Changing Your Bank Account for a Tax Refund

You can change your bank account information with the IRS, but the timing matters

If you filed your tax return with one bank account but want your refund sent to a different account instead, you have options — but they depend on where your return is in the process. The IRS can change the account on file if you catch it early enough, but once the refund has been issued, the money goes to the account you originally listed. The fastest way to make a change is to contact the IRS directly by phone before the refund is processed.

The key is speed. The IRS processes refunds in batches, and once your refund enters the payment system, changing the account becomes much harder. If you realize the mistake weeks after filing, you may need to wait for the refund to arrive in the wrong account, then transfer it yourself.

Key Takeaways

Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 as soon as you realize the account number is wrong — this is the fastest way to request a change before the refund processes.
Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount ready when you call, because the IRS will ask you to verify your identity.
If your refund has already been issued to the wrong account, you cannot reverse it through the IRS; you will need to wait for it to arrive and then transfer it yourself.
If you filed electronically and the account number was wrong, some tax software allows you to amend the return before it is accepted by the IRS.
The IRS does not accept account changes by email or through its website — phone is the only way to request this change.

Calling the IRS to change your account before the refund is issued

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 refund amount from your return ready. The representative will ask you to verify this information before making any changes.

Tell the representative that you filed with an incorrect bank account number and want to change it. They will ask for the correct account number, the routing number of the bank, and the account type (checking or savings). The representative will update your file on the spot, but this change only works if your refund has not yet been sent to the payment processor.

The IRS typically processes refunds in batches, and the timeline varies depending on how you filed. If you filed electronically, the IRS usually begins processing within 24 hours. If you filed by mail, it takes longer — sometimes several weeks. The sooner you call after realizing the mistake, the better your chances of catching it before the payment is issued.

What to do if the refund was already sent to the wrong account

Once the IRS has issued your refund to a bank account, the agency cannot recall it or redirect it. The money will arrive in the account you originally listed on your return, even if that account is closed or belongs to someone else.

If the account is still open and you have access to it, you can straightforward transfer the refund to your correct account once it arrives. If the account is closed, the bank will typically return the deposit and the IRS will reissue it — but this process can take several weeks or months. If the account belongs to someone else (for example, a former spouse or a tax preparer), you will need to contact that person to request the transfer, or contact the IRS to explain the situation.

In cases where the refund went to the wrong account and you cannot access it, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 again. Explain what happened and ask about the status of your refund. The IRS can sometimes issue a replacement check or reissue the refund to the correct account, but this requires documentation and takes additional time.

Changing the account before you file electronically

If you have not yet filed your return but you are using tax software to file electronically, you can correct the account information before you submit. Most tax software programs allow you to review your banking details on a summary screen before the return is transmitted to the IRS.

Check the account number, routing number, and account type carefully. A single digit wrong in the account number will send your refund to the wrong place. If you spot an error before hitting "submit" or "file," go back and correct it. Once the return is accepted by the IRS (usually within 24 hours of submission), you cannot change it through the software — you will need to call the IRS instead.

If you used a tax preparer and they entered the wrong account

If a tax preparer or accountant filed your return with the incorrect account information, contact them when ready and ask them to amend the return. Many tax preparers can file an amended return or contact the IRS on your behalf to request a change, especially if the error was their mistake.

If the tax preparer is unresponsive or unavailable, you can still call the IRS yourself at 1-800-829-1040 and request the change. You will need to verify your identity and provide the correct account details. The IRS does not require you to go through the preparer to make this request.

How to check the status of your refund

While you are waiting to see whether your account change went through, you can check the status of your refund using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website (irs.gov). You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount. This tool updates once per day and will tell you whether the refund has been issued and which account it was sent to.

If you called the IRS to change your account, check this tool a few days later to confirm that the change was recorded. If the tool still shows the old account number, call the IRS again and ask to speak with a supervisor to may support the change is made before the refund is processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my account number after the refund has been deposited?

No. Once the money arrives in the account, the IRS has no role in moving it. You will need to transfer it yourself from that account to your correct account, or contact the account holder if it is not your account.

What if I gave the IRS the wrong routing number instead of the wrong account number?

A wrong routing number will send your refund to a different bank entirely. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 when ready to request a correction. If the refund has already been issued, the receiving bank will likely reject the deposit and the IRS will reissue it, but this adds weeks to the timeline.

Do I need to file an amended return if I change my account number?

No. Changing your account number with the IRS is a separate request and does not require you to amend your tax return. The IRS will update your file without you filing Form 1040-X or any other amendment.

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

The change is made when ready when you call, but it only matters if your refund has not yet been issued. Once you hang up, the IRS system is updated. Check the "Where's My Refund?" tool a few days later to confirm the new account is on file.

What if the bank rejects the deposit because the account number is wrong?

The receiving bank will return the deposit to the IRS, and the IRS will reissue your refund. This usually takes four to six weeks. You can contact the IRS to request that the refund be sent to the correct account this time, or wait for the reissued check to arrive by mail.

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.