Changing Your Bank Account After You File Taxes

Yes, you can change your bank account after filing taxes

You can change banks or switch to a different account at any time after you file your taxes — there is no rule that locks you into the account you used on your return. However, the timing and method matter if you are expecting a refund, because the IRS needs to know where to send it.

If you have already filed and listed a specific bank account on your return, that is where the IRS will deposit your refund unless you take action to change it. If you want the refund to go somewhere else, you have options depending on how far along the process is.

Key Takeaways

The IRS will send your refund to whichever account you listed on your filed return unless you update it before the deposit is made.
If you filed electronically and have not yet received your refund, you can use the IRS Form 8888 to redirect it to a different account or split it across multiple accounts.
If your refund has already been deposited to the old account, you will need to transfer the money yourself — the IRS cannot reverse a deposit.
If you are expecting a refund and want to change accounts, contact your bank first to confirm the old account is still open, because a closed account can delay your refund.
For future tax years, you can straightforward list your new bank account information on your next return.

What happens if you change banks before your refund arrives

The critical question is whether your refund has already been processed and sent. You can check the status of your refund using the IRS Where's My Refund tool on the IRS website, which tells you whether the IRS has accepted your return, is processing it, or has already issued the refund.

If the tool shows your refund has been issued (the final status), the money is on its way to the account number you listed on your return. If that account no longer exists because you closed the bank, the refund will bounce back to the IRS, and you will receive a check by mail instead — this takes several weeks longer.

If the tool shows your return is still being processed, you have time to make a change. The sooner you act, the better, because once the IRS marks your refund as issued, it is too late to redirect it electronically.

Using Form 8888 to redirect your refund

Form 8888 is the IRS form that lets you change where your refund goes after you have filed. You can use it to send your refund to a different account, split it across multiple accounts, or even use part of it to buy savings bonds.

The catch is timing: you can only use Form 8888 if you file an amended return using Form 1040-X. This means you are essentially refiling your taxes with the new account information. You will need to file the amended return before the IRS issues your original refund.

To file an amended return, you can use tax software that supports amendments, work with a tax professional, or file by mail. If you file by mail, send Form 1040-X and Form 8888 together to the IRS address for your state (listed in the Form 1040-X instructions). Processing an amended return takes longer than an original return — usually 8 to 12 weeks.

If your refund has already been deposited

If the IRS has already sent your refund to the old account and the money arrived, you will need to transfer it yourself to your new account. This is a standard bank transfer and takes one to three business days depending on your banks.

If the refund was sent to an account you have already closed, contact the bank that held that account. Many banks will hold refunds for a period of time or can tell you if the money was returned to the IRS. If it was returned, the IRS will mail you a check, which you can deposit into your new account once it arrives.

Preventing problems when you close an old account

If you are planning to close a bank account, do not close it when ready after filing your taxes if you are expecting a refund. Wait until you have confirmed the refund arrived in that account, or until you have successfully redirected it using an amended return.

If you have already closed the account and are unsure whether your refund was deposited, check the account history before you closed it (your bank can usually provide this) or use the IRS Where's My Refund tool to see the status. If the IRS shows the refund was issued but you never received it, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the problem.

What to do for next year

Once you have settled the current refund, you can straightforward use your new bank account information on next year's return. There is no special form or process — just enter the new routing number and account number in the direct deposit section when you file.

Make sure the account information is correct before you file. A typo in the routing number or account number can send your refund to the wrong place, so double-check against a blank check or your bank statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account if I already got my refund?

Yes. If the money is already in your old account, you can transfer it to your new account through your bank. This is a normal transfer and takes one to three business days. You do not need to contact the IRS.

What if I closed my bank account and the refund bounced back?

The IRS will mail you a check instead, which usually takes four to six weeks. You can deposit the check into your new account when it arrives. If you do not receive the check within that timeframe, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

Do I need to file an amended return just to change my bank account?

Only if you want to redirect the refund before it is issued. If the refund has already been sent, filing an amended return will not stop it — you will just have to transfer the money yourself. An amended return makes sense only if you catch the problem early.

What information do I need to give the IRS if I want to change my account?

If you are filing an amended return with Form 8888, you need your new routing number and account number. You can find both on a blank check or by logging into your bank's website. Make sure they are correct before you file.

Will changing my bank account delay my refund?

If you change it before the IRS issues the refund, using an amended return will add processing time — usually 8 to 12 weeks instead of the normal 21 days. If the refund has already been issued, changing accounts will not delay it, but transferring the money between banks takes a few business days.

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.