You can change your bank account information before the IRS deposits your refund, but timing matters

If you filed your tax return with one bank account number and now want the IRS to deposit your refund into a different account instead, you have options — but they depend on whether the IRS has already processed your return. The IRS processes returns in batches, and once your refund enters the deposit pipeline, you cannot change the account number through a straightforward update. The method you use depends on where your return is in the processing cycle.

The simplest scenario is if you have not yet filed. You can enter the correct account number on your tax form before you submit it. If you have already filed, the path forward depends on whether the IRS has begun processing your return or has already sent the deposit.

Key Takeaways

  • If you have not filed yet, enter the correct account number on your return before submitting it — this is the easiest way to avoid the problem.
  • If you filed but the IRS has not yet processed your return, you may be able to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) with the new account number, though this delays your refund.
  • Once the IRS has already sent your refund to the original account, you cannot stop the deposit — you will need to contact your original bank to retrieve the funds or wait for them to be returned.
  • The IRS website and your tax software can show you the status of your return, which helps you understand whether you still have time to make a change.
  • If your refund was deposited into an account you no longer have access to, contact that bank when ready — they can help you recover the funds or redirect them.

Changing your account number before you file

This is the scenario where you have full control. If you have prepared your return but not yet submitted it to the IRS, you can change the account number directly in your tax software or on the paper form before you file.

On a paper return, the account number goes in the "Routing number" and "Account number" boxes on Form 1040 (or whichever form you are using). On tax software, these fields are usually in a section labeled "Direct Deposit" or "Bank Information." Double-check the routing number and account number against your bank statement or a blank check before you submit — the IRS will not catch a typo, and your refund will go to the wrong place.

Changing your account number after you have filed

Once you have submitted your return to the IRS, your options narrow. The first step is to check the status of your return using the IRS tool "Where's My Refund?" on IRS.gov. This tool tells you whether the IRS has received your return, is processing it, or has already approved it for deposit.

If the status shows "Return Received" or "Being Processed," the IRS has not yet sent the deposit. In this case, you can file an amended return using Form 1040-X and include the correct account number. However, filing an amended return restarts the processing clock — your refund will take longer to arrive. You will also owe any tax on the difference between what you originally reported and what the amended return shows, though in this case there is no difference except the account number.

If "Where's My Refund?" shows "Approved" or "Sent," the IRS has already processed your refund and sent it to the original account. At this point, you cannot stop the deposit through the IRS. You will need to contact your original bank instead.

What to do if your refund was already deposited to the wrong account

If your refund has already been deposited into an account you no longer have access to — because you closed the account, switched banks, or made a typo — contact the bank that received the deposit as soon as possible. The bank can see the incoming deposit and may be able to reverse it or redirect it before it settles.

If the deposit has already cleared and the account is closed, the bank can return the funds to the IRS, which will then reissue your refund. This process can take several weeks. The IRS will mail you a check or attempt to deposit it into a new account if you provide one.

If the account is still open but belongs to someone else (for example, you transposed two digits in your account number), the situation is more complex. Contact your bank when ready and explain what happened. The bank may be able to reverse the deposit if it has not yet cleared. If it has cleared, you may need to work with the other account holder or pursue the matter through your bank's dispute process.

How to contact the IRS if your refund went to the wrong place

If you need to report the problem to the IRS directly, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the year of the return ready. The IRS can confirm where your refund was sent and, if it has not yet been deposited, may be able to stop it — though this is not may provide once the refund has entered the banking system.

You can also visit an IRS office in person if you prefer to handle it face-to-face. Find your local office on IRS.gov under "Contact Us."

Preventing this problem on future returns

Before you file any return, verify your bank account information against a recent bank statement or a blank check. Write down the routing number (the nine-digit code at the bottom left of a check) and your account number (the longer code to the right of the routing number) and compare them to what you entered in your tax software or on the form. A single wrong digit sends your refund to the wrong place.

If you use tax software, most programs will validate your routing number against a database of real bank routing numbers. If your routing number does not validate, the software will flag it. Pay attention to these warnings — they exist to catch typos before you submit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my account number after I file but before the IRS processes my return?

You cannot change it directly through the IRS. Your only option is to file an amended return (Form 1040-X) with the correct account number. This restarts processing and delays your refund by several weeks. If your original return has not been processed yet, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to ask whether an amended return is necessary or whether they can update your information without one.

What happens if I close my bank account before my refund arrives?

If you close the account before the deposit clears, the refund will be returned to the IRS. The IRS will then reissue your refund as a check, which will be mailed to your address on file. This process takes several weeks. Contact the IRS to provide a new account number if you want them to attempt a direct deposit to your new bank instead.

How long does it take to get my refund back if it went to the wrong account?

If the account is closed or the deposit can be reversed, the timeline depends on your bank and the IRS. A reversal can happen within days if caught quickly. If the IRS has to reissue the refund, expect four to six weeks for a check to arrive by mail. A new direct deposit attempt may take two to three weeks.

Do I need to report the wrong deposit to my bank and the IRS, or just one?

Contact your bank first — they can see the deposit and may reverse it when ready. If the deposit has cleared and the account is closed, the bank will return the funds to the IRS automatically. You can also contact the IRS to report the problem and ask them to reissue your refund, but starting with your bank usually resolves the issue faster.

Can the IRS stop a deposit once it has been sent to my bank?

Once a refund has been sent to a bank for deposit, the IRS cannot stop it. Your bank receives the deposit instructions and processes them. If you catch the error before the deposit clears, your bank may be able to reverse it. After it clears, the only option is to have the bank return the funds to the IRS for reissue.