Yes, you can change your bank account in TurboTax at any point before you file

TurboTax stores your bank account details for two reasons: to receive your refund by direct deposit, or to pay your tax bill directly from your account. You can change either one up until the moment you electronically file your return. After you file, the IRS has already received your banking information, and changing it in TurboTax will not affect where your refund goes or where the payment comes from.

The process takes about two minutes. You navigate to the banking section of your return, delete the old account, and enter the new one. TurboTax will ask you to verify the routing number and account number match your bank's records — this step prevents typos from sending your refund to the wrong place.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your bank account information in TurboTax any time before you file electronically, but not after.
  • TurboTax uses your account details either to deposit your refund or to withdraw payment for taxes owed, depending on which you chose.
  • You will need your routing number and account number from your bank to enter a new account.
  • If you file first and then realize you gave the wrong account number, you must contact the IRS directly to redirect your refund.

Where to find and change your bank account details

The location depends on which version of TurboTax you use. In TurboTax Online, go to the Federal Taxes tab, then scroll down to Bank Account or Payment Method. In TurboTax Desktop, open your return and look for Refund in the left sidebar, then select Direct Deposit or Bank Account.

Click Edit or Change next to your current account. TurboTax will show you the last four digits of the account number you entered before. Select Remove or Delete to clear it, then enter your new routing number and account number. Do not skip the verification step — TurboTax will confirm these numbers match your bank's records before you can move forward.

If you are changing the account because you switched banks, log into your new bank's website or app to find your routing number (usually listed under account settings or in the FAQ) and your account number (printed on checks or visible in your account details). Write both down before you return to TurboTax.

The difference between changing your refund account and your payment account

If you are owed a refund, TurboTax asks where you want it deposited. This is your refund account. If you owe taxes, TurboTax asks which account to withdraw from. This is your payment account. You can use the same account for both, or two different accounts — the choice is yours.

The reason to use different accounts is usually caution: some people keep their refund in a separate savings account and their bill payments in checking. If you change one but not the other, TurboTax will remember both separately. Make sure you are editing the correct one before you save.

What happens if you change your account after filing

Once you electronically file your return, the IRS has received your banking information and will not check TurboTax again. Changing your account in TurboTax after filing does nothing — your refund will still go to the account you listed on the return you filed, and any payment will still come from that account.

If you filed with the wrong account number and realize it before your refund arrives, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the correct account information ready. The IRS can redirect a refund to a new account, but only if you call before the refund is processed — this usually means within a few days of filing. After the refund is sent, you will have to wait for it to arrive at the wrong account, then contact that bank to see if they can reverse it.

Changing your account if you are amending a return

If you file an amended return (Form 1040-X), you can change your bank account for that amended return. The amended return is a separate filing, so TurboTax will ask for banking information again. Use the same steps as above: navigate to the bank account section, remove the old account, and enter the new one.

The amended return will be processed separately from your original return. If your original return already sent a refund to the wrong account, amending the return will not redirect that refund. You will still need to contact the IRS about the original refund while the amended return is being processed.

Common reasons your bank account change might not save

TurboTax will reject your new account information if the routing number or account number does not match what your bank has on file. This usually happens because of a typo — double-check both numbers character by character against your bank statement or your bank's website. Routing numbers are nine digits; account numbers vary but are usually 10 to 12 digits.

Some banks use different routing numbers for different branches or for different types of transactions (direct deposit versus bill pay). If TurboTax rejects your routing number, contact your bank and ask specifically which routing number to use for direct deposit refunds. They will give you the correct one.

If you recently opened the account, your bank may not have fully activated it yet. Wait 24 hours and try again. If the account is still being rejected, call your bank to confirm the account is active and ready to receive deposits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account after I have already filed my return?

No. Once you file electronically, the IRS has your banking information and will not check TurboTax again. If you filed with the wrong account, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 before your refund is processed — usually within a few days — and they can redirect it. After that, you will have to wait for the refund to arrive at the wrong account and contact that bank.

What if I do not know my routing number?

Log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account settings or account details. The routing number is usually listed there. You can also call your bank's customer service line, or search online for "[your bank name] routing number" — most banks publish this information publicly. Write it down before you enter it in TurboTax.

Can I use a savings account instead of checking for my refund?

Yes. TurboTax accepts both checking and savings accounts for direct deposit refunds. You will need the routing number and account number for whichever account you choose. Some banks use the same routing number for both; others use different ones. Check your bank's website or call to confirm which routing number applies to your savings account.

What if my bank rejected the deposit after I filed?

This is rare but can happen if the account number was wrong or the account was closed. The IRS will attempt the deposit, and if it fails, they will mail a check to your address on file instead. This takes longer than direct deposit — usually two to four weeks. If you want to redirect the refund to a correct account before the check arrives, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

Do I need to change my account in TurboTax if I change banks?

Only if you want future refunds or payments to go to your new bank. If you have already filed this year, changing your account in TurboTax will not affect this year's refund — it will go to the account you listed on your filed return. For next year's return, you can enter your new bank account information when you file.