Yes, you can change your bank information, but the timing and method matter
If you filed your tax return with one bank account but want the refund to go to a different account, you have options — but they depend on where your return is in the process. The IRS does not automatically update banking details after you file. You will need to contact the IRS directly or, in some cases, wait and redirect the deposit when it arrives.
The fastest route is to call the IRS before they process your return. If your return has already been processed and the refund is on its way, you cannot change the account through a phone call — you will need to use a different method. The key is knowing which stage your return is in right now.
Key Takeaways
- Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 before your return is processed to change your bank account information on file.
- If your refund has already been issued to the wrong account, you will need to contact that bank to redirect the deposit or wait for it to arrive and transfer it yourself.
- The IRS website shows your refund status through the "Where's My Refund?" tool, which tells you whether the return is still being processed or has been sent out.
- Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready when you call the IRS.
- If you filed electronically, the IRS typically processes returns within 21 days, so acting quickly increases your chances of catching it before the deposit is issued.
Calling the IRS to change your account before processing
The IRS phone line is 1-800-829-1040. When you call, have your Social Security number, filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.), and the exact refund amount from your return ready. The IRS representative can update your bank account information while your return is still in the queue, before the refund is actually sent out.
This method works only if your return has not yet been processed. Processing typically takes up to 21 days for electronic returns and longer for paper returns. The sooner you call after filing, the better your chances of catching it in time. If you wait until the refund has already been issued, a phone call will not stop the deposit.
Checking your refund status before you call
Before you call the IRS, check the "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website at irs.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount. The tool will tell you whether your return is still being processed, approved, or has already been sent to your bank.
If the status says your refund has been approved or sent, calling the IRS will not change the destination account — the money is already on its way to the original bank. In that case, you have two options: contact the bank that will receive the deposit and ask them to redirect it, or wait for the deposit to arrive and transfer it yourself to the correct account.
What to do if the refund has already been sent out
Once the IRS has issued your refund to a bank account, they cannot recall it or reroute it. However, the money does not always arrive when ready. Refunds typically take three to five business days to appear in a bank account after the IRS sends them, depending on your bank's processing speed.
Contact the bank that will receive the deposit. Explain that you filed your taxes with an old or incorrect account number and ask whether they can redirect the incoming deposit to a different account. Some banks can do this if you catch them before the deposit clears. If the bank cannot redirect it, you will need to wait for the deposit to arrive, then transfer the money to your correct account yourself.
Preventing this problem on your next return
Double-check your bank account number and routing number before you file. These numbers appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can ask your bank for them. Many tax software programs and tax preparers will ask you to confirm the account number twice to catch typos.
If you are filing on paper, write the account and routing numbers clearly and double-check them against a recent check or your bank statement. A single wrong digit can send your refund to the wrong account or cause the IRS to reject the banking information and mail you a check instead.
If the IRS mailed you a check instead
Sometimes the IRS cannot process the bank account information you provided — usually because of a typo or mismatch — and they mail a paper check instead. The "Where's My Refund?" tool will show this status. You can cash or deposit the check at your bank once it arrives, or contact the IRS to request a direct deposit to a corrected account if you prefer not to wait for the mail.
If you want to set up direct deposit for future refunds, you can do so through the IRS website or by calling 1-800-829-1040. This avoids the delay of waiting for a check to arrive and the risk of a check getting lost in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for the IRS to change my bank account information?
If you call before your return is processed, the change is usually made within one business day. However, the IRS still needs to process your return after that, which can take up to 21 days for electronic returns. Check "Where's My Refund?" to confirm the change was recorded.
What if I gave the IRS the wrong routing number instead of the wrong account number?
A wrong routing number will cause the IRS to reject the banking information and mail you a check instead. You can deposit the check when it arrives, or call the IRS to provide the correct routing number and request a reissue to your bank account. Reissuing takes additional time, so depositing the check is usually faster.
Can I change my bank account information through the IRS website?
No. The IRS does not allow you to update banking details through their website after you have filed. You must call 1-800-829-1040 or visit an IRS office in person. Calling is faster and available during business hours Monday through Friday.
What happens if the refund goes to a closed bank account?
The bank will reject the deposit and return it to the IRS. The IRS will then mail you a check, which takes several weeks. To avoid this, make sure the account you list on your return is open and active at the time you file.
Do I need to amend my tax return to change my bank account?
No. You do not need to file an amended return to change your banking information. A phone call to the IRS is enough if your return has not been processed yet. If it has been processed, you straightforward redirect the refund once it arrives.