Direct deposit is the fastest way to get your refund into your account
The IRS deposits most tax refunds directly into a bank account within 21 days of accepting your return. You choose the account when you file your taxes — either by entering your routing and account numbers on the form itself, or through tax software that walks you through the process. The IRS does not mail a check unless you specifically request one or did not provide banking information when you filed.
Direct deposit works for federal refunds, state refunds, and combined refunds. Once the IRS accepts your return, you can track the deposit status using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on irs.gov, which updates every 24 hours and tells you the exact deposit date once processing is complete.
Key Takeaways
- Direct deposit requires your routing number and account number, which you provide when filing your tax return.
- The IRS typically deposits refunds within 21 days of accepting your return, though some returns take longer if they need review.
- You can track your refund status on the IRS website using Where's My Refund, which shows the deposit date once it is scheduled.
- If you did not provide banking information when you filed, the IRS will mail a paper check instead, which takes four to six weeks.
- Refunds deposited to the wrong account by mistake can sometimes be recovered, but you must contact both your bank and the IRS quickly.
What information you need to set up direct deposit
You need two pieces of banking information: your routing number and your account number. The routing number identifies your bank or credit union; the account number identifies your specific account within that institution. Both appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can call your bank's customer service line and ask for them.
Make sure the account is in your name or jointly in your name and your spouse's name if you filed jointly. Some people use a spouse's account or a family member's account by mistake, which can delay the deposit or cause it to go to the wrong place. The IRS does not require the account to be a checking account — savings accounts and money market accounts work too.
How to enter your banking information when you file
If you file on paper using Form 1040, you enter your routing and account numbers in the boxes labeled "Routing number" and "Account number" in the direct deposit section near the bottom of the form. Write clearly and double-check the numbers before mailing, because the IRS processes these by machine and a single wrong digit sends the refund elsewhere.
If you use tax software — whether free IRS software, TurboTax, H&R Block, or another program — the software prompts you to enter this information and usually verifies the routing number against a database to catch errors before you submit. This is one reason software filing is faster and more reliable than paper filing for direct deposit.
If you already filed and did not provide banking information, you cannot add it after the fact. The IRS will mail a check instead. However, if you filed with the wrong account number, you may be able to contact the IRS before the deposit processes and request a correction — call 800-829-1040 as soon as you realize the error.
Timeline from filing to money in your account
The IRS typically processes returns within 21 days of accepting them. This means the refund is calculated, approved, and sent to your bank within that window. Your bank then deposits the money into your account, which usually happens the same day or the next business day after the IRS sends it.
Some returns take longer. If the IRS flags your return for review — because of math errors, missing information, or identity verification — processing can stretch to 60 days or more. You can check the status of your specific return on Where's My Refund at irs.gov; it will tell you if there is a delay and why.
State refunds follow a separate timeline. Most states process refunds within 30 days of accepting your return, but some take longer. If you filed a state return, check your state tax agency's website for a tracking tool specific to your state.
What to do if the refund goes to the wrong account
If your refund was deposited to an account that is not yours — because you entered the wrong number, or because someone else used your information — act quickly. Call your bank immediately and report the deposit as unauthorized or incorrect. Your bank can sometimes reverse the deposit and return the money to the IRS, though this depends on how long ago the deposit occurred and your bank's policies.
At the same time, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 and explain what happened. Have your Social Security number, the date you filed, and the amount of the refund ready. The IRS can flag your account and may be able to reissue the refund to the correct account, but this process takes time — usually several weeks.
If someone else deposited a refund into your account by mistake, do not spend the money. Contact your bank and the IRS to report it. The IRS will eventually request the money back, and if you have already spent it, you may face complications.
Paper checks: when and how long they take
The IRS mails a paper check if you did not provide banking information when you filed, or if you specifically requested a check instead of direct deposit. Paper checks are mailed starting about 21 days after your return is accepted, but delivery takes an additional four to six weeks depending on mail speed and your location.
You can track a paper check using Where's My Refund on irs.gov. Once the check is mailed, the tool will show you the date it was sent. If you do not receive it within six weeks of that date, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 and request a trace. The IRS can investigate whether the check was lost in the mail and issue a replacement if needed.
Refunds split between multiple accounts
If you want your refund split between two or three different accounts — for example, some to checking and some to savings — you can do this on your tax return. Form 1040 has space for up to three direct deposit accounts and the amount or percentage you want sent to each one. Tax software also allows you to set up splits.
This is useful if you want to automatically move part of your refund into savings without having to transfer it yourself later. Make sure you enter the correct routing and account numbers for each account, because errors on any of them can delay the entire refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account after I file but before the refund arrives?
No, you cannot change the account through the IRS after filing. If you realize you entered the wrong account number before the refund is deposited, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 immediately — they may be able to correct it if your return has not yet been processed. Once the deposit is sent to your bank, you cannot redirect it.
What if I closed the account my refund was supposed to go to?
If the account is closed, most banks will reject the deposit and return it to the IRS. The IRS will then mail you a paper check instead, which takes an additional four to six weeks. To speed this up, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 and ask them to issue a check rather than attempting another deposit.
Do I need to do anything after the refund is deposited?
No. Once the money is in your account, it is yours to use. The IRS does not require you to confirm receipt or take any further action. Check your account to make sure the correct amount arrived, but that is all.
How do I know if my refund was actually deposited?
Check your bank account directly — log in online or call your bank. You can also check Where's My Refund on irs.gov, which shows the deposit date once processing is complete. If the tool says the refund was deposited but you do not see it in your account, contact your bank to ask if there is a delay.
Can I deposit a tax refund check at an ATM or mobile app?
Yes, most banks allow you to deposit checks through ATM or mobile app. Take a photo of the front and back of the check using your phone, or insert it into an ATM that accepts deposits. The funds usually appear in your account within one to two business days.