Where to find and change your bank account in TurboTax
In TurboTax, you change your bank account information in the section where you enter your refund details. The exact location depends on which version you are using — TurboTax Online, TurboTax Desktop, or TurboTax Live — but the process is similar across all three.
If you are using TurboTax Online, log in to your account and look for the section labeled "Refund" or "Where's My Refund." From there, you will see a field for your bank account details. If you are using TurboTax Desktop software on your computer, the bank account section appears in the "Federal Taxes" or "Refund" area of your return. You can usually find it by searching for "bank account" in the search box at the top of the screen.
The reason TurboTax asks for your bank account is so the IRS can deposit your refund directly into your account instead of mailing a check. This is called direct deposit. You will need your bank's routing number and your account number to make this change.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your bank account information at any time before you file your return, but not after the IRS has accepted it.
- You will need your bank's routing number (a nine-digit code) and your account number to update your bank details.
- If you have already filed and need to change your bank account, you must contact the IRS directly — TurboTax cannot make changes to a filed return.
- Direct deposit is faster and safer than a mailed check, and the IRS typically deposits refunds within 21 days of accepting your return.
How to locate your routing number and account number
Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank or credit union. Your account number is the unique number assigned to your checking or savings account. Both are printed on the bottom left of your checks, in a specific order: the routing number comes first, then your account number.
If you do not have checks, you can find both numbers by logging into your bank's website or mobile app. Most banks display your routing number and account number in the account details or settings section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to provide both numbers. Have your account information ready when you call.
Make sure you are entering the correct account type — checking or savings — because the IRS will reject the refund if the account type does not match the number you provide.
Changing your bank account before you file
If you have not yet filed your return, changing your bank account is straightforward. In TurboTax Online, navigate to the "Refund" section and look for the option to edit your bank account information. Delete the old account details and enter your new routing number and account number. TurboTax will verify that the numbers are valid before you file.
In TurboTax Desktop, the process is similar. Go to the "Federal Taxes" tab, find the refund section, and update your bank account information there. After you make the change, review it carefully to make sure there are no typos. A single wrong digit will cause the IRS to reject the deposit.
You can change your bank account as many times as you need before you file. Once you click the button to submit your return to the IRS, you will no longer be able to make changes through TurboTax.
What to do if you have already filed your return
If the IRS has already accepted your return, you cannot change your bank account through TurboTax. At this point, you must contact the IRS directly. The IRS has a process for updating your bank account information after filing, but it requires you to reach out to them, not to TurboTax.
Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (the main IRS customer service line) and explain that you need to change the bank account where your refund will be deposited. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount from your return ready when you call. The IRS representative will update your information in their system.
The sooner you contact the IRS after filing, the better. If your refund has already been sent to the old account, the IRS may be able to stop the deposit and redirect it, but this depends on timing. If the money has already been deposited into the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank to have the funds returned.
Common mistakes when entering bank account information
The most common mistake is transposing digits in the routing number or account number. A single wrong number will cause the IRS to send your refund to the wrong account or reject it entirely. Before you file, read both numbers aloud to yourself or have someone else read them back to you to catch any errors.
Another frequent error is selecting the wrong account type. If your account is a checking account but you select "savings," the IRS will reject the deposit. Check your bank statement or log into your bank's website to confirm which type of account you are using.
Some people also enter their debit card number instead of their bank account number. These are not the same thing. Your debit card number is printed on the front of your card, while your account number is on the bottom of your checks or in your bank's online system. Always use your account number, not your card number.
If your bank account information keeps getting rejected
If TurboTax tells you that your routing number or account number is invalid, first double-check that you have copied the numbers correctly. Look at your check again or log into your bank's website to verify. If the numbers are correct but TurboTax still rejects them, your bank may not be in the IRS's system yet, or there may be a temporary issue with the verification service.
In this case, you have two options. You can choose to have your refund mailed to you as a check instead of using direct deposit. This takes longer — typically three to four weeks instead of two to three weeks — but it avoids the problem entirely. Alternatively, you can wait a day or two and try entering your bank account information again, as temporary system issues usually resolve quickly.
If you continue to have trouble, contact your bank's customer service line and ask them to confirm that your account is set up to receive direct deposits from the IRS. Some very new accounts or accounts with restrictions may not be may be able to access for direct deposit initially.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account after I have filed but before the IRS accepts my return?
This depends on which version of TurboTax you are using and how long it has been since you filed. If you filed very recently and the IRS has not yet accepted your return, you may be able to log back into TurboTax and make the change. However, once the IRS accepts your return, you cannot change it through TurboTax and must contact the IRS directly.
What happens if I enter the wrong bank account and the refund gets deposited there?
Contact your bank when ready and explain that a refund was deposited into your account by mistake. Your bank can initiate a return of the funds to the IRS. You will then need to contact the IRS to provide your correct bank account information so they can send the refund to the right place. This process can take several weeks.
Do I need to use the same bank account that I used last year?
No. You can change your bank account every year, or even multiple times within the same year before you file. Just make sure the account you enter is active and set up to receive direct deposits.
Is it safe to give TurboTax my bank account number?
Yes. TurboTax uses encryption to protect your information, and your bank account details are only sent to the IRS when you file your return. TurboTax does not store or use your bank account information for any other purpose.
Can I change my bank account if I am filing jointly with a spouse?
Yes. If you are filing a joint return, the refund will be deposited into whichever account you list on the return. Both spouses must agree on which account to use. You can change this account the same way you would for a single return — by updating the bank account section before you file.