Yes, you can change the bank account where your tax refund lands
The IRS allows you to change your bank account information for your refund at any point before the money is deposited. If you filed your return with one account and now want the refund to go to a different account instead, you have options depending on how far along the IRS is in processing your return.
The key is timing. If your return hasn't been processed yet, you can file an amended return or contact the IRS directly. If the refund has already been deposited to the wrong account, you'll need to work with your bank to reverse it or contact the IRS for help. The longer you wait after filing, the fewer options you have.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your bank account before the IRS deposits your refund, but the method depends on whether your return has been processed yet.
- If your return hasn't been accepted by the IRS, you can amend it using Form 1040-X or file a new return with the correct account information.
- If your return was already processed and the refund deposited to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready to request a reversal or recall.
- The IRS can help recover a misdirected refund, but the process takes weeks and requires documentation of the error.
- Check your refund status on IRS.gov using "Where's My Refund?" before taking any action to confirm whether processing has begun.
Check your refund status before you act
Before you change anything, find out where your return stands. Go to IRS.gov and use the "Where's My Refund?" tool. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. This tool tells you whether the IRS has received and accepted your return, is processing it, or has already issued the refund.
This step matters because your next move depends entirely on the answer. If the IRS hasn't accepted your return yet, you can amend it. If it's being processed, you may be able to contact the IRS to stop the deposit. If the refund has already been sent, you're working with your bank instead.
If your return hasn't been processed yet
The fastest option is to file an amended return using Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return). This form lets you correct information on a return the IRS hasn't finished processing. You'll fill out the form with your corrected bank account details and mail it to the IRS address for your state. The IRS processes amended returns in the order they arrive, which typically takes 16 weeks or longer.
Alternatively, if your return is still sitting in the IRS system and hasn't been accepted, you can contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 (the main tax line) and ask them to reject your return so you can file a new one with the correct account information. This is faster than waiting for an amended return to process, but it only works if the return truly hasn't been accepted yet. The IRS representative can check this for you on the call.
Do not file a second complete return thinking it will override the first one. Filing two returns with different information creates confusion and delays. Stick to one amended return or one new return after the first is rejected.
If the refund has already been deposited to the wrong account
Contact your bank when ready. Call the number on the back of your debit card or the phone number for the account that received the deposit. Explain that a tax refund was deposited to your account in error and you need it reversed or recalled. Banks can sometimes reverse recent deposits, especially if they haven't been touched. The window for this is usually a few business days, though it varies by bank.
Ask your bank for a written confirmation of the reversal or recall request. Keep this documentation. If the bank can reverse it, the money goes back to the IRS, which then reissues it to the correct account. This process takes about two weeks from the reversal date.
If your bank cannot reverse the deposit because too much time has passed or the money has been withdrawn, you'll need to contact the IRS. Call 1-800-829-1040 and explain that your refund was deposited to the wrong account. The IRS can initiate a Refund Trace, which is an investigation into where the money went. You'll need to provide the account number where it was deposited and proof that it was sent in error. The Refund Trace process takes 8 to 12 weeks.
What information you'll need to provide
Whether you're amending your return, calling the IRS, or working with your bank, have these details ready: your Social Security number, the tax year in question, the amount of the refund, the incorrect account number (routing number and account number), and the correct account number where you want the refund to go.
If the refund has already been deposited and you're asking for a reversal, also have the date of the deposit and the name of the bank that received it. If you're filing Form 1040-X, you'll need a copy of your original return and documentation of why the account information was wrong (for example, a bank statement showing the account was closed or a letter from your bank).
How long each option takes
| Situation | Action | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Return not yet accepted by IRS | File Form 1040-X (amended return) | 16 weeks or longer |
| Return not yet accepted by IRS | Call IRS to reject return and file new one | 2 to 3 weeks (faster than amended return) |
| Refund deposited to wrong account | Bank reversal or recall | 2 weeks from reversal date |
| Refund deposited to wrong account (too late for reversal) | IRS Refund Trace investigation | 8 to 12 weeks |
Preventing this problem next year
When you file your return, double-check your bank account information before you submit. Verify the routing number and account number against a blank check or your bank statement. A single digit wrong sends your refund to someone else's account, and fixing it takes weeks.
If you use tax software or a tax preparer, ask them to read back the account details to you before filing. If you file by mail, print your return and review the account information on the form itself before you sign and mail it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account after I've already filed my return?
Yes, but only if the IRS hasn't processed it yet. Check "Where's My Refund?" on IRS.gov to see the status. If it shows "Return Received" or "Being Processed," you can still amend it. If it shows "Refund Approved" or "Refund Sent," the money is on its way and you'll need to work with your bank or the IRS to redirect it.
What happens if I file an amended return but the original refund gets deposited first?
The original refund will go to the account on your first return. When the amended return is processed, the IRS will see the corrected account information and issue a second refund to the new account. You'll end up with the refund split between two accounts. Contact the IRS to consolidate them if this happens.
Can the IRS send my refund to a different person's account?
No. The account must be in your name or a joint account with your spouse (if you filed jointly). The IRS will not deposit a refund into an account belonging to someone else, even if you request it. If you need someone else to receive the money, you'll have to transfer it after it's deposited to your account.
What if I closed the account my refund was supposed to go to?
Contact your bank and ask what happens when a deposit is sent to a closed account. Most banks reject the deposit and return it to the IRS automatically. The IRS then reissues the refund, but this can take several weeks. In the meantime, check "Where's My Refund?" to see if the status changes to "Refund Sent" again with a new date.
Do I need a lawyer to recover a misdirected refund?
No. The IRS handles misdirected refunds through the Refund Trace process at no cost. You don't need a lawyer or a tax professional, though a tax preparer can help you file the amended return if you prefer. The IRS will work with you directly over the phone.