Where the IRS sends your refund depends on the bank details you provide
The IRS deposits refunds directly to the bank account you list on your tax return. If that account is closed, incorrect, or belongs to someone else, the money gets sent back to the IRS, and you have to request it again—a process that adds weeks or months to when you actually receive it. Updating your account information before you file prevents this delay.
You can change your bank details in three ways: on the tax return itself before you file, through the IRS website after you file, or by contacting the IRS directly. The method you use depends on whether you have already submitted your return.
Key Takeaways
- If you have not yet filed, enter your correct bank account number and routing number directly on your tax return—this is the simplest route.
- After you file, you can update your bank information through IRS.gov using your filing status, Social Security number, and the exact refund amount from your return.
- The IRS needs your account number (the full number, not a shortened version) and your bank's nine-digit routing number, which you can find on a check or your bank's website.
- If the IRS has already deposited your refund to the wrong account, contact that bank's fraud department when ready—they can sometimes reverse the deposit.
- Changes made after filing take several business days to process, so update as soon as you know your account information is wrong.
Updating your account before you file your return
This is the fastest and most reliable method. When you fill out your tax return—whether on paper or using tax software—you will see a section for direct deposit information. Enter your account number and routing number exactly as they appear on your bank records.
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. You can find it on the bottom left of any check you have written, or by logging into your bank's website and looking under account details. Your account number is the full number associated with that specific account, usually printed on the bottom of your checks as well.
Double-check both numbers before you submit your return. A single digit wrong sends your refund to the wrong place. If you are using tax software, most programs will verify your routing number against the IRS database before you file, which catches many errors.
Updating your account after you have filed
If you have already submitted your return and realize your bank information is wrong, go to IRS.gov and use the Where's My Refund tool. This tool lets you update your direct deposit information if your refund has not yet been processed.
You will need your filing status, Social Security number, and the exact refund amount shown on your return. The IRS will ask you to confirm your new account number and routing number. Once you submit the change, it takes several business days to process. Check the tool again after a few days to confirm the update went through.
If the Where's My Refund tool does not let you make changes—usually because your refund is already in process—you will need to contact the IRS directly. Call 1-800-829-1040 during business hours. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount ready.
What happens if your refund went to the wrong account
If the IRS has already sent your refund to an incorrect account—either because you entered the wrong number or because someone else's account was used—contact the bank that received the deposit when ready. Call the fraud or disputes department and explain that a tax refund was deposited to an account in error.
Many banks can reverse deposits that were made to the wrong account, but they need to act quickly. The longer the money sits in the wrong account, the harder it is to recover. Provide the bank with your name, the refund amount, and the date it was deposited. They will investigate and may be able to return the funds to the IRS.
If the bank cannot reverse the deposit, or if the money has already been withdrawn, file a report with the IRS. Call 1-800-829-1040 and explain what happened. The IRS can issue a new refund check, though this adds another four to six weeks to the process.
Finding your routing number and account number
Your routing number appears on the bottom left of any check you have written. It is always nine digits. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display the routing number there.
Your account number is the longer number on the bottom of your checks, usually in the middle section. It is specific to your account, not your bank. Do not use a shortened version or a reference number—use the full account number as it appears on your check or in your online banking.
If you bank at a credit union, the process is the same. Your routing number and account number are on your checks or in your online banking portal. If you are unsure, call your bank's customer service line and ask them to confirm both numbers before you file your return.
Timing: when changes take effect
If you update your bank information before you file, the change is included in your return from the moment you submit it. The IRS will use the account you provided when they process your refund.
If you update after filing, the change takes several business days to process through the IRS system. During that time, your refund may already be in process to the old account. The IRS processes refunds in batches, so the timing depends on where your return is in the queue. Check the Where's My Refund tool to see the current status.
If your refund has already been sent out, updating your account information will not stop it. You will have to deal with the wrong deposit through the bank that received it, then wait for the IRS to issue a replacement refund.
Common mistakes that delay refunds
Entering a digit wrong in your routing number or account number is the most common error. The IRS system will reject the deposit if the routing number does not match a real bank, or if the account number does not match the account type you selected (checking versus savings). Always verify both numbers against your check or your bank's website.
Another frequent mistake is providing a savings account number when you selected checking, or vice versa. Make sure the account type you choose on your return matches the actual account you are providing the number for.
Some people provide a joint account number but only list one person's name on the return, which can cause the bank to reject the deposit. If the account is joint, make sure the name on your return matches the account holder's name at the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my bank account after the IRS has already sent my refund?
No. Once the IRS has issued the refund to a bank account, you cannot redirect it. If it went to the wrong account, contact that bank's fraud department to request a reversal. If the reversal fails, the IRS can issue a replacement refund, but this takes four to six weeks.
What if I do not have a bank account?
You can still receive your refund, but you will have to request a check instead of direct deposit. On your tax return, select the option for a paper check. The IRS will mail it to the address on your return. This takes longer than direct deposit—usually four to six weeks from when the IRS processes your return.
Do I need to update my bank account every year?
Only if your account information has changed. If you use the same account year to year, you do not need to update anything. If you switched banks or closed an account, update your information on the new return before you file.
How do I know if my routing number is correct?
Compare it to the routing number on one of your checks (bottom left, nine digits), or log into your bank's website and check the account details section. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask them to confirm it. The IRS will reject an incorrect routing number when processing your return.
What if the bank says they never received my refund?
Check the Where's My Refund tool on IRS.gov to confirm the IRS actually sent it. If the tool shows the refund was issued but your bank has no record of it, the deposit may have been rejected due to an incorrect account number or routing number. Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm where the refund was sent and request a replacement.