Yes, you can change your bank account with the IRS, and you should do it as soon as the account closes or you switch banks

The IRS holds your bank account information for one reason: to deposit refunds and send payments. If your account number changes, closes, or you move to a different bank, the IRS's records become outdated. When that happens, a refund deposit bounces back to the IRS, and you have to wait for a paper check instead—a delay of several weeks. Changing your account takes minutes and prevents that problem.

You update your bank account through the same channels you use to file taxes or check your refund status. The method depends on whether you are filing a new return, correcting an old one, or straightforward updating information the IRS already has on file.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your bank account by filing a new tax return with the updated information, using Form 8453 if you filed electronically, or calling the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.
  • If you filed electronically and need to change the account before the IRS processes your return, you have three days to contact them and request a halt.
  • A closed or incorrect account causes your refund to be rejected and reissued by paper check, adding four to six weeks to the wait time.
  • The IRS does not update your account information based on a phone call alone—you must submit it in writing through a tax form, an amended return, or the IRS website.

Changing your account before the IRS processes your return

If you filed your return electronically and realized your bank account information is wrong before the IRS accepts and processes it, you have a narrow window to stop the deposit. The IRS typically processes returns within 24 hours of receipt, though during peak filing season this can take longer.

Call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and explain that you filed electronically with an incorrect account number. Ask them to place a hold on the return so you can file an amended version with the correct information. You must do this within three days of filing. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the year of the return ready when you call.

Once the IRS has accepted your return, you cannot stop the deposit through a phone call. At that point, your only option is to wait for the refund to be rejected by your bank, then request a reissue by paper check.

Updating your account after the IRS has already processed your return

If the IRS has already accepted your return and you need to change your bank account, you have two paths: file an amended return or update your information directly through the IRS website.

The faster option is to use the IRS's online account update tool at irs.gov. Log in with your credentials, navigate to your account settings, and update your bank information there. This change takes effect for future transactions—refunds, payments, or notices—but does not reverse a deposit that has already been sent or rejected.

If you prefer to file an amended return, use Form 1040-X for federal income tax. This form allows you to correct your bank account information along with any other changes to your return. File it by mail or electronically through a tax software provider. An amended return takes longer to process than an online update, typically four to six weeks.

What happens when the IRS tries to deposit to a closed or wrong account

When you file your return with a bank account number that is no longer active or belongs to a different account, the IRS sends the refund to that account. Your bank rejects the deposit because the account does not exist or the routing number does not match. The rejected deposit is returned to the IRS, which then issues a paper check instead.

This process adds significant time. A rejected electronic refund typically takes four to six weeks to be reissued as a paper check, plus mail delivery time. You can track the status of a rejected refund through the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool at irs.gov, which will show when the deposit was rejected and when a replacement check was issued.

If you know your account information is wrong before you file, correct it before submitting your return. If you discover the error after filing, update it when ready through the IRS website or by calling 800-829-1040 to request a hold.

Updating your account when you file a new return

The simplest time to may support your bank account information is correct is when you are preparing your return. Whether you file electronically or by mail, enter your current account number and routing number exactly as they appear on a blank check or your bank statement. Double-check both numbers before submitting.

If you use tax software, the program will ask for your bank account information during the filing process. If you file by mail, write your account number and routing number clearly on Form 1040 in the spaces labeled "Routing number" and "Account number." The IRS will not process a direct deposit without both pieces of information.

Getting your routing number and account number

Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. Your account number is the unique identifier for your specific account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of a blank check, in this order: routing number, then account number, then check number.

If you do not have a check, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number.

Write these numbers down exactly as they appear. A single digit wrong will cause the deposit to be rejected. If you are unsure, verify with your bank before submitting your return.

Changing your account if you owe taxes instead of receiving a refund

If you owe taxes and set up a payment plan or payment arrangement with the IRS, you can change your bank account for that payment through the IRS website or by calling 800-829-1040. The IRS will use the updated account to withdraw your payment on the scheduled date.

If you have already authorized a payment and need to change the account before the withdrawal date, contact the IRS when ready. Provide your new routing number and account number, and confirm the payment date. If the withdrawal has already been processed from your old account, you will need to contact your bank to trace the transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account over the phone?

The IRS will not update your account information based on a phone call alone. When you call, they can place a hold on your return if you filed within the last three days, but you must submit the corrected information in writing—either through the IRS website, a new tax return, or an amended return.

What if I gave the IRS the wrong routing number but the correct account number?

Your bank will reject the deposit because the routing number does not match your account. The refund will be returned to the IRS and reissued as a paper check. Update your information when ready through the IRS website or by filing an amended return to prevent this from happening again.

How long does it take for the IRS to use my new bank account information?

If you update your account through the IRS website, the change takes effect when ready for future transactions. If you file an amended return, the IRS processes it in four to six weeks. For current refunds already in process, the change may not explore—contact the IRS to confirm whether your refund will use the old or new account.

Can I change my account if I filed my return through a tax preparer?

Yes. You can update your account through the IRS website directly, or you can contact your tax preparer and ask them to file an amended return with the corrected information. The IRS website update is faster and does not require filing another return.

What if the IRS deposited my refund to the wrong account by mistake?

Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 with your return information. They can investigate whether the deposit was sent to the account you provided or if there was an error on their end. If the money went to the wrong account, the IRS can issue a replacement check, though this process takes several weeks.