The IRS doesn't ask you to update your account information directly—you update it through your tax return or by contacting them after you've filed
The IRS keeps your checking account details on file for one reason: to deposit your tax refund. You don't fill out a separate form to register your account. Instead, you provide your routing number and account number when you file your tax return, either on the paper Form 1040 or through tax software. If you need to change the account where your refund goes—because you closed that account, switched banks, or made a mistake—you have a few options depending on where you are in the refund process.
The timing matters. If you haven't filed yet, you can straightforward enter the correct account information when you prepare your return. If you've already filed and realize the account number is wrong, you'll need to contact the IRS directly or wait to intercept the refund before it lands in the wrong place.
Key Takeaways
- Provide your routing number and account number on Form 1040 or through tax software when you file—this is how the IRS gets your account information in the first place.
- If you file electronically and realize your account details are wrong before the IRS processes your return, you can file an amended return with the correct information.
- If your refund has already been sent to the wrong account, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 or use the Where's My Refund tool to request a trace and redirect.
- The IRS does not store your account information for any purpose other than refund deposits—they don't use it for payment plans or other transactions.
- If you change banks after filing but before your refund arrives, update your account information with the IRS as soon as possible to avoid delays.
Updating your account before you file your return
This is the simplest scenario. When you prepare your tax return—whether on paper or through software like TurboTax, H&R Block, or the IRS Free File program—you'll reach a section asking for direct deposit information. You'll need your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits, printed on the bottom left of your checks). Enter both correctly, and the IRS will deposit your refund there once it processes your return.
If you're filing on paper with Form 1040, the direct deposit section is near the bottom of the form. Lines 33a and 33b ask for your routing number and account number. Write them clearly. If you're unsure of either number, call your bank or log into your online banking portal—both will show you this information.
Double-check before you file. A single digit wrong in either number can send your refund to the wrong account or cause the deposit to fail. If you catch an error after you've filed electronically but before the IRS processes your return (usually within 24 hours of submission), you can file an amended return with the correct information.
Correcting account information after you've filed
If you've already filed and realize your account details are wrong, your options depend on how far along your refund is in the system. The IRS processes returns in batches, and once your refund has been sent to the bank, it's harder to redirect.
Check the status of your refund using the Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov. This tool tells you whether your return has been received, is being processed, or has been sent to the bank. If it shows "Accepted" or "Processing," you may still have time to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) with the correct account information. File the amendment as soon as possible—the sooner the IRS receives it, the better the chance it will be processed before your original refund is sent out.
If the tool shows your refund has already been sent ("Sent to Your Bank"), contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040. Explain that your refund was sent to the wrong account. The IRS can file a trace to track where the money went and work with your bank to recover it. This process takes time—typically two to four weeks—so call as soon as you realize the mistake.
What happens if your refund goes to the wrong account
If your refund lands in an account that isn't yours, the IRS will work to recover it, but you need to act quickly. Call 800-829-1040 and tell them the account number on your return was incorrect. The IRS will file a trace, which is a formal request to the receiving bank to return the funds. The bank has a window of time (usually 10 business days) to investigate and return the money.
If the account belongs to someone else—a former spouse, a family member, or someone at an old address—the receiving bank will contact that person to explain that the funds were deposited in error and must be returned. If the person refuses to return the money or the account has been closed, the process becomes more complicated and may require legal action. The IRS can help you file a claim, but you should also contact your state's attorney general's office for additional resources.
If the account belongs to you but at a bank you no longer use, contact that bank directly and ask them to return the deposit. Most banks will do this without question if you can show proof that the deposit was made in error.
Updating your account if you change banks before your refund arrives
If you filed your return with one bank's account number but have since closed that account and opened one at a different bank, contact the IRS before your refund is sent. Call 800-829-1040 and provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the amount of your expected refund. The IRS can update your account information if your return hasn't been processed yet.
If your return has already been processed and sent to your old bank, the situation depends on whether that account is still open. If it is, the deposit will go through, and you can transfer the money to your new account. If the account has been closed, the bank will return the deposit to the IRS, which will then mail you a check. This adds several weeks to the process, so updating your information early is worth the phone call.
The difference between routing numbers and account numbers
These two numbers look similar but serve different purposes, and mixing them up is one of the most common mistakes people make when setting up direct deposit with the IRS.
Your routing number identifies the bank or credit union itself. It's the same for every account holder at that institution. You can find it on the first page of your checks (it's the first set of numbers in the bottom left corner, before the account number), or you can call your bank and ask. The IRS website also has a routing number lookup tool if you know your bank's name and state.
Your account number is unique to you. It identifies your specific checking account at that bank. It's printed on your checks (after the routing number) and appears on your bank statements and debit card. Never confuse the two—if you enter your account number in the routing number field, the IRS won't be able to process your refund.
Why the IRS needs your account information
The IRS collects your checking account details solely to deposit your refund electronically. They don't use this information for payment plans, tax notices, or any other purpose. Once your refund has been deposited, the IRS doesn't retain your account number for future years—you'll need to provide it again when you file your next return.
Direct deposit is faster and more find than a paper check. A refund sent by direct deposit typically arrives within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, while a paper check can take four to six weeks. Direct deposit also eliminates the risk of a check being lost or stolen in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my account information after the IRS has already sent my refund?
If your refund has been sent to the bank, you cannot change it. You'll need to contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to file a trace and request that the funds be recovered and redirected. This process takes two to four weeks. If the refund was sent to a closed account, the bank will return it to the IRS, which will mail you a check instead.
What if I enter the wrong routing number on my tax return?
The IRS will attempt to deposit your refund using the routing number you provided. If that number doesn't match any real bank, the deposit will fail, and the IRS will mail you a check instead. If the routing number belongs to a different bank than the account number you provided, the deposit may go to the wrong institution. Contact the IRS when ready if you realize this mistake before your refund is sent.
Do I need to update my account information every year?
Yes. The IRS does not carry over your direct deposit information from year to year. When you file your next return, you'll need to provide your routing number and account number again. If you've changed banks, make sure to enter your new bank's information.
Can the IRS access my account for any reason other than depositing my refund?
No. The IRS uses your account information only to deposit your refund. They cannot withdraw money from your account, access your balance, or use the information for any other purpose. Your account details are not shared with other government agencies or third parties.
What should I do if someone else's refund was deposited into my account?
Contact your bank when ready and report that a deposit was made in error. The bank will investigate and return the funds to the IRS. Do not spend the money—it belongs to the other person, and you could face legal consequences if you keep it. The IRS will contact the other person to explain what happened and arrange for their refund to be reissued.