You can change your bank account on your tax return before you file, or update it with the IRS after filing if you catch the mistake in time
The IRS deposits refunds to whatever bank account you list on your tax return. If you put down the wrong account number, closed the account, or switched banks, you have two windows to fix it. The easiest is before you file — you can correct it on the return itself. If you've already filed, you can contact the IRS directly, but you'll need to act quickly because the deposit window closes after a certain number of days.
The method you use depends on whether you filed electronically or on paper, and whether you filed already or are still preparing your return. Each path has different timelines and different things you'll need to have ready.
Key Takeaways
- Before filing, change your bank account information directly on your tax return — this is the fastest and most reliable method.
- After filing electronically, you can contact the IRS by phone or mail to request a change, but only within a limited window before the deposit is processed.
- The IRS processes refunds in batches; if your deposit fails because of a bad account number, the IRS will hold the money and you'll need to claim it on your next return or request a check instead.
- Have your routing number and account number ready, plus your Social Security number and filing status, before you contact the IRS.
- If you filed on paper, mailing a corrected return is slower than calling, and the IRS may not process it in time to stop an incorrect deposit.
Changing your account before you file your return
This is the simplest route. On your tax return form — whether you're using tax software, a tax preparer, or Form 1040 on paper — you'll see a section for direct deposit information. It usually asks for your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number. Double-check both before you submit the return to the IRS.
If you're using tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, the direct deposit fields are typically on a screen labeled "Refund" or "Payment Method." The software will often validate your routing number against a database of real banks. If you're working with a tax preparer or CPA, tell them about the account change before they file on your behalf.
If you're filing on paper, write your routing number and account number clearly in the spaces provided on Form 1040. Mail the return as usual. There's no faster way to get this right than catching it before the IRS receives the return.
Updating your account after you've filed electronically
If you filed electronically and realized the account information is wrong, call the IRS at 800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the tax year ready. The IRS can update your direct deposit information, but only if they haven't already processed the refund. Once the refund has been approved and scheduled for deposit, it's too late to change the account — the money will go to the account you listed, even if it's wrong.
The IRS processes refunds in batches throughout the filing season. You can check the status of your refund using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool on irs.gov, which tells you whether the refund has been approved, scheduled for deposit, or already sent. If the status shows "Approved" or "Sent," calling won't help. If it still shows "Received" or "Processing," there's a chance the IRS can update it before processing.
When you call, be prepared to provide the correct routing number and account number. The IRS representative will update your record in their system. Ask for a confirmation number or reference number for your records. This protects you if there's a dispute later about whether the change was made.
What happens if the deposit goes to the wrong account
If the IRS sends your refund to a closed account or an account that isn't yours, the bank will reject the deposit. The money doesn't disappear — the IRS receives the rejection notice and holds the refund. You'll then have to claim it, usually by filing an amended return or waiting for the IRS to contact you.
The IRS may issue a check instead once they confirm the account is invalid. This takes additional time — typically several weeks after the rejected deposit. You can also contact the IRS proactively if you know the deposit failed. Call 800-829-1040 and explain that your refund was sent to a wrong or closed account. Provide the correct account information, and ask whether they can reissue the refund by check or direct deposit to the new account.
If the account belongs to someone else and they deposited your refund, that's a more serious issue. Contact your bank immediately and report the unauthorized deposit. Your bank can help you recover the funds. Also file a report with the IRS so they have a record that the deposit was sent in error.
Correcting a paper return after filing
If you filed a paper return and need to change the bank account, you have limited options. You can file an amended return using Form 1040-X, but amended returns take longer to process than original returns — often 16 weeks or more. By that time, the IRS will have already processed your original return and sent the refund to the wrong account.
A faster option is to call the IRS at 800-829-1040 as soon as you realize the mistake. Explain that you filed a paper return with incorrect direct deposit information. The IRS can sometimes update your account in their system before they process the return, but this depends on how far along your return is in the processing queue. There's no may provide they'll catch it in time.
If the refund has already been sent to the wrong account, follow the steps in the previous section to request a reissue by check or to a corrected account.
Finding your routing number and account number
Your routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, followed by your account number. You can also find your routing number by logging into your bank's website or mobile app — most banks display it in the account details or settings section. Call your bank's customer service line if you can't find it online.
Do not confuse your account number with your card number. Your card number is on the front of your debit or credit card. Your account number is specific to your checking or savings account and is different from your card number, even if the account is linked to that card.
If you're opening a new account and haven't received checks yet, your bank can give you both numbers over the phone or through their app. Some banks also allow you to view this information in your online banking portal under "Account Details" or "Account Information."
Tracking your refund status after a change
After you've updated your bank account information, use the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool to monitor progress. This tool updates once a day, usually overnight. It will show you the status of your refund — whether it's still being processed, approved, or sent. If you made a change after filing, the tool may take a day or two to reflect the update.
If the tool shows your refund was sent but you don't see it in your account after five business days, contact your bank first. Ask them to check whether the deposit arrived and was rejected, or whether it's still pending. Banks sometimes hold deposits for a day or two. If your bank confirms they never received the deposit, contact the IRS again and provide them with the rejection details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account after the IRS has already sent my refund?
No. Once the IRS has processed and sent your refund, you cannot redirect it to a different account. If it went to the wrong account, you'll need to contact the IRS to request a reissue by check or to a corrected account, which adds several weeks to the timeline.
What if I don't know my routing number?
Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website) and ask for your routing number. You can also log into your online banking account — most banks display it in the account details section. It's a nine-digit number that identifies your specific bank branch.
How long does it take for a refund to arrive after I update my bank account?
If you update your account before the IRS processes your return, the refund should arrive within the normal timeline — typically 21 days from when the IRS receives your return, though it can be faster. If you update it after filing, it depends on whether the IRS can make the change before processing. Once approved, direct deposits usually arrive within one to three business days.
What if I filed jointly with my spouse and only one of us has the correct account number?
Both spouses' names should be on the account if you're filing jointly and directing the refund there. If only one spouse's name is on the account, the bank may reject the deposit. Contact your bank to confirm both names are on the account, or update your direct deposit information to an account that has both names listed.
Can I have my refund split between two accounts?
Yes. On your tax return, you can direct part of your refund to one account and the remainder to another account. This requires filling out the direct deposit section completely for both accounts, including routing numbers and account numbers for each. Tax software will guide you through this option if you select it.