How to Update Your Checking Account Information With the IRS

The IRS needs your current bank details so tax refunds and payments reach the right account

The IRS keeps a record of your bank account information — the routing number and account number where your refund should land, or where they should pull a payment from if you owe taxes. If you've opened a new checking account, closed an old one, or switched banks, you need to tell the IRS about the change. The process is straightforward and takes about 10 minutes.

You have three ways to update your information: online through your IRS account, by mail with Form 8888, or by phone. The online method is fastest. You don't need to wait for a specific time of year — you can update your account details whenever your banking situation changes.

Key Takeaways

You can update your checking account information online through IRS.gov, by phone at 1-800-829-1040, or by mailing Form 8888 to the IRS.
Have your routing number and account number ready — you can find both on a blank check, your bank statement, or by calling your bank.
If you update your information before filing your tax return, the IRS will use the new account for your refund.
If you've already filed and want to change where your refund goes, you must act before the IRS deposits the money into the old account.
The IRS will not use your updated information for payments you've already scheduled — you'll need to cancel and reschedule those separately.

Updating online through your IRS account

The fastest way is to log into your IRS account at IRS.gov. You'll need to create an account if you don't have one already — this requires your Social Security number, filing status, and either a prior tax return or a valid ID. Once you're logged in, look for the section labeled "Banking Information" or "Direct Deposit Information."

Enter your new routing number and account number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is the unique identifier for your specific checking account. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you write. If you don't have a check, call your bank and ask for both numbers — they can provide them in seconds.

After you enter the information, the IRS will show you a summary to confirm. Double-check that every digit is correct before you submit. Once submitted, the change takes effect when ready for any future refunds or payments.

Updating by phone

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the routing and account numbers for your new checking account ready before you call. Wait times vary depending on the time of year — they're shorter in summer and fall, longer during tax season.

The representative will verify your identity, confirm the old account information on file, and enter the new details. They'll read back what they've entered so you can catch any mistakes. The change takes effect the same day.

Updating by mail with Form 8888

Form 8888 is the IRS form for changing your direct deposit information. You can read it from IRS.gov or request a copy by phone. Fill in your name, Social Security number, and the routing and account numbers for your new checking account. Sign and date the form.

Mail it to the IRS address listed in the form instructions — this varies by state. Include a copy of your ID if this is the first time you're providing banking information to the IRS. Mail takes two to three weeks to reach the IRS and another week or two to process, so use this method only if you don't need the change to take effect quickly.

What happens if you've already filed your return

If you filed your tax return with the old account information and haven't received your refund yet, you can still update it. Log into your IRS account and check "Where's My Refund?" — this tool shows you the status and expected deposit date. If the refund hasn't been deposited yet, update your banking information when ready. The IRS will use the new account instead.

If the refund has already been deposited into the old account, you cannot redirect it. You'll need to contact the bank that holds the old account and ask them to transfer the money to your new account, or wait for the funds to appear there and transfer them yourself.

Updating information for payments you owe

If you've set up a payment plan with the IRS and want to change which account they pull payments from, you cannot straightforward update your banking information online. Instead, you must cancel the existing payment arrangement and set up a new one with the correct account details.

Log into your IRS account and look for "Payments" or "Payment Plans." Find the active arrangement and select the option to modify or cancel it. Then set up a new payment with your new checking account information. Do this at least a few days before your next scheduled payment to avoid missed or delayed payments.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is transposing a digit in the routing number or account number. Routing numbers are nine digits and account numbers vary in length, but both must be exact. If you enter even one wrong digit, the IRS may deposit your refund into someone else's account or fail to process a payment.

Another mistake is updating your information after the IRS has already processed your refund. Once the money is in transit to your old account, you cannot stop it. Check "Where's My Refund?" before you update anything.

Don't confuse your account number with your card number. Your card number is on the front of your debit or credit card. Your account number is the one on your checks and statements — it's the one the IRS needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the IRS to use my new account information?

If you update online or by phone, the change takes effect when ready for future refunds and payments. If you mail Form 8888, allow three to four weeks for the IRS to receive and process it. If you're expecting a refund soon, use the online or phone method.

Can I update my information if I'm married and file jointly?

Yes, but both spouses must be on the account, or the account must be in the name of the person whose Social Security number is listed first on the return. If you're updating the account, make sure it matches the name on your tax return.

What if the IRS deposited my refund into the wrong account?

Contact the bank that received the deposit and explain the situation. They can often reverse the deposit and send the money back to the IRS, or transfer it to your correct account. This process takes one to two weeks. You can also contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to report the error.

Do I need to update my information every year?

No. Once you've provided your banking information to the IRS, they keep it on file. You only need to update it if you close the account, switch banks, or change the type of account. If your account stays the same, the IRS will use the same information for next year's refund.

Can I have my refund split between two accounts?

Yes, but you must do this when you file your return using Form 8888. You can split your refund into up to three different accounts or savings bonds. You cannot split a refund after you've already filed — you must plan this before you submit your return.

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.