You can change your refund bank account, but the timing and method depend on whether you have already filed
If you have not yet filed your tax return, you can straightforward enter your new bank account details on the form itself — no separate step needed. If you have already filed and want to redirect the refund to a different account, the IRS does not offer a way to change it after submission. Your only option is to wait for the refund to arrive in the original account, then transfer it yourself, or contact the IRS directly if the return has not yet been processed.
The reason for this limitation is practical: once a return is in the IRS system, changing the bank routing and account number requires manual intervention by an IRS employee, which takes time and creates room for error. The IRS prioritizes speed over flexibility, so they process refunds to the account on file rather than pausing to make changes.
Key Takeaways
- Before you file, enter your new bank account number and routing number directly on your tax form — this is the fastest and safest way to redirect your refund.
- After you file, you cannot change the bank account through the IRS website or by phone; the refund will go to the account listed on your return.
- If you filed with the wrong account, you can contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to request a manual change, but this delays processing and is not may provide to work.
- Once the refund lands in the original account, you can transfer it to your new bank account yourself using your bank's transfer tools or a wire transfer.
Entering your bank details before you file
The safest moment to specify a bank account is when you are filling out your return, before you submit it to the IRS. On Form 1040 (the main individual income tax form), lines 33a and 33b ask for your routing number and account number if you want a direct deposit refund. You can also choose to receive a paper check instead, which gives you time to decide on an account later.
Make sure you have the correct routing number for your bank — this is a nine-digit code specific to your bank and the branch or region where your account is held. Your account number is the unique identifier for your specific account. Both are printed on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find them by logging into your bank's website or calling customer service. Entering either one incorrectly will send the refund to the wrong place, so double-check before you submit.
If you are using tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, or similar), the software will ask for these details as part of the filing process and will validate them against the bank's records before submission. This validation catches most errors before they happen.
What to do if you already filed with the wrong account
Once your return is submitted to the IRS, you cannot change the bank account through the IRS website, the IRS mobile app, or by calling the automated refund line. The IRS does not have a self-service tool for this change.
Your options are: contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040 and ask to speak with a representative who can request a manual change to your bank details. This is not a may provide process — the IRS can attempt the change only if your return has not yet been processed and sent to the bank. If processing has already begun, the change request may be denied, and your refund will go to the original account. Even when the IRS approves the change, it adds time to your refund.
The second option is to let the refund arrive in the original account, then transfer it yourself to your new account. This is often faster than waiting for the IRS to manually process a change request.
Transferring a refund after it arrives in the wrong account
Once the refund lands in your old bank account, you can move it to your new account using a few methods. The fastest is an internal transfer if both accounts are at the same bank — log into your online banking, select "Transfer Funds" or "Move Money", and move the amount from the old account to the new one. This usually completes within one business day.
If the accounts are at different banks, use an ACH transfer (Automated Clearing House), which is free and takes one to three business days. Log into your new bank's website, select "Add External Account" or "Link Account", enter the routing and account number of your old bank, and initiate a transfer. Your new bank will verify the account by depositing two small test amounts (usually under $1 each) into the old account; once you confirm those amounts, the full transfer can proceed.
A wire transfer is faster (same day or next day) but costs money — typically $15 to $30 per wire. Use this only if you need the money urgently. To wire, call your old bank's customer service line and provide the routing number, account number, and amount for your new bank. The bank will execute the wire and give you a confirmation number.
Checking the status of your refund
Before you contact the IRS or transfer money, check whether your refund has already been processed. The IRS offers a tool called "Where's My Refund?" on irs.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return. The tool will tell you whether the IRS has received your return, is processing it, has approved it, or has sent it to the bank.
If the status shows "Approved" or "Sent to Your Bank", the refund is already on its way or has arrived, and contacting the IRS to change the account will not work. If the status shows "Received" or "Processing", there is a narrow window to request a manual change, though success is not may provide.
You can also call the IRS refund line at 800-829-1040. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and expected refund amount ready. The automated system will give you the same information as the online tool, and you can press a button to speak with a representative if you need to request a change.
Avoiding this problem on next year's return
Once you have filed and received a refund, update your tax records with your current bank information. If you use the same tax software year to year, the software will remember your bank details from the previous year — verify they are still correct before you file. If you switch software or file by hand, write down your routing and account number in a safe place so you have it ready when you need it.
If you change banks during the tax year, update your records when ready. Do not wait until filing season to realize your old account is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the IRS send my refund to a different account if I call and ask?
The IRS can attempt to change your bank account only if your return has not yet been processed. Call 800-829-1040 and ask a representative to request the change. Success is not may provide, and the change adds time to your refund. If processing has already started, the request will be denied.
What happens if I enter the wrong routing number?
The refund will go to the wrong bank or account. If it goes to another person's account, that person's bank will eventually return it to the IRS, and the IRS will reissue it — a process that can take weeks. If it goes to a closed account, the bank will return it. Contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 to report the error and request a reissue.
How long does it take to transfer money between my old and new bank accounts?
An ACH transfer between different banks takes one to three business days and is free. A transfer within the same bank takes one business day. A wire transfer takes the same day or next business day but costs $15 to $30. Choose based on how urgently you need the money.
Can I change my bank account information after I file but before the IRS processes my return?
Not through a self-service tool. You must call the IRS at 800-829-1040 and request a manual change. The IRS will attempt it only if your return has not yet entered processing. Even then, the change is not may provide and will delay your refund.
What if my refund was sent to a bank account that is no longer open?
The bank will reject the deposit and return it to the IRS. The IRS will then reissue the refund, usually by check, to the address on file. This process takes several weeks. To speed it up, contact the IRS at 800-829-1040 and provide your current bank account information so they can reissue the refund via direct deposit instead.