Set up direct deposit on your tax return before you file
Direct deposit sends your refund straight to your bank account instead of waiting for a check in the mail. To receive it this way, you enter your bank account and routing number on your tax return itself — either on the paper form or in the online filing software you use. The IRS does not set up direct deposit for you after you file; you have to choose it when you file.
If you file on paper, you fill in the routing and account number in the spaces provided on the form (usually lines near the bottom). If you file electronically through tax software or a tax preparer, the software walks you through entering these details. Either way, the information goes to the IRS as part of your return, and they use it to deposit your refund when it is processed.
You can use direct deposit for federal refunds, state refunds, or both. Some people direct deposit the federal refund to one account and request a check for the state refund, or vice versa — the choice is yours on the form.
Key Takeaways
- You must enter your bank routing number and account number on your tax return before filing; the IRS cannot add direct deposit after you submit.
- Direct deposit typically arrives within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though many refunds land in 5 to 10 business days.
- You can check the status of your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool with your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount.
- If your refund does not arrive by the expected date, contact your bank first to confirm the account number is correct, then contact the IRS if the bank has no record of the deposit.
How to find your routing number and account number
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is the number of the specific account you want the refund deposited into. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks — the routing number comes first, then the account number. If you do not have checks, call your bank or log into your online banking portal; most banks display both numbers in the account details section.
Make sure you enter the numbers correctly. A single digit wrong will cause the deposit to fail and bounce back to the IRS, which delays your refund by weeks. Double-check the numbers against your check or bank statement before you file.
If you are filing through a tax preparer or software, the software usually lets you review the numbers before submission. Take that step seriously — it is your last chance to catch a typo.
Timeline: when your refund arrives after filing
The IRS says direct deposit refunds arrive within 21 days of accepting your return. In practice, most arrive much faster — typically 5 to 10 business days. The speed depends on when you file, whether the IRS needs to verify information on your return, and how busy the processing centers are.
If you file early in the tax season (January or early February), refunds often arrive within a week. If you file in March or April, the timeline stretches closer to the full 21 days because the IRS is processing millions of returns simultaneously. If the IRS flags your return for review — for example, if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or if something on your return does not match IRS records — processing takes longer, sometimes 4 to 6 weeks or more.
The 21-day window starts when the IRS accepts your return, not when you submit it. You can see the acceptance date in the IRS Where's My Refund tool.
Track your refund status with Where's My Refund
The IRS Where's My Refund tool shows you the current status of your direct deposit refund. Go to irs.gov and look for the Where's My Refund link on the homepage. You will need your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the expected refund amount from your return.
The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. It will tell you whether the IRS has received your return, whether it is being processed, whether it has been approved, and the expected deposit date once approval is complete. If your refund is on track, you will see a message like "Your refund was approved" and a date when it should arrive in your account.
If the tool shows an error or a delay, it will usually explain why — for example, "We are reviewing your return" or "We need more information." If you see a message asking you to call or visit a local IRS office, follow those instructions; it means the IRS needs you to provide additional documents or clarification.
What to do if your refund does not arrive on time
If the expected deposit date passes and the money is not in your account, start by contacting your bank. Give them the date you expected the deposit and ask whether they have a record of the IRS sending it. If the bank has no record, the deposit never reached them — which means either the routing or account number was wrong, or the IRS has not sent it yet.
Check the Where's My Refund tool again. If it still shows "approved" with a date that has passed, wait one more business day (the IRS sometimes deposits on weekends or holidays, which can shift the arrival date). If it has been more than one business day past the expected date and the tool still shows approved, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready.
If the Where's My Refund tool shows an error message or says the IRS is still reviewing your return, do not call yet. The tool will tell you if you need to take action. If it asks you to call or provide documents, follow those instructions.
If the routing or account number was wrong
If you discover after filing that you entered the wrong routing or account number, you cannot change it once the return is submitted. If the IRS attempts to deposit to the wrong account, the bank will reject it and send it back to the IRS. The refund then goes into a holding status while the IRS tries to contact you.
The best way to prevent this is to contact the IRS before the deposit is attempted. Call 1-800-829-1040 and explain that you filed with incorrect banking information. The IRS can sometimes intercept the deposit and redirect it, but this only works if you call before the money is sent. If the deposit has already been rejected, the IRS will mail you a check instead, which adds 2 to 4 weeks to your wait.
If you filed through a tax preparer, contact them immediately — they may be able to reach the IRS on your behalf or help you file an amended return with the correct information.
Direct deposit for state tax refunds
Most states offer direct deposit for state income tax refunds using the same process: you enter your routing and account number on the state return. Some states use the same account as your federal refund; others let you choose a different account. Check your state's tax website to see whether direct deposit is available and whether it uses the same banking information as your federal return.
State refunds typically arrive on a similar timeline to federal refunds — within 2 to 4 weeks of the state tax agency accepting your return. Some states are faster; a few are slower. You can track your state refund using your state's tax website, which usually has its own refund status tool similar to the IRS Where's My Refund.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my direct deposit account after I file?
No, you cannot change the account once you submit your return. If you need to use a different account, you must contact the IRS before the deposit is sent. Call 1-800-829-1040 as soon as possible. If the deposit has already been rejected, the IRS will mail a check instead.
What if I do not have a bank account?
You can request a check instead by not entering direct deposit information on your return. Checks take 3 to 4 weeks to arrive. Some people without bank accounts open a basic checking account at a bank or credit union specifically to receive their refund by direct deposit, since it is faster and safer than waiting for a mailed check.
Can I split my refund between two accounts?
Yes. On your tax return, you can direct deposit part of your refund to one account and request a check for the remainder, or split it between two or three accounts. The form has spaces for multiple deposit instructions. This is useful if you want to save part of the refund in a separate account.
Why does the IRS say 21 days when my refund arrived in 5 days?
The IRS quotes 21 days as the maximum time, not the typical time. Most refunds arrive much faster because the IRS processes them in batches and deposits them in waves. Early filers and simple returns often land within a week. The 21-day window is a may provide that you will have your money by then, not a prediction of when it will actually arrive.
What if my bank rejects the direct deposit?
If your bank rejects the deposit because the account number is wrong or the account is closed, the IRS will receive the rejection and hold your refund. They will then mail you a check, which takes an additional 2 to 4 weeks. To avoid this, verify your account number before filing and make sure the account is active and in your name.