit, or contact the IRS to reissue the refund to a different account.

To request a check, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS will cancel the direct deposit and mail a check instead. This adds one to three weeks to your timeline, since the check must be printed and delivered by mail.

If you want the refund deposited to a different bank account instead of receiving a check, you can also call the IRS and request a reissue. Provide the correct account number and routing number. The IRS will process the new deposit, though this typically takes an additional two to three weeks from the date of your request.

Check your state tax refund separately

If you are owed a state income tax refund in addition to your federal refund, you may need to update your banking information with your state revenue department separately. The federal and state systems do not share banking details.

Most states allow you to update your account information on their tax portals even after your return has been accepted, giving you a longer window than the IRS provides. Go to your state's revenue or taxation department website, log into your account using your Social Security number, and look for an option to update direct deposit information. Some states call this "refund status" or "check refund status."

If your state does not offer an online update option, call your state's tax helpline. The number is listed on your state's revenue department website. Have your Social Security number and the correct account and routing number ready.

Recover a refund sent to the wrong account

If the IRS has already deposited your refund into the wrong bank account, contact that bank immediately. Explain that the deposit was made in error and ask the bank to reverse it or return the funds. Banks can sometimes reverse deposits within one to three business days, though this depends on the receiving bank's policies and whether the account holder has already withdrawn the money.

If the bank cannot reverse the deposit, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and report the error. The IRS can file a claim with the receiving bank on your behalf, though this process can take several weeks. You will need to provide your Social Security number, the refund amount, the date of the deposit, and the incorrect account number where the money was sent.

As a backup, you can file Form 3115, Application for Change in Accounting Method, though this form is primarily for accounting method changes. For a simpler route, submit a written statement to the IRS explaining the error, including your name, Social Security number, the refund amount, and the incorrect account details. Mail it to the IRS address listed on your tax return instructions or contact the IRS directly by phone.

Prevent this problem on your next return

Before you file next year, verify your bank account number and routing number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank and branch; your account number is unique to your individual account. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank to confirm them.

If you use tax software to file, the software will ask you to enter these numbers and usually offers a verification step. If you use a tax preparer, ask them to read the numbers back to you before they submit your return. If you file by mail, write the numbers clearly and double-check them against a recent check or your bank statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account after the IRS says my refund is approved?

No, not through the online system. Once your return is approved, you must call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request either a check or a reissue to a different account. Both options add one to three weeks to your timeline.

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

The deposit will go to the wrong bank. Contact that bank immediately to ask if they can reverse it. If they cannot, call the IRS to report the error and request a reissue to your correct bank account.

How long does it take for the IRS to reissue a refund to a new account?

After you call the IRS and provide the correct account information, the reissue typically takes two to three weeks to process and deposit. This is in addition to any time that has already passed since you filed.

Can I update my state refund banking information after my federal return is accepted?

Yes. Most states allow online updates through their tax portals even after acceptance. Check your state revenue department's website or call their helpline to update your state refund account separately from your federal refund.

What should I do if a refund was deposited into someone else's account by mistake?

Contact your bank and the IRS immediately. The IRS can file a claim with the receiving bank to recover the funds. You will need to provide documentation of the error, including your Social Security number and the refund amount.