Change your direct deposit information before the IRS processes your return

You can change the bank account where your tax refund lands, but the timing matters. If you have not yet filed your return, you can enter the correct account number and routing number on your tax form before you submit it. If you have already filed, you cannot change the account through the IRS website or by phone — you will need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X, which takes longer and delays your refund by several weeks.

The fastest path is to get it right the first time. Before you file, verify your account number and routing number with your bank. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank and branch; your account number is the unique identifier for your specific account. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank's customer service line and ask for them directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Enter your correct bank account details on your tax return before you file — changing them after filing requires an amended return and delays your refund by weeks.
  • Your routing number and account number both appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank to confirm them.
  • The IRS cannot change your direct deposit information after your return is filed; you must file Form 1040-X to correct it.
  • If you file an amended return to change your account, the IRS will mail a check to your address on file instead of depositing to the new account until the amendment is processed.

Where to enter direct deposit information on your tax return

On Form 1040 (the main federal income tax form), direct deposit information goes in the "Refund" section near the bottom of the first page. You will see three boxes: one for the routing number, one for the account number, and one to select the account type (checking or savings).

If you are using tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, or another provider), the software will ask you for this information during the interview process, usually in a section labeled "Refund Method" or "Where to Send Your Refund." The software will validate the routing number against the Federal Reserve's database to catch typos before you file.

If you are filing by mail, write the information clearly in the boxes provided. The IRS processes paper returns more slowly than electronic ones, so your refund will take longer regardless — typically 21 days or more from the date the IRS receives your return.

What happens if you file with the wrong account number

If you file your return with an incorrect account number or routing number, the IRS will attempt to deposit your refund to that account. If the account does not exist or the number is invalid, the bank will reject the deposit and return it to the IRS. The IRS will then mail a check to the address on your return, which adds 7 to 10 business days to the process.

You will not receive a notice that the deposit failed immediately. The rejection happens behind the scenes, and you may not realize your refund was mailed instead of deposited until you check your bank account and it is not there. You can track the status of your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov, which will show you if a deposit was rejected.

How to file an amended return to change your account

If you have already filed and need to change your direct deposit account, you must file Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return). You cannot do this through the IRS website or by calling the IRS — you must submit the form by mail or through tax software that supports amended returns.

On Form 1040-X, you will enter the tax year you are amending, check the box for "Refund" in the "Explanation of Changes" section, and provide your new routing number and account number. You do not need to recalculate your entire tax liability — you only need to correct the refund information.

Mail the completed Form 1040-X to the address listed in the form instructions for your state. Processing time for amended returns is typically 8 to 12 weeks from the date the IRS receives it. During this time, the IRS will mail your original refund as a check to your address on file, not to your new account. Once the amendment is processed, any additional refund owed will be deposited to your new account.

Using the IRS Where's My Refund tool to check your deposit status

The IRS Where's My Refund tool shows you the status of your refund and the method of delivery — direct deposit or check. You can access it on IRS.gov without logging in; you will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount from your return.

The tool updates once a day, usually overnight. If your refund was rejected due to an invalid account number, the tool will show "Refund Sent" with a mailing date, not a deposit date. This is your signal that the IRS mailed a check instead. If you see this status and you know your account number was wrong, you can file Form 1040-X to correct it for future refunds, but your current refund is already in the mail.

Preventing direct deposit errors before you file

Double-check your routing number and account number against a recent check or a statement from your bank. Many people transpose digits or confuse their account number with a different account they hold at the same bank. If you have multiple accounts, confirm which one you want the refund to go to.

If you are using tax software, most will validate your routing number in real time. If the software flags your routing number as invalid, stop and call your bank to confirm the number. Do not guess or proceed with a number you are unsure about.

If you are filing by mail, write the numbers clearly and double-check them before you seal the envelope. Paper returns cannot be edited once they are mailed, so this is your only chance to catch the error.

What to do if your refund was deposited to the wrong account

If your refund was deposited to someone else's account or to an account you no longer use, contact that bank immediately and report the error. The bank can attempt to reverse the deposit, but success depends on whether the account holder has already withdrawn the funds. If the funds were withdrawn, the bank will work with the IRS to recover them, which can take weeks or months.

You should also contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the error. The IRS can place a hold on the account and work with the receiving bank to recover the funds. Bring your Social Security number, the tax year, and the refund amount when you call.

File Form 1040-X with the correct account information so that any additional refund or a replacement check can be sent to the right place. The IRS will not automatically reissue your refund — you must request it through the amended return process or by calling the IRS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my direct deposit account after I file but before the IRS deposits my refund?

No. Once your return is filed, the IRS cannot change your direct deposit information. You must file Form 1040-X to correct it. The only exception is if your refund was rejected due to an invalid account number — in that case, the IRS will mail a check, and you can file an amended return to set up direct deposit for any future refunds.

What is the difference between my account number and my routing number?

Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank and branch. Your account number is the unique identifier for your specific account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks. If you give the IRS the wrong routing number, the deposit will go to the wrong bank. If you give the wrong account number, the deposit may be rejected or go to the wrong account at the correct bank.

How long does it take to get a refund after I file an amended return?

The IRS typically processes amended returns in 8 to 12 weeks. Your original refund will be mailed as a check during this time. Once the amendment is processed, any additional refund will be deposited to your new account, or a new check will be mailed if there is no additional refund owed.

Will the IRS let me know if my direct deposit failed?

No. The IRS does not send a notice if your deposit is rejected. You will only know if you check your bank account and the refund is not there, or if you use the IRS Where's My Refund tool and see "Refund Sent" with a mailing date instead of a deposit date. Check the tool regularly after your return is accepted.

Can I change my direct deposit information by phone or email?

No. The IRS does not change direct deposit information over the phone or by email. If you need to change it after filing, you must submit Form 1040-X by mail or through tax software. This is a security measure to prevent fraud.