Why the IRS needs your current bank account details

The IRS uses your bank account information to send you refunds and tax credits directly, rather than by mail. If your account number or routing number changes — because you switched banks, closed an account, or opened a new one — the IRS needs the updated details so the money reaches you instead of being returned or delayed.

You might also need to update your account if you're expecting a refund, a child tax credit payment, or an economic impact payment (stimulus check). Sending money to an old account is one of the most common reasons people don't receive what they're owed.

Key Takeaways

  • You can update your bank account on your IRS online account at IRS.gov, which is the fastest method if you have a login set up.
  • If you file a tax return, you can provide your current account information on the return itself, and it will override any previous information on file.
  • The IRS does not accept bank account updates by phone, email, or mail — only through their website or on a filed tax return.
  • Changes made through your online IRS account take effect when ready, but changes on a tax return take effect once the return is processed.
  • If you do not have online access and are not filing a return, you will need to create an IRS online account or wait until your next return is due.

Updating your account through IRS.gov

The fastest way to update your bank account is through your IRS online account at IRS.gov. You will need to create a login if you do not already have one. Go to IRS.gov, select "Sign in" in the top right, and choose "Create an account" if you do not see an existing login option.

Once you are signed in, look for a section labeled "Account" or "Tax Records." From there, you should see an option to view or update your direct deposit information. Select that option, enter your new routing number (the nine-digit code for your bank) and account number, and confirm the account type — checking or savings. The system will ask you to verify the information before saving.

Changes made through your online account take effect right away. However, if the IRS has already begun processing a refund or payment to your old account, the update may not stop that payment. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 if you believe a payment was sent to a closed or incorrect account.

Providing your account information on a tax return

If you are filing a federal tax return, you can include your current bank account information directly on the return. This is often the simplest method if you are already preparing a return anyway.

On Form 1040 (the main individual income tax return), there is a section for direct deposit information. You will enter your routing number and account number there. If you are using tax software, the program will walk you through where to enter this information. If you are filing by mail, write the information clearly in the spaces provided on the form.

Bank account information provided on a tax return takes effect once the IRS processes that return, which usually takes two to three weeks for electronic returns and four to six weeks for paper returns. If you need the update to happen faster — for example, because a refund is coming soon — use your online IRS account instead.

Creating an IRS online account if you do not have one

To create an account, go to IRS.gov and select "Sign in" at the top right. Choose "Create an account" and follow the prompts. You will need to provide your Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), your date of birth, and a valid mailing address.

The IRS will ask you to verify your identity using one of several methods. You may be asked to answer questions about your credit history, provide a photo ID, or use a video call with an IRS representative. The process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Once your identity is verified, you can sign in and update your bank account information right away.

If you have trouble creating an account, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and speak with a representative. They cannot update your account over the phone, but they can help you set up online access or answer questions about the process.

What information you need before you start

Have your bank account details ready before you begin. You will need your routing number (the nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (the number that identifies your specific account at that bank). You will also need to specify whether the account is a checking or savings account.

You can find both numbers on a check from that account — the routing number is on the left side at the bottom, and the account number is in the middle. You can also call your bank or log into your online banking to find this information. Do not use a debit card number or credit card number; the IRS needs your actual bank account details.

What happens if you update your account after a payment is sent

If the IRS has already sent a refund or payment to your old account, updating your information will not redirect that money. Instead, the payment will either be returned to the IRS or held by your old bank, depending on whether the account is still open.

If this happens, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with the date you expect the payment and the account it was sent to. The IRS can research what happened to the payment and may be able to reissue it to your new account. This process can take several weeks, so it is best to update your account before any refund or payment is processed.

Updating your account if you do not file a tax return

If you do not file a federal tax return in a given year, the only way to update your bank account information with the IRS is through your online account at IRS.gov. The IRS does not accept bank account updates by phone, email, or mail.

If you do not have online access and cannot create an account, you will need to wait until you file your next tax return to provide updated information. In the meantime, if you are expecting a payment (such as a tax credit), you can call 1-800-829-1040 to speak with a representative. They can confirm whether the IRS has your current information on file, though they cannot change it over the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The IRS only accepts bank account updates through their website at IRS.gov or on a filed tax return. If you call the IRS, a representative can confirm what information they have on file, but they cannot change it for you.

How long does it take for a bank account update to take effect?

Updates made through your online IRS account take effect when ready. Updates provided on a tax return take effect once the return is processed, usually two to three weeks for electronic returns. If a payment has already been sent to your old account, it will not be redirected.

What if I enter the wrong routing number or account number?

If you discover the error before the IRS sends a payment, you can update the information again through your online account or by filing a corrected return. If a payment has already been sent to the wrong account, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the error and request a reissue to the correct account.

Do I need to update my account if I switch banks but keep the same account number?

Yes. Your routing number identifies your specific bank, so if you switch banks, you must provide the new routing number even if your account number stays the same. The IRS needs both pieces of information to send money to the correct place.

What if my account is in a different name than my tax return?

The account should be in your name or in your name jointly with a spouse. If the account is in someone else's name only, the bank may reject the IRS deposit. Contact your bank to confirm the account is set up to receive direct deposits in your name before providing the information to the IRS.