Your refund usually comes as one payment, but the IRS can split it across two or more deposits if you request it

The IRS sends most refunds in a single deposit to your bank account or as one check. But you can ask them to divide your refund into two, three, or even more separate payments and send each to a different bank account or as a check. This is called splitting your refund, and you control how it happens—the IRS does not automatically split refunds on their own.

The split happens at the time you file your return. You cannot request it after you have already filed. If you did not split your refund when you filed and you want to change it now, you would need to file an amended return, which adds weeks to the process.

The most common reason people split a refund is to send part of it directly to savings while the rest goes to their checking account. Some people use it to pay down debt or send money to a family member's account in the same filing.

Key Takeaways

  • You request a split refund on Form 1040 (lines 33a through 33c) when you file your original return, not after.
  • The IRS can split your refund into up to three separate payments, each going to a different bank account or as a check.
  • All deposits arrive on the same day—splitting does not delay your refund or spread it across multiple weeks.
  • If you did not split your refund when you filed, you cannot add a split later without filing an amended return.
  • Splitting your refund does not change the total amount you receive or how long the IRS takes to process it.

How to request a split refund when you file

If you file on paper with Form 1040, you fill in lines 33a, 33b, and 33c to split your refund. Line 33a is your first amount (and the account it goes to), line 33b is your second amount, and line 33c is your third. You must provide the routing number and account number for each account you want the money sent to.

If you use tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, or others), the software walks you through the split refund option during the interview. You enter the amounts and account details, and the software fills in the form for you. Most software makes this straightforward—it usually appears as a checkbox or a section labeled "split refund" or "multiple refunds."

If you file electronically through a tax professional or CPA, ask them directly whether they can split your refund. Most can, but you need to tell them before they submit your return.

What information you need for each account

For each account where you want a portion of your refund sent, you need the routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies the bank or credit union) and the account number (the number of the specific account). You can find both on a check from that account, or by calling the bank or logging into your online account.

The account can be a checking account, savings account, or money market account at any U.S. bank or credit union. It does not have to be the same bank where your main account is. You can split your refund between accounts at different institutions if you want.

If you want one portion as a paper check instead of a deposit, you do not need account information for that portion—you just leave those lines blank and write in the amount you want as a check.

Timing: when each payment arrives

All portions of your split refund arrive on the same day. The IRS does not stagger them across different weeks or months. If your refund is approved and processed on a Tuesday, all three deposits (if you split it three ways) hit your accounts on that same Tuesday.

The total time from filing to receiving your refund depends on how the IRS processes your return, not on whether you split it. A refund typically arrives within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return if you file electronically and request direct deposit. Paper returns take longer—usually four to six weeks.

You can track the status of your refund using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. It shows one refund amount, not separate amounts, but it tells you when the IRS has processed it and when it will arrive.

What happens if you change your mind after filing

If you filed your return and requested a split, but you want to change it before the IRS processes your return, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and ask them to hold your return while you file an amended version. This only works if the IRS has not yet accepted your return—once they accept it, you cannot change the split without filing Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return).

Filing an amended return adds four to six weeks to the process, so it is worth getting the split right the first time. If you are unsure, you can always file without splitting and then split it on an amended return later, though that costs you time.

Common mistakes when splitting a refund

The most common error is entering the wrong routing or account number. If you do, the IRS will send that portion of your refund to the wrong account. The bank that receives it will usually reject it and send it back to the IRS, which then reprocesses it to the correct account. This can add two to four weeks to when you receive that portion.

Another mistake is splitting your refund between accounts at the same bank using the same routing number but different account numbers. This usually works, but some banks have limits on how many accounts can receive deposits in a single day. Call your bank before you file if you are splitting between multiple accounts there.

A third mistake is requesting a split refund but then forgetting which amounts you assigned to which accounts. Write down the split before you file, or take a screenshot of the confirmation page from your tax software.

Splitting a refund versus direct deposit

Direct deposit is how you receive your refund—it goes straight to your bank account instead of as a paper check. Splitting your refund is what you do with that direct deposit once it arrives. You can split a refund that goes to multiple accounts via direct deposit, or you can request one portion as a paper check and the rest as direct deposits.

Direct deposit is faster than a paper check (usually 21 days versus four to six weeks), so if you are splitting your refund, request direct deposit for at least the portion you want to receive first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I split my refund three ways?

Yes. Form 1040 allows you to split your refund into up to three separate payments. Each can go to a different account or one can be a paper check. You cannot split it more than three ways on a single return.

If I split my refund, does it take longer to arrive?

No. All portions arrive on the same day. Splitting does not change how long the IRS takes to process your return. The total time from filing to receiving your money is the same whether you split it or not.

Can I split my refund between my account and someone else's account?

Yes. You can send one portion to your account and another to a family member's account, a friend's account, or any other U.S. bank account. You just need the routing and account numbers for each account.

What if the IRS sends my split refund to the wrong account?

Contact the bank that received the deposit and report it as sent to the wrong account. The bank will reject it and send it back to the IRS. The IRS will then reprocess it to the correct account, which usually takes two to four weeks. To avoid this, double-check your routing and account numbers before you file.

Can I request a split refund after I have already filed?

No. You must request it when you file your original return. If you want to change it after filing, you have to file an amended return (Form 1040-X), which adds four to six weeks to the process.