You can change your refund payment method, but the timing and your options depend on where your return is in the IRS process

If you filed your tax return and want to change how you receive your refund—from direct deposit to a check, or to a different bank account—the steps you take depend on whether the IRS has already processed your return. The IRS processes returns in the order they are received, and once a refund is approved and sent out, you cannot stop it through the IRS. If your return has not yet been processed, you can file an amended return to change your payment method. If it has been processed, you will need to handle the refund once it arrives and then adjust your method for future years.

The key is knowing where your return stands right now. A tool on IRS.gov called "Where's My Refund?" tells you whether processing is still underway or complete. That answer determines what you can do next.

Key Takeaways

  • If your return has not been processed yet, you can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) to change your payment method before the refund is issued.
  • Once the IRS approves and sends your refund, you cannot recall it—you must receive it using the method you originally chose.
  • You can check the status of your return on IRS.gov using the "Where's My Refund?" tool, which tells you whether processing is complete.
  • If you provided the wrong bank account number for direct deposit, the IRS will return the funds to the bank, and you will receive a check by mail instead.
  • For future tax years, you can choose your payment method when you file your return or update it before filing by submitting Form 1040-X.

Check whether the IRS has processed your return yet

Before you take any action, find out where your return stands. Go to IRS.gov and use the "Where's My Refund?" tool. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool shows you one of three statuses: your return is still being processed, your refund has been approved and a payment date has been set, or your refund has been sent.

If the tool says your return is still being processed, you have time to file an amended return to change your payment method. If it says your refund has been approved or sent, the original payment method is locked in, and you cannot change it through the IRS. Write down the status message and the date shown—you will need this information if you decide to file an amended return.

File an amended return if processing is not yet complete

If "Where's My Refund?" shows that your return is still being processed, you can file Form 1040-X (Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) to change your payment method. You do not need to change any income or deduction amounts—you are only updating how you want to receive your refund. The form is available on IRS.gov and through most tax software providers.

On Form 1040-X, enter your original return information in the left column and your new payment method information in the right column. If you are switching from a check to direct deposit, provide your new bank account number, routing number, and account type (checking or savings). If you are switching from direct deposit to a check, leave the direct deposit fields blank. Mail the completed Form 1040-X to the IRS address listed in the form instructions for your state, or file it electronically if your tax software supports amended returns.

The IRS will process your amended return separately from your original return. Processing typically takes 8 to 12 weeks, though it can take longer during peak tax season. Once processed, your refund will be sent using the new payment method you provided. Keep a copy of your amended return and the mailing receipt or confirmation number for your records.

What happens if your refund has already been sent

If "Where's My Refund?" shows that your refund has been sent, the IRS cannot recall it or change the payment method. You will receive it using the original method you chose when you filed. If you chose direct deposit and provided an incorrect bank account number, the deposit will be rejected by the bank, and the IRS will automatically mail you a check instead—this usually takes an additional 2 to 4 weeks after the original payment date.

If you chose a check and it has been mailed, you will receive it at the address on file with the IRS. If the check is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or visiting your local IRS office. Have your Social Security number and the refund amount ready when you call. The IRS can issue a replacement check or, in some cases, a direct deposit to a bank account you provide.

Update your payment method for future refunds

When you file your next tax return, you can choose your payment method directly on the return form. Most tax software and the IRS Free File program ask you to select direct deposit or check before you submit. If you are filing by mail, Form 1040 includes a section for direct deposit information—fill it in completely, including your routing number and account number, to avoid errors.

If you want to change your payment method after you have filed but before the IRS processes your return, file Form 1040-X as described above. Once you have received a refund using a particular method, that method is set for that tax year and cannot be changed retroactively. Plan ahead for the next year by deciding on your preferred payment method before you file.

Common errors that delay or redirect your refund

The most frequent problem is an incorrect bank account or routing number on the direct deposit section of your return. If either number is wrong, the bank will reject the deposit, and the IRS will issue a check instead. The check is mailed to your address on file, which adds 2 to 4 weeks to your wait time. To avoid this, double-check your account and routing numbers against a blank check or your bank's website before you file.

Another common issue is providing a business account number instead of a personal account number, or vice versa. The IRS will reject the deposit if the account type does not match what you specified on the return. If this happens, you will receive a check by mail. A third mistake is transposing digits in your routing number—even one digit wrong will cause the deposit to fail. Verify both numbers character by character before submitting your return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my payment method after I have already filed my return?

Yes, but only if the IRS has not yet processed it. Use "Where's My Refund?" to check the status. If processing is still underway, file Form 1040-X with your new payment method. If processing is complete, you cannot change it—you will receive the refund using the original method.

What if I gave the IRS the wrong bank account number?

The bank will reject the direct deposit, and the IRS will mail you a check instead. This adds 2 to 4 weeks to your wait time. You will receive the check at the address on file with the IRS. For future refunds, verify your account and routing numbers before filing.

How long does it take to change my payment method using Form 1040-X?

The IRS typically processes amended returns in 8 to 12 weeks, though processing can take longer during peak tax season (February through April). Once your amended return is processed, your refund will be sent using the new payment method.

Can I split my refund between two bank accounts?

Yes. On your tax return, you can direct a portion of your refund to one account and the remainder to another account, or to a check. Your tax software or Form 1040 will have fields for multiple direct deposit accounts. Verify all account and routing numbers carefully before filing.

What if the IRS sends my refund to the wrong address?

If you filed by mail and the IRS has your old address on file, your check may be mailed there. Update your address with the IRS using Form 8822 (Change of Address) before filing your next return. If a check was sent to an old address, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a replacement check.