How to Update Your Checking Account Information With the IRS

The IRS uses your bank details for refunds and payment plans, and you can change them through your tax return, online account, or by contacting the agency directly

The IRS keeps your checking account information on file to deposit refunds and collect payments on tax debts or installment agreements. If your bank account has changed, closed, or you want to use a different one, you need to update the IRS's records. The method you use depends on whether you're filing a new return, correcting a past one, or managing an existing debt or payment plan.

You cannot change your account information through a phone call alone — the IRS requires written documentation or a verified online update. The fastest route for most people is through IRS.gov if you have an account set up there. If you're filing a return, you can specify the new account directly on the form. For past returns or existing payment arrangements, the process varies by your situation.

Key Takeaways

The IRS accepts account changes through your tax return, your IRS.gov online account, or by mailing Form 8453 or a signed letter to the address on your notice.
If you are filing a current-year return, entering your new account number on the return itself is the simplest method and takes effect when the IRS processes your filing.
Changes made through IRS.gov typically take effect within one to two business days if you have already set up a verified account.
If the IRS is collecting a debt or you are on a payment plan, updating your account through your online account or a written request ensures future payments go to the correct bank.
The IRS will not process a verbal request over the phone; any change requires a written record or a verified online submission.

Updating your account through IRS.gov if you have an online account

If you have created an account on IRS.gov and verified your identity, you can update your bank details directly in the system. Log in, navigate to the account settings or payment information section, and enter your new routing number and account number. The IRS will display the last four digits of your account to confirm you entered it correctly.

This method works for refunds on future returns and for existing payment plans or payment agreements. The change typically takes effect within one to two business days. If you have a pending refund from a return already filed, updating your account this way will redirect the deposit to your new bank, provided the IRS has not yet processed the payment.

You will need your Social Security Number, date of birth, and address to verify your identity if you have not already done so. If you do not have an IRS.gov account or cannot verify your identity online, use one of the other methods below.

Specifying your new account on a current-year tax return

If you are filing your 2024 return (or the current tax year), the simplest way to update your account is to enter your new bank details directly on the return form. On Form 1040, this information goes in the "Refund" section if you expect a refund, or in the "Payment" section if you owe tax. You will need your routing number (the nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number.

When you file the return, the IRS will use the account you listed on the form. If you file electronically through a tax software or preparer, the software will prompt you to enter these details. If you file by mail, write the information clearly in the spaces provided on the form.

This method only affects the current return you are filing. If you have a refund pending from a prior year or an existing payment plan, you will need to update those separately using the methods described below.

Correcting the account on a return you have already filed

If you filed a return and the IRS has not yet processed your refund, you can submit Form 8453 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return) or a signed letter with your corrected account information. Include your name, Social Security Number, the tax year, and your new routing and account numbers. Mail it to the address listed on any notice you received from the IRS, or to the IRS office that handles your area.

The IRS processes these corrections in the order they arrive, so send it as soon as you realize the error. If your refund has already been deposited to the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank to recover the funds — the IRS cannot reverse a deposit once it has been processed.

If you filed electronically and realize the error within a few days, contact the tax preparer or software provider when ready. Some can file an amended return or correction before the IRS processes the original one, which is faster than mailing a letter.

Updating your account for an existing payment plan or debt

If you are on an installment agreement with the IRS or the agency is collecting a tax debt, you can update your bank account through your IRS.gov account under the payment plan or account details section. This ensures that future monthly payments or automatic withdrawals go to your new bank.

You can also send a written request by mail. Include your name, Social Security Number, the tax year in question, your current account information, and your new routing and account numbers. Sign the letter and mail it to the address on your most recent IRS notice. Allow two to three weeks for processing.

If you have set up automatic payments (Direct Debit), updating your account through IRS.gov is faster and more reliable than mailing a letter. The IRS will confirm the change before your next scheduled payment.

What information you need to provide

Whether you update online, by mail, or on a tax return, you will need your routing number and account number. Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. Your account number is the number assigned to your checking account at that institution.

You can find both on the bottom left of a check, or by logging into your bank's website or calling the bank directly. Some banks also list this information on your account statement. Make sure you have the correct routing number for your bank's location — some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on the branch or region.

You will also need your Social Security Number and the tax year or notice number if you are correcting a past return or updating an existing payment arrangement. If you are filing a new return, you only need the routing and account numbers.

Timing: when the change takes effect

If you update through IRS.gov, the change typically takes effect within one to two business days. If you file a new return with your new account information, the change takes effect when the IRS processes your return, which can take two to three weeks for e-filed returns or four to six weeks for paper returns.

If you mail a written request, allow two to three weeks for the IRS to process it. If your refund or payment is already in the IRS's processing queue, a mailed request may arrive too late to redirect it. For this reason, updating through IRS.gov or filing electronically is faster if you are in a time-sensitive situation.

If you have set up automatic payments and update your account, the IRS will confirm the change before your next scheduled withdrawal. Do not assume the change has taken effect until you receive confirmation from the IRS or see the payment deducted from your new account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my account information over the phone?

No. The IRS requires a written record of any account change for security and verification purposes. You can update online through IRS.gov, file a new return with the new account, or mail a signed letter. Phone calls alone are not sufficient, though you can call the IRS to confirm that your written request was received.

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

If the account number does not match an active account at the bank you specified, the deposit will be rejected and returned to the IRS. The IRS will then hold the refund and send you a notice. You will need to contact the IRS or file a corrected return with the correct account information. This can delay your refund by several weeks.

Do I need to update my account if I am closing my bank and opening a new one?

Yes. If the IRS has a deposit scheduled for your old account after you close it, the deposit will fail. Update your account information as soon as you open the new bank account, especially if you are expecting a refund or have a payment plan in place.

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?

Yes. The IRS can deposit refunds to a savings account as long as you provide the correct routing and account numbers for that account. However, if you are on a payment plan and the IRS is collecting by automatic withdrawal, some banks charge a fee for ACH debits from savings accounts. Check with your bank before providing a savings account number.

How do I know if my account change was successful?

If you updated through IRS.gov, you will see a confirmation message on the screen. If you mailed a letter, the IRS will not send a separate confirmation — you can verify by checking your account online after two to three weeks or by calling the IRS. If you filed a new return, the account you listed will be used when the return is processed.

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.