The IRS needs your bank details to deposit your refund directly

When you file your tax return, you can tell the IRS to send your refund straight to your bank account instead of mailing a check. The IRS calls this direct deposit. To use it, you provide your bank's routing number and your account number on your tax return — either on the paper form itself or during the filing process if you file electronically.

The IRS does not store your banking information permanently. Once your refund is deposited, that information is not kept on file for future years. You will need to provide your bank details again the next time you file, or use a different method to receive your refund.

Direct deposit is faster than waiting for a check in the mail. A refund sent by direct deposit typically arrives within one to two weeks of the IRS accepting your return, while a mailed check can take three to four weeks or longer.

Key Takeaways

  • You provide your bank's routing number and your account number on your tax return form or during electronic filing — the IRS does not ask for this information separately.
  • Direct deposit refunds arrive in one to two weeks instead of three to four weeks for a mailed check.
  • The IRS does not save your banking details after your refund is deposited, so you must enter them again each tax year.
  • You can use direct deposit for federal refunds, state refunds, or both if you file in a state with an income tax.
  • If you make a mistake entering your bank details, you can contact the IRS before your refund is processed to correct it.

Where to enter your bank information on your tax return

On the paper Form 1040 (the main federal income tax form), the direct deposit section is in the lower right area of the first page. You will see lines for routing number and account number, along with a checkbox for the account type — checking or savings.

If you file electronically through tax software or a tax professional, the software will prompt you to enter this information as part of the return. Most tax software platforms have a dedicated section labeled "Direct Deposit" or "Refund Method" where you type in your routing number and account number. The software will usually validate the routing number to catch typos before you submit.

If you file through a tax professional or CPA, they will ask you for your banking details and enter them into your return for you. Provide them with the exact routing number and account number from your bank — ask your bank if you are unsure where to find these.

Finding your routing number and account number

Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. Your account number is the number assigned to your individual checking or savings account. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks, if you have them. The routing number comes first, then the account number.

If you do not have checks, 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 them to provide your routing number and account number — have your account number or ID ready when you call.

Make sure you are entering the correct account type. If you are depositing into a checking account, select "checking." If it is a savings account, select "savings." Using the wrong type can delay your refund while the bank sorts out where the money should go.

What happens after you submit your return with bank details

Once the IRS accepts your return, it processes your refund and sends the deposit instructions to your bank. This usually takes one to two weeks from the date the IRS accepts your return. You can track the status of your refund using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website — it will tell you whether the IRS has accepted your return and whether your refund has been sent to your bank.

Your bank then receives the deposit and credits it to your account. Most banks post direct deposits within one business day of receiving them, though some may take longer depending on the time of day the deposit arrives and your bank's processing schedule.

If you filed early in the tax season, the IRS may hold your refund until a certain date (usually mid-February) before processing it, even if your return is accepted. This is standard practice and does not mean there is a problem with your return.

Correcting bank information before your refund is sent

If you realize you entered the wrong routing number or account number after you file, you can contact the IRS to correct it — but only before your refund is actually sent to your bank. Once the IRS has transmitted the deposit to your bank, it cannot be recalled or redirected.

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (the main IRS phone line) and explain that you need to correct your direct deposit information. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the correct banking information ready. The IRS representative will verify your identity and update your return if the refund has not yet been sent.

If your refund was already sent to the wrong account, contact that bank when ready to report the error. The bank may be able to reverse the deposit and return the funds to the IRS. You will then need to file an amended return or contact the IRS to arrange a new refund by check or direct deposit to the correct account.

Using direct deposit for state tax refunds

If you live in a state with an income tax, you can also request direct deposit for your state refund on your state tax return. The process is the same — you provide your routing number and account number on the state form or during state electronic filing. You can use the same bank account for both your federal and state refunds, or use different accounts if you prefer.

State refunds typically take longer to process than federal refunds because states have different processing timelines. Some states deposit refunds within two to three weeks, while others may take four to six weeks or longer. Check your state's tax authority website for information about state refund timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use direct deposit if I do not have a checking account?

Yes. You can use direct deposit with a savings account, money market account, or even some prepaid debit cards that have a routing number and account number. When you enter your information, select "savings" instead of "checking" if that is the account type you are using.

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

Contact the bank that received the deposit and report the error. The bank can reverse the deposit and return the funds to the IRS. You will then need to contact the IRS or file an amended return to arrange a new refund. Keep documentation of the error and the bank's reversal for your records.

Does the IRS keep my bank information on file for next year?

No. The IRS does not store your banking details after your refund is processed. You must provide your routing number and account number again when you file your next tax return if you want to use direct deposit again.

How long does it take for a direct deposit refund to show up in my account?

The IRS typically sends the deposit to your bank within one to two weeks of accepting your return. Your bank usually posts it within one business day of receiving it. In total, expect one to two weeks from the date the IRS accepts your return until the money appears in your account.

Can I change my bank account information after I file my return?

Only if you contact the IRS before the refund is sent. Once the IRS has transmitted the deposit to your bank, it cannot be changed. If you catch the error after the refund is sent, contact the receiving bank to report the mistake and ask them to reverse it.