How to Update Your Bank Account Information With the IRS

The IRS needs your current bank account details to send refunds or make payments directly

The IRS uses your bank account information to deposit tax refunds and, in some cases, to collect taxes you owe. If you've moved banks, closed an account, or need to change where the IRS sends money, you'll update this information through one of three routes: your tax return, the IRS website, or by mail. The method you choose depends on whether you're filing a return soon and how quickly you need the change to take effect.

The IRS does not automatically know when you change banks. If you provide outdated account information on a return or have old details on file, the IRS may send your refund to a closed account, which delays your money by weeks or months while the bank returns it. Updating proactively prevents this problem.

Key Takeaways

The fastest way to update your bank account is to include the correct information on your next tax return, which the IRS processes when you file.
You can update your account information on IRS.gov using the online tool, which takes effect within one to two weeks for most situations.
If you've already filed and need to change your account before a refund arrives, use Form 8453 or call the IRS at 800-829-1040 to request a change in real time.
Have your routing number and account number ready; the IRS will not accept account changes by email or through a third-party tax software after filing.
If your refund was already sent to the wrong account, contact your bank when ready — they can sometimes reverse the deposit or redirect it.

Updating your account when you file your tax return

The simplest time to provide correct bank account information is when you prepare your tax return. On Form 1040 (the main individual income tax form), there is a section labeled "Refund" that asks for your routing number and account number. If you're using tax software to file, the software will prompt you to enter this information and will validate it before you submit.

Make sure the account is in your name or in the names of all owners on the return. The IRS will reject a refund sent to an account that doesn't match the tax return filer. If you're married and filing jointly, the account can be in either spouse's name or both names, but not in a child's name or someone else's.

When you file your return with correct account information, the IRS processes the refund to that account once your return is approved. This usually takes 21 days from the date you file, though it can take longer if the IRS needs to review your return.

Updating your account on IRS.gov if you've already filed

If you've already filed your return and need to change your bank account before the refund arrives, you can update it on the IRS website. Go to IRS.gov, find the "View Your Tax Account" tool, and sign in with your ID.me account (a free login service the IRS uses). Once logged in, you'll see an option to update your bank account information for direct deposit.

This online update takes effect within one to two weeks for most taxpayers. However, if your refund has already been processed and sent to your old account, this tool will not stop it — you'll need to contact your bank instead. The tool works best when you update your account after filing but before the IRS processes your refund.

You'll need your routing number and account number. You can find your routing number on the first few pages of your checkbook, on your bank's website, or by calling your bank. Your account number appears on your checks and in your online banking portal.

Changing your account if your refund was already sent

If the IRS already sent your refund to a closed or incorrect account, contact your bank when ready. Banks can sometimes reverse a deposit or redirect it to your new account, but they have a limited window to do so — usually 10 to 30 days depending on the bank. The sooner you call, the better your chances.

If your bank cannot recover the money, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 and ask to speak with a representative. Explain that your refund was sent to the wrong account and provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the amount of the refund. The IRS can issue a replacement check or attempt to recover the funds from the bank on your behalf, though this process takes several weeks.

Keep records of all calls to your bank and the IRS, including the date, time, and name of the person you spoke with. If the refund eventually arrives in your old account and your bank has closed it, the bank will return the money to the IRS, which will then send you a check by mail.

Using Form 8453 to request an account change

If you need to change your account information after filing but cannot use the IRS.gov tool, you can submit Form 8453 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Transmittal for an IRS e-file Return). This form is normally used to attach documents to an electronic return, but you can also use it to request a change to your bank account information.

Print Form 8453, fill in your name, Social Security number, and the correct routing and account numbers, and mail it to the IRS address listed on the form. Include a note explaining that you are requesting a change to your direct deposit information. Mail it as soon as possible — the IRS processes these requests in the order they arrive, and it can take two to four weeks.

This method is slower than using the IRS.gov tool, so use it only if you cannot access the online tool or if you prefer to submit your request by mail.

What information you need before you update

Before you contact the IRS or update your account, gather these details: your nine-digit routing number (the code that identifies your bank), your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits), and your account type (checking or savings). You'll also need your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Double-check your routing and account numbers before submitting them. A single digit wrong will send your refund to the wrong account. If you're unsure, call your bank or log into your online banking portal — both will show you the correct numbers.

If you use a prepaid card or a mobile payment app like Cash App or PayPal, you can use the routing and account numbers those services provide, as long as the account is in your name. However, some prepaid cards and payment apps do not accept IRS deposits, so contact the service first to confirm.

Common reasons the IRS rejects account information

The IRS will reject your bank account information if the account is not in your name, if the routing or account number is incorrect, or if the account has been closed. If you provide information for a joint account, make sure both account holders' names match the names on your tax return.

If the IRS rejects your account information, you'll receive a notice in the mail explaining why. Read it carefully and resubmit with the correct information. If you're unsure what the problem is, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and have your notice in front of you.

Some banks also flag IRS deposits as suspicious if the account has not received a large deposit before. If this happens, your bank may hold the deposit for a few days while they verify it. This is not a problem — the money will be released once the bank confirms it is legitimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my bank account information over the phone with the IRS?

The IRS prefers that you update your account through IRS.gov or on your tax return. If you cannot use those methods, call 800-829-1040 and ask a representative to help you. They can note your request, but the change may take longer to process than if you use the online tool.

What if I don't have a bank account yet?

You can still file your tax return and request a refund by check instead of direct deposit. On your return, leave the bank account fields blank and the IRS will mail you a check. Once you open a bank account, you can update your information for future refunds using the methods described above.

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

If you update your account on IRS.gov, the change takes effect within one to two weeks. If you include the correct account on your tax return when you file, the IRS uses it when processing your refund. If you mail Form 8453, allow two to four weeks.

What happens if I update my account after my refund has already been sent?

The IRS cannot recall a refund that has already been processed. Contact your bank when ready to see if they can redirect it. If not, the bank will return it to the IRS, which will send you a check by mail instead — a process that takes several weeks.

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

Yes. The IRS accepts both checking and savings accounts. When you update your information, you'll specify which type of account you have. Make sure the account is in your name and that you have the correct routing and account numbers for that account.

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.