The fastest way to get your refund is to tell the IRS to deposit it straight into your bank account
Direct deposit sends your federal tax refund to your checking or savings account instead of mailing a paper check. The IRS deposits the money directly, usually within 21 days of accepting your return—often faster. You need your bank routing number and account number, both printed on the bottom left of any check from that account. You provide these numbers on your tax form (Form 1040 for federal returns) or enter them when filing electronically.
The setup takes less than five minutes if you file online. If you file by mail, you write the numbers on the form itself. There is no cost, no special account type required, and no risk to your bank account—the IRS only deposits money, never withdraws it.
Key Takeaways
- Direct deposit requires your bank routing number and account number, both found on the bottom left of any check from that account.
- You enter this information on Form 1040 (federal) or your state tax form, or type it into your tax software if filing electronically.
- The IRS typically deposits refunds within 21 days of accepting your return, though some arrive in five to seven business days.
- You can check the status of your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool or your state tax agency's tracker.
- If you change banks or close an account before your refund arrives, contact the IRS immediately—they can reissue the refund to a new account.
Finding your routing number and account number
Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left edge of any check from your account. The routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits). Write them down exactly as they appear—do not add dashes or spaces unless they are already there on the check.
If you do not have a check, call your bank and ask for your routing number and account number. You can also log into your online banking portal; most banks display both numbers in the account details section. Some banks print them on your debit card or in your account statements, though the check is the most reliable source.
Make sure you are using the correct account type. Direct deposit works with checking accounts and savings accounts. Some money market accounts and money market savings accounts also accept direct deposit, but confirm with your bank first if you are unsure.
Entering direct deposit information on your tax form
If you file electronically, your tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, or the IRS Free File program) has a section for direct deposit. Look for a heading like "Refund Method" or "How to Receive Your Refund." Enter your routing number and account number in the fields provided, then select whether it is a checking or savings account. The software will verify the numbers before you submit.
If you file by mail using Form 1040, write your routing number and account number in the boxes labeled "Routing number" and "Account number" on the form itself. You must also check the box next to "Checking" or "Savings" to tell the IRS which type of account it is. Write the numbers clearly in black or blue ink.
Double-check the numbers before you submit or mail your return. A single digit wrong will cause the IRS to reject the direct deposit and mail a check instead, delaying your refund by weeks.
How long direct deposit takes
The IRS says it will deposit your refund within 21 days of accepting your return. In practice, most direct deposits arrive much faster—often within five to seven business days. The exact timing depends on when you file, whether the IRS needs to verify information on your return, and how busy the IRS is that week.
If you file early in the tax season (January or February), you may wait closer to 21 days because the IRS processes returns in the order they arrive. If you file in April, your refund may come faster because the IRS has more staff working and fewer returns ahead of yours.
Your bank typically deposits the money the same day it arrives from the IRS, so there is no additional delay on the bank's end. The money is available to spend immediately once it shows in your account.
Tracking your refund status
The IRS provides a tool called Where's My Refund at irs.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once per day and shows whether the IRS has received your return, is processing it, or has approved your refund for deposit.
Most state tax agencies also offer refund tracking tools on their websites. Search "[your state] tax refund status" to find the link. State refunds are separate from federal refunds and may arrive on a different timeline.
Do not call the IRS to ask about your refund unless the Where's My Refund tool says there is a problem. The IRS cannot tell you anything by phone that the tool does not already show, and phone lines are extremely busy during tax season.
What to do if you change banks before your refund arrives
If you close the account where you directed your refund, or if you switch banks, contact the IRS as soon as you realize the problem. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and explain that you filed a return with direct deposit to an account that is no longer active. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready.
The IRS can reissue your refund to a new account if you provide the new routing number and account number. This process takes an additional two to four weeks. If the IRS has already deposited the money to the closed account, your bank will reject it and send it back to the IRS automatically—you will not lose the money, but the delay will be longer.
To avoid this problem, do not close a bank account until at least 30 days after you expect your refund to arrive. If you must close the account sooner, update your direct deposit information with the IRS before filing.
Direct deposit for state tax refunds
Most states allow direct deposit for state income tax refunds using the same process as federal refunds. You enter your routing number and account number on your state tax form or in your state's tax software. The state tax agency deposits the refund to the same account you specify, or you can direct it to a different account if you prefer.
State refunds typically arrive within 10 to 21 days of the state accepting your return, though some states are faster. Check your state tax agency's website for the specific timeline. A few states still mail refunds by default and require you to request direct deposit separately—look for a checkbox or a separate form on the state's website.
If you file both federal and state returns, you can use direct deposit for both. The refunds are processed separately and may arrive on different dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is direct deposit safe? Can the IRS take money out of my account?
Direct deposit is safe. The IRS can only deposit money into your account, never withdraw it. Your bank account number is not shared with anyone else, and the IRS does not use it for any purpose other than depositing your refund. If someone claims to be from the IRS and asks for your account number, it is a scam—hang up immediately.
What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?
If the numbers are wrong, the IRS will attempt the deposit and the bank will reject it. The money returns to the IRS, which then mails you a paper check instead. This adds two to four weeks to your wait time. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 if you realize the error before your refund is deposited, and they can correct it.
Can I split my refund between two accounts?
Yes, if you file electronically. Most tax software allows you to split your refund into two or three accounts. You specify how much goes to each account (for example, $2,000 to checking and $1,500 to savings). You must provide a routing number and account number for each account. This option is not available if you file by mail.
How do I know if my refund was deposited?
Check your bank account online or call your bank. The deposit will show as coming from the IRS or the U.S. Department of Treasury. You can also check the Where's My Refund tool on irs.gov—once it says your refund has been approved, it should appear in your account within one to three business days.
What if my refund does not arrive after 21 days?
Use the Where's My Refund tool to check the status. If it says your refund was approved but has not arrived, wait three more business days—some deposits take longer than others. If it still has not arrived after that, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and filing status. They can confirm whether the deposit was sent and investigate if there is a problem with your bank.