You can change your bank details before the IRS deposits your refund, but the method depends on whether you've already filed

If you filed your tax return with the wrong bank account number or routing number, you have options—but they work differently depending on your situation. The IRS does not have a single online form to change banking information after filing. Instead, your path forward depends on whether your return has already been processed and whether the refund has already been deposited or rejected.

The fastest approach is to catch the error before filing and correct it on the return itself. If you've already filed, you'll need to contact the IRS directly or file an amended return, depending on how far along your refund is in the system. A rejected deposit (one that bounces back from the wrong account) creates a different timeline than a return that hasn't been processed yet.

Key Takeaways

  • If you haven't filed yet, correct your bank details on the return before you submit it—this is the simplest route and avoids delays.
  • If you've filed but the IRS hasn't processed your return, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a change before processing begins.
  • If your refund was deposited to the wrong account, contact that bank when ready to request a reversal, then file Form 8888 or an amended return with corrected information.
  • If your refund was rejected by the receiving bank, the IRS will hold it and mail you a check instead—you do not need to do anything, but the check takes four to six weeks.
  • An amended return (Form 1040-X) with corrected bank details takes eight to twelve weeks to process and should only be filed if the original return has already been accepted.

Correcting bank information before you file

This is the easiest scenario. If you're preparing your return and notice the account number or routing number is wrong, straightforward correct it in your tax software or on the paper form before you submit. Most tax software flags mismatched routing numbers automatically, so the error may catch itself.

Double-check the nine-digit routing number against your bank's website or a check, and verify the account number matches exactly. The IRS will reject a deposit if either number is wrong, so accuracy matters. Once you've corrected both fields, file normally. No follow-up is needed.

Contacting the IRS if you filed with wrong bank details

If you've already filed and realize the error within a few days, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time). Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready. The IRS can sometimes flag your return before it's processed and correct the banking information on their end.

This works only if your return hasn't been accepted into the system yet. Once the IRS has accepted and begun processing your return, they cannot change the bank details over the phone. Processing typically begins within 24 to 48 hours of filing electronically, so timing matters. If you're past that window, you'll need to use one of the other methods below.

What happens when a refund is deposited to the wrong account

If the IRS deposited your refund to an account that isn't yours, contact that bank when ready and explain that the deposit was made in error. The bank can reverse the deposit and return the funds to the IRS, though this process takes five to ten business days. Ask the bank for a written confirmation of the reversal request.

Once the bank has reversed the deposit, the IRS will receive the funds back. You then have two options: file an amended return (Form 1040-X) with the correct bank details, or contact the IRS to request that they mail you a check instead. If you choose the amended return route, processing takes eight to twelve weeks. If you choose the check, it will arrive by mail within four to six weeks after the reversal is complete.

Filing an amended return with corrected banking information

Form 1040-X is the amended individual income tax return. You file it only after your original return has been accepted by the IRS. On the amended return, enter your corrected bank account number and routing number in the banking information section, just as you would on an original return.

Mail Form 1040-X to the address listed in the instructions for your state. Do not file it electronically unless your tax software specifically supports amended returns for your situation. Processing takes eight to twelve weeks. During that time, you can check the status using the IRS's "Where's My Amended Return?" tool on IRS.gov, which updates every two weeks.

File an amended return only if your original return has already been accepted. If you file an amended return before the original is accepted, the IRS will reject it and you'll have wasted time. Call 1-800-829-1040 to confirm your original return's status before filing Form 1040-X.

When the IRS rejects your deposit and mails a check instead

If the bank rejects the deposit because the account number or routing number is invalid, the IRS will not attempt to re-deposit. Instead, they'll hold the refund and mail you a check. This is automatic—you don't need to request it or take any action.

The check will arrive by mail within four to six weeks of the rejection. The IRS will send it to the address on your return. If you move before it arrives, you can file a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service, or contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to update your mailing address. If the check is lost or never arrives, you can request a replacement by calling the IRS.

Using Form 8888 to split or redirect a refund

Form 8888 allows you to split your refund among up to three accounts or receive part as a check. You can only use this form on your original return before filing—you cannot use it to change banking information after the fact. However, if you're filing an amended return and want to redirect the refund to a different account, you can include Form 8888 with your amended return to specify the new account.

Include Form 8888 with Form 1040-X, and the IRS will deposit the amended refund to the account you specify. This takes the same eight to twelve weeks as a standard amended return. Make sure the account number and routing number on Form 8888 are correct before mailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank information online through IRS.gov?

No. The IRS does not offer an online tool to change banking information after filing. You must call 1-800-829-1040 (before your return is processed), file an amended return, or contact your bank if the deposit was already made to the wrong account.

How long does it take for a rejected deposit to come back as a check?

Once your bank rejects the deposit, the IRS receives notice within three to five business days. They then mail a check, which arrives within four to six weeks. Total time from rejection to check arrival is usually six to eight weeks.

What if I gave the IRS the right account number but the wrong routing number?

The deposit will be rejected because the routing number controls which bank receives the funds. Contact your bank to confirm the nine-digit routing number, then call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 if your return hasn't been processed yet, or file an amended return if it has.

Can I request that the IRS mail a check instead of depositing to the wrong account?

If you catch the error before filing, yes—straightforward leave the banking information blank on your return and the IRS will mail a check. If you've already filed with wrong information, you cannot change this preference without filing an amended return or contacting your bank to reverse the deposit.

Do I need to do anything if the IRS mails me a check because of a rejected deposit?

No. The IRS will automatically mail the check to the address on your return. straightforward wait for it to arrive. If you move, update your address with the Postal Service or call the IRS to notify them of the change.