How to Update Your Bank Account Information With the IRS

The IRS accepts bank account updates through three channels, and which one you use depends on whether you're changing the account for refunds, payments, or both

You can update your bank account with the IRS by phone, mail, or through your online account on IRS.gov. The fastest route is calling the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the last dollar amount of your most recent tax refund ready before you call—the IRS uses these to verify your identity.

If you prefer not to call, you can mail Form 8822-B (Change of Address) if you're also moving, or straightforward write a letter to the IRS with your name, Social Security number, old bank account details, and new bank account details. Mail it to the IRS address for your state, which you can find on IRS.gov. Processing by mail takes four to six weeks.

For taxpayers with an IRS online account (created at IRS.gov using ID.me verification), you can update your bank account in the "Profile" or "Account Settings" section without calling or mailing anything. This is the fastest written method and takes effect within a few business days.

Key Takeaways

Calling 1-800-829-1040 is the fastest way to update your bank account, and the IRS can verify your identity using your Social Security number and last refund amount.
You can update your account online through your IRS.gov account if you have created one using ID.me verification.
Mailing a letter or Form 8822-B to the IRS takes four to six weeks but requires no phone call or online account.
Have your old and new account numbers, routing numbers, and account type (checking or savings) ready before you contact the IRS.
The IRS will not process a bank account update without proof of identity, so be prepared to provide your Social Security number and recent tax information.

What information the IRS needs to update your account

The IRS requires your new bank account number, the routing number for your bank, and the account type (checking or savings). You will also need to confirm your old account information if you had one on file, though the IRS can sometimes look this up if you provide your Social Security number and filing status.

If you are updating your account to receive a refund, the IRS will ask whether the account is in your name alone, jointly with a spouse, or in another arrangement. Joint accounts are allowed, but the IRS will not deposit to an account in someone else's name only. If you are updating the account for making payments to the IRS, you will need the same information, and the IRS will confirm the account can accept electronic withdrawals.

Updating your account by phone

Call 1-800-829-1040 and tell the representative you need to update your bank account. Have your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact dollar amount of your last refund or the last payment you made to the IRS. The IRS uses these details to confirm you are who you say you are.

The representative will ask for your new bank account number, routing number, and account type. They will read the information back to you to confirm it is correct before saving the change. The update takes effect when ready in the IRS system, though it may take one to three business days for the change to show in your online account.

Wait times to reach the IRS by phone vary by season. During tax season (January through April), hold times can exceed 30 minutes. Outside tax season, you may reach someone within 10 to 15 minutes. If you reach a busy signal, the IRS recommends calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Updating your account online through IRS.gov

To update your account online, you must first create an IRS online account at IRS.gov. The IRS uses ID.me, a third-party identity verification service, to confirm you are the account holder. You will need a valid government ID (driver's license or passport), a Social Security number, and a phone number or email address to set up the account.

Once your account is created and verified, log in and look for "Profile," "Account Settings," or "Tax Records" depending on which IRS tool you are using. The option to update your bank account is usually in the same section where you view your tax return information. Enter your new bank account number, routing number, and account type, then submit. The IRS will send you a confirmation email within a few minutes.

Changes made through your online account take effect within one to three business days. This method is faster than mailing and does not require a phone call, making it the best option if you have already set up an IRS account or are willing to do so.

Updating your account by mail

Write a letter to the IRS that includes your full name, Social Security number, current mailing address, old bank account number (if you had one on file), and new bank account number, routing number, and account type. You do not need to use a specific form unless you are also changing your address, in which case Form 8822-B is the official document, though a letter works too.

Mail your letter to the IRS address for your state. You can find the correct address on IRS.gov by searching "IRS mailing address" and selecting your state. Use certified mail with return receipt if you want proof the IRS received it, though this is not required. The IRS will process your request within four to six weeks and will not send you a confirmation letter unless there is a problem.

Mailing is the slowest method, so use it only if you cannot call or access your online account. If you are expecting a refund soon, calling or updating online is much faster.

What happens after you update your account

Once the IRS has your new bank account information, any future refunds will be deposited directly to that account. If you have a refund pending, the IRS will deposit it to your old account if the update was made after the refund was already processed. You can check the status of a pending refund on IRS.gov using the "Where's My Refund?" tool, which will tell you the deposit date and account ending in the last four digits.

If you updated your account for making payments to the IRS, the new account will be used the next time you set up a payment through IRS.gov or through a payment processor like the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS). Existing payment arrangements will continue to use the old account unless you specifically change them.

If you made a mistake when entering your new account information, contact the IRS again using the same method you used to update it. The IRS can change your account as many times as needed, and there is no fee or penalty for updating your information.

If the IRS deposits to the wrong account

If your refund was deposited to an old or incorrect account, contact your bank when ready and report it as a misdirected deposit. Your bank can attempt to recover the funds, though success depends on whether the account holder has already withdrawn the money. This process typically takes 10 to 20 business days.

At the same time, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and report the misdirected deposit. Provide the date the deposit was made, the amount, and the incorrect account number. The IRS will file a claim with your bank and may issue a replacement refund to your correct account, though this can take several weeks. Keep records of all communications with both your bank and the IRS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I update my bank account if I owe back taxes?

Yes. Updating your bank account does not affect your tax debt or payment arrangements. If you have a payment plan with the IRS, updating your account will change where future payments are withdrawn from, but it will not change the amount you owe or the payment schedule.

What if I update my account but then change my mind?

You can update your account again at any time using the same method. Call the IRS, log into your online account, or mail a new letter with your correct information. There is no limit to how many times you can change your bank account.

Do I need to update my account if I'm filing jointly with my spouse?

If the refund is going to a joint account, only one spouse needs to update the account. However, if you are filing jointly but want the refund to go to separate accounts, you will need to contact the IRS to set up a split deposit, which requires a phone call or in-person visit.

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

If you update by phone or online, the change takes effect within one to three business days. If you update by mail, allow four to six weeks. Refunds processed before your update is complete will go to your old account.

What if I don't have a routing number for my bank?

You can find your routing number on the bottom left of any check, on your bank's website, or by calling your bank directly. The routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank's location, not your account.

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.