You can change your bank account with the IRS, but the method depends on whether you've already filed your return
If you filed your tax return and want the IRS to send your refund to a different bank account than the one you listed, you have two paths: change it before the IRS processes your return, or wait and provide new banking details after the fact. The IRS does not have a single online form to update bank account information once a return is filed. Instead, you either amend your return, contact the IRS directly, or wait for the refund and have it reissued to the correct account.
The fastest option is to catch the error before filing. If you haven't submitted your return yet, simply correct the account number on your tax form and file. If you've already filed, the steps depend on how far along your refund is in processing.
Key Takeaways
- Before you file, double-check your bank account and routing number on your tax form—this is the easiest time to fix a mistake.
- If you filed with the wrong account and the IRS has not yet processed your return, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a change.
- If your refund has already been issued to the wrong account, you can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) with corrected banking information, though this adds processing time.
- The IRS will not reverse a refund sent to the wrong account on its own—you must contact your bank or file an amended return to redirect it.
- Direct deposit refunds typically take three to five business days to reach your account once the IRS releases the payment.
Changing your account before you file your return
This is the simplest scenario. If you're preparing your return and realize you've entered the wrong bank account number or routing number, fix it before you submit. On Form 1040, the banking information goes in the "Refund" section near the bottom of the form. You'll need your account number and the nine-digit routing number for your bank.
You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any check, or by calling your bank directly. Many banks also list it on their website. Take time to verify both numbers match your actual account—a single digit wrong will send your refund to the wrong place, and reversing it becomes more complicated.
If you're filing electronically through tax software or a tax professional, the software will ask for these details during the refund section. Review the screen carefully before hitting submit. If you're filing on paper, write clearly and double-check the numbers before mailing.
Changing your account after filing but before processing
If you've already filed your return and realize the bank account information is wrong, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 as soon as possible. The IRS can change your banking details if your return has not yet been processed. Processing typically begins within a few days of filing, so time matters here.
When you call, have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS representative will verify your identity and ask for the correct account number and routing number. They can update the information in their system, and your refund will be sent to the new account instead.
This option works only if you catch the error early. Once the IRS has processed your return and issued the refund, calling the IRS will not reverse the payment. At that point, you'll need to take a different approach.
Changing your account after the refund has been issued
If the IRS has already processed your return and sent the refund to the wrong account, you have two main options: contact your bank, or file an amended return.
Contact your bank first. Call the bank where the refund was sent and explain that a federal tax refund was deposited to your account in error. Ask whether the funds are still there and whether the bank can reverse the deposit or hold it pending your instructions. If the account belongs to someone else, that person may need to authorize the reversal. If the funds have already been withdrawn, the bank cannot recover them—you'll need to pursue the matter through the IRS or the other account holder.
If your bank cannot help, file Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) with the correct banking information. On the amended return, explain in the margin that you are correcting the bank account number for refund delivery. The IRS will process the amended return, issue a new refund to the correct account, and may attempt to recover the original payment from the wrong account. This process typically takes four to six weeks longer than a standard refund.
What happens if someone else received your refund
If your refund was sent to another person's bank account—whether by mistake or fraud—the situation is more serious. Do not attempt to contact that person directly or ask them to return the money; instead, report the issue to the IRS immediately.
Call 1-800-829-1040 and report that your refund was sent to an incorrect account. Provide the account number where it was sent, if you know it. The IRS can flag the transaction and may investigate. You can also file Form 1040-X with the correct account information; the IRS will issue a new refund to you and work to recover the original payment from the other account.
If you suspect fraud or identity theft, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov and consider filing a police report as well. Keep records of all correspondence with the IRS and your bank.
How to find your correct routing and account numbers
Before you contact the IRS or file an amended return, make sure you have the right numbers. Your account number is typically 8 to 12 digits and appears on your checks. Your routing number is always nine digits and appears on the bottom left of your checks, just before your account number.
If you don't have a check, log into your bank's website or mobile app—most banks display both numbers in the account details section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Write them down carefully and read them back to confirm.
Some banks use different routing numbers for different branches or services. Make sure you're using the routing number for direct deposits, not wire transfers or other services. When in doubt, ask your bank which routing number to use for IRS refunds.
Tracking your refund after you change the account
Once you've corrected your banking information, you can track your refund using the IRS's Where's My Refund? tool at IRS.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight, and will show you the status of your refund and the expected deposit date.
If you called the IRS to change your account before processing, the tool should reflect the new account within a day or two. If you filed an amended return, the tool will show a separate refund for the amended return; this one will take longer to process.
Direct deposit refunds typically arrive three to five business days after the IRS releases the payment. If you don't see the refund in your account by the date shown in Where's My Refund?, contact your bank to confirm the deposit hasn't been delayed or rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account information on the IRS website?
No. The IRS does not have an online portal to update bank account information after you file. You must call 1-800-829-1040 to change it before processing, or file an amended return (Form 1040-X) if the refund has already been issued. Some tax software allows you to change the information before you submit your return electronically.
How long does it take to get a refund after I change my bank account?
If you change the account before the IRS processes your return, the refund timeline stays the same—typically three to five weeks from the filing date. If you file an amended return, add four to six weeks to the original timeline. Direct deposit itself takes three to five business days once the IRS releases the payment.
What if the IRS sent my refund to the wrong account and I can't reach my bank?
File Form 1040-X with the correct banking information as soon as possible. The IRS will issue a new refund to the correct account. You can also contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the error and ask them to flag the original deposit for recovery. Keep records of all attempts to contact your bank and the IRS.
Do I need to provide a new routing number if I switched banks?
Yes. If you changed banks since you filed, you must provide the routing number and account number for your new bank. Call the IRS before processing if possible, or file an amended return if the refund has already been issued. Your new bank's routing number is different from your old bank's, so using the old number will send the refund to the wrong place.
Can I have my refund sent to a different person's bank account?
No. The IRS will only send a refund to a bank account in the name of the taxpayer who filed the return. If you want someone else to receive the money, you'll need to receive the refund yourself and transfer it to them after it arrives.