You can change your checking account with the IRS through the IRS Direct File tool, by mail, or by phone — but the method depends on whether you're updating it for a refund or for a payment plan

The IRS doesn't store your checking account details permanently. Instead, you provide them when you file your tax return or set up a payment arrangement. If you need to change the account where the IRS sends your refund, or update the account they'll pull payments from, the steps differ depending on your situation and how much time you have before the important date.

The fastest route is usually the IRS Direct File tool if you're filing a return and want to change where your refund goes. If you've already filed and need to redirect a refund that's already processing, or if you're updating an account for an existing payment plan, you'll need to contact the IRS directly by phone or mail.

Key Takeaways

  • If you're filing your return now, you can enter your correct checking account information directly in the IRS Direct File tool or your tax software before you submit.
  • If you've already filed and your refund is processing, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a change; they can redirect it to a different account if the refund hasn't been issued yet.
  • For payment plans or installment agreements, update your account information through the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool or by calling the IRS before your first scheduled payment.
  • The IRS needs your routing number and account number to process a change, and they may ask for verification that you own the account.
  • Changes made by phone or mail can take two to four weeks to process, so plan ahead if you're expecting a refund or have a payment due soon.

Changing your account before you file your return

If you haven't filed yet and you want to make sure your refund goes to the right account, the simplest approach is to enter the correct information when you file. The IRS Direct File tool, available free at IRS.gov, lets you enter your routing number and checking account number directly into your return before you submit it. If you're using tax software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, you'll see the same fields during the refund section of your return.

Double-check the routing number and account number before you submit. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank; your account number is the number on your checks or in your online banking portal. If either one is wrong, the IRS will send your refund to the wrong account, and you'll have to contact both your bank and the IRS to recover it.

Redirecting a refund that's already being processed

If you've already filed and you realize you gave the IRS the wrong account number, or you want to change which account receives your refund, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. The IRS can redirect your refund to a different account, but only if the refund hasn't been issued yet. Once the money leaves the IRS and arrives in the original account, you'll need to contact that bank to recover it.

Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready when you call. The IRS will verify your identity and ask for the new routing number and account number. They'll also ask you to confirm that you own the account — they may require you to provide the account holder's name and address. The change typically takes effect within two to four weeks, though the IRS may issue the refund before the change processes, so call as soon as you notice the error.

Updating your account for a payment plan or installment agreement

If you owe taxes and have set up a payment plan with the IRS, you can change the checking account they'll pull payments from through the IRS Online Payment Agreement tool at IRS.gov, or by calling 1-800-829-1040. You'll need your agreement number, which appears on your IRS notice, and the new routing and account numbers.

Make the change at least one week before your next scheduled payment. If you change it closer to the payment date, the IRS may pull from the old account instead, and you could face overdraft fees or a missed payment. If you've already missed a payment or your account was declined, contact the IRS when ready to confirm the new account information and ask when the next attempt will be made.

What information the IRS needs from you

The IRS will ask for your routing number (the nine-digit code for your bank) and your account number (the number on your checks or in online banking). Some banks also ask for the account type — checking or savings — though the IRS can usually process either. You can find both numbers on a check, in your bank's mobile app, or by calling your bank's customer service line.

The IRS may also ask for the name on the account and the account holder's address to confirm you own it. If the account is in a different name than your tax return (for example, a joint account or a family member's account), be prepared to explain the relationship. The IRS generally won't send refunds to accounts in someone else's name without additional documentation.

If you're changing your account by mail

You can also request a change by mail, though this is slower than calling. Send a letter to the IRS address listed on your most recent notice, and include your name, Social Security number, the account number you want to change, and the new routing and account numbers. Include a copy of a check or bank statement showing the new account information.

Mail takes longer — expect four to six weeks for the IRS to process your request. If you have a refund coming or a payment due soon, calling is much faster. Keep a copy of your letter and note the date you sent it in case you need to follow up.

What happens if the IRS sends money to the wrong account

If your refund goes to the wrong account because you provided incorrect information, contact your bank when ready and explain that a federal refund was deposited in error. Your bank can sometimes reverse the deposit if it was recent, but they're not required to. The IRS can also help — call 1-800-829-1040 and explain what happened. The IRS can issue a new refund to the correct account, but this process takes several weeks.

If a payment was pulled from the wrong account and caused an overdraft, contact the IRS to confirm the correct account information and ask when the next payment attempt will be made. You may be able to request a waiver for the overdraft fee from your bank if you can show that the IRS initiated the incorrect withdrawal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my account after the IRS has already issued my refund?

No. Once the IRS issues the refund, it's out of their control. You'll need to contact the bank where it was deposited and ask them to reverse it or transfer it to the correct account. This is why it's important to verify your account number before you file.

What if I don't know my routing number?

Call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website) and ask for your routing number. You can also find it on a check — it's the first nine digits at the bottom left. Some banks have different routing numbers for different regions, so confirm you have the right one for your branch.

Can I change my account to a savings account instead of checking?

Yes, the IRS can deposit refunds to a savings account. You'll need the routing number for the bank and the account number for the savings account. Some banks use the same routing number for both checking and savings; others use different ones, so confirm with your bank before you provide the number to the IRS.

How long does it take for the IRS to process a change I made by phone?

Two to four weeks is typical, though it can be faster if you call early in the week. If you have a refund coming or a payment due within two weeks, mention that when you call — the IRS may be able to prioritize your request or issue a replacement check instead.

What if the account I want to use isn't in my name?

The IRS generally requires that refunds be deposited to an account in the taxpayer's name. If you want to use a joint account or a family member's account, contact the IRS first to ask what documentation they need. You may be asked to provide a letter from the account holder authorizing the deposit, or the IRS may decline and require you to use an account in your own name.