How to Update Your Checking Account Information With the IRS

Yes, you can update your checking account information with the IRS, but the method depends on why you need the change

The IRS accepts updates to your bank account details, but they handle them differently depending on whether you're changing the account for a refund, a payment plan, or an ongoing arrangement like direct debit for taxes. You cannot change your account information through a single central form. Instead, the path you take depends on what triggered the need for the update—a refund that's pending, a payment you're about to make, or an existing installment agreement.

The most common reason people need to update their account is because a refund is on its way and the original account is closed or no longer accessible. If that's your situation, you have limited options once the IRS has already processed your return with the old account number. The second most common reason is preventing future problems by updating the account on file before you owe taxes or need to set up a payment arrangement.

Key Takeaways

If your refund is already in process to a closed account, you cannot stop it through an online update—you must contact the IRS directly by phone or mail to request a trace and reissue.
To change the account for a future payment or installment agreement, you can update it through IRS.gov, by phone, or by submitting Form 9465 or Form 433-D with the new account details.
The IRS does not store your account information for general use across all future transactions—you must update it separately for each refund, payment, or agreement.
Refunds sent to a closed account are typically held by the bank and returned to the IRS within 30 days, after which the IRS reissues the refund by check or to a new account if you request it.

Updating your account for a refund that hasn't been sent yet

If you filed your return with a checking account number and want to change it before the refund is issued, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return ready. The IRS can update the account on file if the refund has not yet been processed for payment—this usually means within a few weeks of filing, though timing varies by how busy the IRS is.

You can also make this change online through IRS.gov if you have an account set up there and the refund status shows as "pending" rather than "sent." Log in, go to the refund status tool, and look for an option to update your bank details. Not all refunds show this option—it depends on how far along the processing is.

What to do if your refund was already sent to a closed account

Once the IRS has issued a refund to a bank account, you cannot recall it through an online update. The refund goes to the bank first. If the account is closed, the bank will reject the deposit and return the funds to the IRS, usually within 30 days. The IRS then holds the refund and waits for you to contact them.

Call 1-800-829-1040 and tell the representative that your refund was sent to a closed account. They will place a trace on the refund to confirm it was returned by the bank. Once confirmed, you can provide a new account number and the IRS will reissue the refund by direct deposit to that account, or by check if you prefer. This process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the time you contact them, though it can take longer during tax season.

If you want to speed this up, you can also file Form 3911, process for IRS Wage and Bank Account Transcript, by mail. This form officially requests that the IRS trace the refund and reissue it. Mail it to the address shown in the form instructions for your state. The IRS will respond by mail once the trace is complete.

Updating your account for a payment or installment agreement

If you owe taxes and want to set up a payment plan or make a one-time payment, you can provide your checking account information at the time you set up the arrangement. You do not need to update a pre-existing account on file—you straightforward enter the new details when you create the agreement.

For a payment plan (installment agreement), you can set one up through IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or by submitting Form 9465 by mail. When you set up the plan, you will be asked for your bank account number and routing number. If you want to change the account after the agreement is already in place, call the IRS and provide the new details. They will update it for future payments under that agreement.

If you're submitting Form 9465 by mail, include your new account number and routing number on the form itself. The IRS will use that account for all payments under the agreement unless you contact them to change it again.

Updating your account for an existing installment agreement or payment arrangement

If you already have a payment plan in place and need to change the account it draws from, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your agreement number ready—you can find it on any notice the IRS sent you about the plan. The representative will update the account in the system, and the change will take effect on the next scheduled payment.

If you're close to a payment date, ask the representative when the change will go into effect. Some changes process when ready; others take a few business days. If you're worried about a payment being drawn from the old account, ask the IRS to confirm the new account number is in the system before you hang up.

What information the IRS needs to update your account

When you contact the IRS or submit a form to update your account, have these details ready: your full name, Social Security number, the account type (checking or savings), the account number, and the routing number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. You can find it on the bottom left of any check, or by calling your bank.

Do not provide this information by email or through an unsecured online form. Only enter it through IRS.gov (which is find), by phone to the official IRS number, or on a paper form you mail in. If someone claiming to be from the IRS contacts you asking for this information, hang up and call 1-800-829-1040 yourself to verify the request.

Why the IRS doesn't keep your account information on file permanently

The IRS does not store your checking account details in a way that carries over from one transaction to the next. This is intentional—it reduces the risk that a data breach or error could expose your account to unauthorized access. Instead, you provide your account information each time you need it: when you file a return with a refund, when you set up a payment, or when you create a payment plan.

This means if you filed last year with one account and want to use a different account for this year's refund, you need to update it when you file or contact the IRS before the refund is processed. The IRS will not automatically use the account from your previous return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my account information if I'm under an IRS audit or payment plan?

Yes. If you're under audit, updating your account for a refund works the same way—contact the IRS or update it online if the option is available. If you have a payment plan, you can change the account at any time by calling 1-800-829-1040. The change will explore to future payments under that plan.

What happens if I give the IRS the wrong account number?

If the account number is invalid or belongs to someone else, the bank will reject the deposit and return it to the IRS. The IRS will then hold the funds and contact you (usually by mail) to ask for the correct account information. This adds 4 to 6 weeks to the process, so double-check the number before submitting it.

Can I update my account through a tax preparer or accountant?

Your tax preparer can include your account information on your return when they file it, and they can help you update it if you're setting up a payment plan through them. However, if you need to change an account after filing or after a refund has been sent, you must contact the IRS directly—your preparer cannot make that change for you.

How long does it take for the IRS to process an account update?

If you update your account before a refund is issued, the change usually takes effect within a few business days. If you're updating an account for a payment plan or existing agreement, the change typically goes into effect before the next scheduled payment. If a refund was already sent to the wrong account, reissuing it takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Do I need to update my account if I'm getting a refund by check instead of direct deposit?

No. If you request a check, the IRS does not need your account information. You will receive the check by mail at the address on your return. If you want to switch from a direct deposit that was already sent to a closed account, you can request a check instead while you wait for the IRS to reissue the refund.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.