How to Update Your Bank Account Information With the IRS

Why the IRS needs your current bank details

The IRS uses your bank account information to send you tax refunds and, in some cases, to collect taxes you owe. If the account number or routing number on file is wrong, your refund can be delayed for weeks or sent to the wrong account entirely. Updating your information takes a few minutes and prevents that frustration.

You may need to update your bank details if you closed an account, switched banks, or straightforward gave the IRS incorrect information when you filed. The IRS does not automatically know when you change banks — you have to tell them.

Key Takeaways

You can update your bank account information through your IRS online account, by mail, or by phone, depending on what you need to change.
If you filed a tax return with the wrong bank details, you can submit a new Form 8888 or call the IRS to request a change before your refund is processed.
The IRS will not process a bank account change after your refund has already been sent, so act as soon as you realize the information is wrong.
You will need your routing number and account number from a blank check or your bank's website to make the update.
If your refund was sent to the wrong account, contact that bank first — they can sometimes reverse the deposit and send it back to the IRS.

Updating your account before you file a return

If you have not yet filed your tax return for the year, the simplest approach is to enter the correct bank information directly on the return itself. On Form 1040 (the main individual income tax form), there is a section called "Refund" where you enter your routing number and account number. Double-check both numbers before you file — the IRS will not process a change after the return is submitted.

You can find your routing number on the American Bankers Association website by searching for your bank's name, or you can look at the bottom left of any check from your account. Your account number appears on the bottom right of the same check, or you can log into your bank's website and find it in your account details.

Changing your bank details after you have already filed

If you filed your return but realize the bank information is wrong, you have a narrow window to fix it — before the IRS processes your refund. The fastest way is to call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and speak to a representative. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the correct routing and account numbers ready. The IRS can update your information over the phone if you call soon enough.

If you prefer not to call, you can mail Form 8888 (Allocation of Refund) to the IRS address listed in your tax return instructions. Include a note explaining that you are correcting the bank account information from your original return. Mail it as soon as possible — the IRS processes refunds in the order they receive returns, and once yours is processed, a mailed correction will arrive too late.

Some tax software allows you to amend your return electronically before filing, which is faster than mailing. If you have not yet submitted your return to the IRS, check whether your software has an option to edit the refund information and resubmit.

What to do if your refund went to the wrong account

If your refund has already been deposited into the wrong account, contact that bank when ready. Explain that the deposit was made in error and ask whether they can reverse it. Many banks can reverse a deposit within a few days if you request it quickly. The money will then be returned to the IRS, which will reissue your refund to the correct account — but this process takes additional weeks.

If the wrong account belongs to someone else, that person's bank may be less willing to reverse the deposit without a formal request from the IRS. In that case, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and report the error. The IRS can file a claim with the other bank and work to recover the funds, though this is slower than a voluntary reversal.

Using your IRS online account to check your refund status

Once you have filed your return, you can check the status of your refund through your IRS online account at irs.gov. Log in with your username and password, or create an account if you do not have one yet. The "Where's My Refund?" tool shows you whether the IRS has received your return, whether it is being processed, and the expected deposit date.

This tool also shows you the bank account where the IRS plans to send your refund. If you see the wrong account listed, call the IRS when ready at the number above. The refund status page updates once per day, usually overnight, so check it regularly if you are waiting for a correction to take effect.

Updating your information for future years

If you want to make sure the IRS has your current bank details on file for next year's refund, you do not need to do anything special outside of tax season. straightforward enter the correct information when you file your next return. The IRS does not maintain a permanent record of your bank account — they only use the information you provide on each year's return.

If you are expecting a refund from a prior year that you have not yet received, and you know the bank account information was wrong, contact the IRS directly. They can sometimes reissue a refund to a new account if enough time has passed and the original deposit failed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the IRS to process a bank account change?

If you call the IRS and update your information before your refund is processed, the change usually takes effect within one to two business days. If you mail a correction, it can take two to three weeks to reach the IRS and be processed. The safest approach is to call as soon as you realize the error.

Can I change my bank account information if I owe taxes instead of getting a refund?

If you owe taxes and set up a payment plan or payment agreement with the IRS, you can update your bank account information through your IRS online account or by calling 1-800-829-1040. The IRS will use the new account for any automatic payments you have scheduled.

What if I do not have a blank check to find my routing number?

You can find your routing number by logging into your bank's website and looking at your account details, or by calling your bank's customer service line. You can also search for your bank's routing number on the American Bankers Association website at aba.com. Your account number is always available through your bank's website or app.

Will updating my bank account affect my tax return in any way?

No. Changing your bank account information does not change your refund amount, your tax liability, or anything else on your return. It only tells the IRS where to send the money you are owed or where to collect money you owe.

What happens if I give the IRS a bank account that is not in my name?

The IRS will attempt to deposit the refund into that account. If the account holder disputes the deposit or the bank rejects it because the name does not match, the refund will be returned to the IRS and reissued, which delays your money by several weeks. Always use an account in your own name or a joint account where you are listed as the owner.

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.