How to Update Your Bank Account Information With the IRS for Stimulus Payments

The IRS uses the bank account on file from your most recent tax return to send stimulus money

When the IRS sends a stimulus payment, it deposits the money to the bank account listed on your last filed tax return. If that account is closed, incorrect, or no longer yours, the payment bounces back to the IRS and gets held while they try to locate you. You cannot update your bank account directly through the IRS website or by calling them — there is no form for this. Instead, you update it by filing a new tax return or using the IRS's Get My Payment tool if one is available during an active stimulus program.

The timing matters. If you update your account information after the IRS has already sent your payment to an old account, the money will return to the Treasury and you will need to claim it on your next tax return or request a check instead. The sooner you update, the better your chances of the payment reaching you without delay.

Key Takeaways

The IRS pulls your bank account information from your most recent tax return, so filing a new return is the most direct way to update it.
If a stimulus program is active, the IRS Get My Payment tool may let you update your account and payment method in real time.
Payments sent to closed or wrong accounts are returned to the IRS and held; you can claim them on your next tax return or request a paper check.
If you filed jointly but only one spouse has access to the account, you may need to file an amended return or contact the IRS to split the payment.

Filing a tax return to update your account on record

The most reliable way to update your bank account with the IRS is to file a tax return for the current year, even if you do not normally file. When you file, you provide your current bank account number and routing number in the direct deposit section. The IRS uses this information for any refunds and, during stimulus periods, for stimulus payments as well.

You can file on your own using tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA), through a tax preparer, or using the IRS Free File program if your income is below the threshold for your filing status. The IRS Free File program is available at IRS.gov and includes options from companies like IRS Free File partners. When you file, make sure the account and routing number are correct — a single digit wrong will cause the payment to fail.

If you have already filed for the year and received a refund to the old account, you can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) with the new account information. This takes longer to process than a new return, but it updates your account on file for future payments.

Using the IRS Get My Payment tool during stimulus programs

When stimulus payments are being distributed, the IRS usually offers the Get My Payment tool on IRS.gov. This tool shows you the status of your payment and, in some cases, lets you update your bank account information directly without filing a new return. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, and street address to access it.

The Get My Payment tool is only available during active stimulus programs — it is not a permanent feature. If no stimulus program is currently running, this option will not be available. Check IRS.gov or news from the IRS to see whether a stimulus program is active and whether the tool is open.

If the tool shows your payment has already been sent to an old account, you usually cannot change it through the tool. In that case, you will need to wait for the payment to be returned and then claim it on your tax return, or contact the IRS to request a replacement check.

What happens when a stimulus payment goes to a closed or wrong account

When the IRS sends money to an account that no longer exists or has the wrong number, the bank rejects the deposit and returns it to the IRS. This process takes 10 to 14 days. Once the IRS receives the returned payment, it holds the money in your name and waits for you to claim it.

You claim a returned stimulus payment on your tax return by reporting it as income you received. The IRS will have already sent you a notice (usually Form 1444 or similar, depending on the stimulus program) showing the amount they tried to send. When you file your next return, you report that amount and the IRS credits it against any taxes you owe or includes it in your refund.

Alternatively, you can contact the IRS directly to request a paper check instead of waiting for the next tax season. The phone number is on your IRS notice. Paper checks take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive after you request them.

Updating your account if you filed jointly

If you filed a joint return and both spouses are may have access to to a stimulus payment, the IRS will send both payments to the account listed on that return. If only one spouse has access to that account, or if the account belongs to only one spouse, you may need to update the account information for the other spouse separately.

To do this, the spouse whose name is not on the account can file their own separate return for the year (instead of filing jointly) with their own bank account information. This tells the IRS to send their portion of the stimulus to a different account. You will need to decide whether it makes sense to file separately based on your tax situation — filing separately can change your tax liability, so consider consulting a tax preparer before making this change.

If you have already filed jointly and the payment went to an account only one spouse can access, contact the IRS with both Social Security numbers and explain the situation. They can sometimes split the payment or reissue it to a different account, though this is not may provide and may take several weeks.

Correcting your account number if you made a typo

If you filed a return with an incorrect account number — a transposed digit, a wrong routing number, or a number from a closed account — the payment will fail and be returned to the IRS. You cannot call the IRS to correct a single digit; you must file an amended return with the correct information.

File Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) with the correct bank account and routing number. Mail it to the IRS address for your state, which you will find in the Form 1040-X instructions. Processing an amended return takes 8 to 12 weeks, so if a stimulus payment is time-sensitive, you may want to request a paper check instead while you wait for the amended return to be processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call the IRS to update my bank account for a stimulus payment?

No. The IRS does not update bank account information over the phone. You must file a tax return, use the Get My Payment tool if available, or file an amended return. During high-volume stimulus periods, IRS phone lines are often overwhelmed and cannot handle account updates anyway.

What if I do not have a bank account and want the stimulus as a check?

File your tax return without providing bank account information, or leave the direct deposit section blank. The IRS will send your refund and any stimulus payment by paper check. Checks take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive. If you have already filed with an account and want to switch to a check, file an amended return without the account information.

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

If you file a new return, the IRS processes it in 21 days on average, though it can take longer during tax season. If you use the Get My Payment tool, the update is usually reflected within 24 hours. If you file an amended return, allow 8 to 12 weeks for processing.

Will the stimulus payment go to my new account if I update it after the payment is sent?

No. Once the IRS sends a payment, it cannot be redirected. If it goes to an old account, it will be returned and held. You will then claim it on your next tax return or request a paper check. Updating your account before the payment is sent is the only way to avoid this delay.

What if my bank rejected the deposit for a reason other than a wrong account number?

If your account was flagged for fraud, frozen, or had other issues, the bank will return the payment to the IRS with a reason code. The IRS will hold the money and send you a notice. Contact your bank to resolve the issue, then file an amended return with the same account number once it is cleared, or request a paper check.

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.