How to Change Your Bank Account for a Tax Refund

You can change your bank account for a tax refund by updating your information with the IRS before they process your return

The IRS deposits refunds into the bank account you list on your tax return. If you want the money to go to a different account — because you closed the old one, switched banks, or need it somewhere else — you have two windows to make the change: before you file, or after you file but before the IRS processes your return.

The timing matters. Once the IRS accepts your return and begins processing it, changing your account becomes harder and slower. The safest approach is to verify your account details before you submit, or to file early enough that you can still catch and correct the information if needed.

Key Takeaways

You can change your bank account on your tax return before filing by updating the routing number and account number in the direct deposit section of your return.
If you file electronically, the IRS usually accepts returns within 24 hours, after which changing the account requires contacting the IRS directly.
The IRS processes most returns within 21 days of acceptance, and changing your account after that point can delay your refund by weeks or months.
If the IRS deposits money into a closed account, the bank will reject it and send it back; the IRS will then reissue the refund, but this adds 4 to 6 weeks to the timeline.
You will need your routing number and account number from your bank, and you should verify both are correct before submitting your return.

Changing your account before you file your return

This is the easiest and fastest route. When you prepare your tax return — whether you use tax software, a tax preparer, or paper forms — you will enter your bank details in the direct deposit section. The form asks for your routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the unique number for your specific account).

Before you submit your return, double-check both numbers. Call your bank or log into your online banking portal to confirm them. A single wrong digit will cause the IRS to reject the deposit, and your refund will be mailed as a check instead — adding weeks to the wait. If you are unsure which account to use, verify it is the one you want the money in, not the one you are closing.

Once you file electronically, the IRS receives your return within minutes to a few hours. At that point, changing the account becomes more complicated. If you catch an error within a few hours of filing, contact your tax preparer or software provider when ready — they may be able to withdraw and resubmit your return before the IRS accepts it formally.

Changing your account after you file but before the IRS accepts your return

If you filed electronically and realize the account information is wrong within the same day, you have a narrow window. The IRS typically accepts e-filed returns within 24 hours. During that window, you can contact the IRS directly to request a withdrawal of your return before acceptance.

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and explain that you filed a return with incorrect bank information and want to withdraw it before it is accepted. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount shown on your return. If the IRS has not yet accepted the return, they can pull it back, and you can refile with the correct account information.

This option only works if you act quickly — within hours of filing, not days. Once the IRS formally accepts your return (which they will confirm in writing or through your tax software), withdrawal becomes impossible.

Changing your account after the IRS accepts your return

Once the IRS accepts your return, you cannot change the bank account through normal channels. The IRS has already locked in your direct deposit instructions and begun processing. At this point, your only option is to contact the IRS and request a change, which is slower and less reliable.

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and provide your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount. Explain that you need to change the bank account for your refund. The IRS will note your request in their system, but they cannot may provide the change will take effect before they process your return. If your return is still in the queue (usually within the first 21 days after acceptance), the change may go through. If processing has already begun, it likely will not.

The IRS does not have a formal online tool to change your account after filing. Phone is your only option, and wait times can be long, especially during tax season (January through April).

What happens if the IRS deposits into a closed or wrong account

If your refund is deposited into an account that no longer exists or that you do not have access to, the bank will reject the deposit. The money does not disappear — it returns to the IRS, which then reissues the refund as a check mailed to your address on file.

This process takes time. The bank rejection can take 5 to 10 business days, and the IRS then needs another 4 to 6 weeks to print and mail the check. In total, you are looking at 6 to 8 weeks from the original deposit attempt to receiving your check. You can track the status of your refund using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov, which will show when the deposit was rejected and when a check was issued.

If you know your account is closed or wrong before the IRS processes your return, contact them when ready. Waiting for the rejection and reissue cycle is much slower than fixing it now.

Using a different account type or a third-party service

The IRS will deposit into any account in your name at a U.S. bank, credit union, or other financial institution that accepts direct deposits. This includes checking accounts, savings accounts, and money market accounts. You cannot direct a refund to an account in someone else's name, even if you have access to it.

Some people use third-party services like PayPal, Square Cash, or other digital wallets to receive refunds. These services provide a routing number and account number that work like a bank account. However, these services are less stable than traditional banks — they can freeze accounts, change their terms, or close without notice. If you use one, verify the routing and account numbers are current before filing, because the IRS cannot help if the service changes or closes.

Finding your routing number and account number

Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check from your account. It is a nine-digit code. Your account number appears on the bottom center of the check, after the routing number. Both are also visible in your online banking portal under account details or settings.

If you do not have a check or cannot access your online account, call your bank's customer service line. Have your account number ready, and they will provide your routing number. Do not guess or use a number you think is correct — a single digit wrong will cause the deposit to fail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account if I already received my refund?

No. Once the IRS deposits your refund, the transaction is complete. If you received it in the wrong account, contact that bank to transfer the money to your correct account. The IRS cannot reverse or redirect a deposit that has already posted.

What if I filed a joint return but only one spouse's account information is correct?

The refund will go to the account listed on the return, regardless of whose name is on it. If the account is in one spouse's name only, the other spouse may have trouble accessing the money. Before filing, make sure the account is in both names or that both spouses have access. If you filed with the wrong account, contact the IRS to request a change before they process the return.

How long does it take the IRS to process a refund after I change my bank account?

If you change your account before filing, processing time is the same as any other return — usually 21 days from acceptance. If you change it after filing, the IRS will attempt to explore the change, but there is no may provide. If the change does not go through in time, your refund will be mailed as a check, adding 4 to 6 weeks.

Can I use a prepaid debit card to receive my refund?

Yes, as long as the card is issued by a bank or credit union and has a routing number and account number. Prepaid cards from retailers like Walmart or Target typically do not accept direct deposits. Check your card's documentation or call the issuer to confirm they accept IRS refunds before you file.

What if the IRS rejected my deposit and I never received the check?

Use the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov to check the status. If it shows a check was issued but you did not receive it, wait 30 days from the issue date, then contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report it missing. They can issue a replacement check or deposit, but this adds another 4 to 6 weeks.

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.