The routing number you need depends on which bank account you want the IRS to use

The routing number is a nine-digit code that tells the IRS which bank or credit union to send your refund to. It is not the same as your account number. You need both pieces of information to set up direct deposit of your tax refund, and they must match the account you actually own — if they do not, the IRS will reject the deposit and mail you a check instead, which takes several weeks longer.

The routing number appears on the bottom left of your checks, or you can find it by logging into your bank's website, calling the bank's customer service line, or searching the American Bankers Association routing number database at routingnumber.aba.org. Credit unions use routing numbers too, and the process is identical.

If you are filing taxes electronically (through tax software or a tax preparer), the software will ask you to enter your routing number and account number during the direct deposit section. If you are mailing a paper return, you will write these numbers on the form itself — the IRS instructions tell you exactly where.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank or credit union branch, not your personal account.
  • You can find your routing number on a check, through your bank's website, or by calling customer service.
  • The routing number and account number must match an account in your name, or the IRS will mail a check instead of depositing electronically.
  • If you enter the wrong routing number, the IRS will catch the error during processing and send you a check by mail.
  • Some banks have multiple routing numbers for different regions or account types, so confirm you have the correct one for your specific branch.

How to find your routing number quickly

The fastest way is to look at a check from your account. The nine-digit number on the bottom left, before your account number, is your routing number. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's online portal — most banks display the routing number in the account details or settings section, sometimes labeled "bank information" or "account information."

If you cannot find it online, call your bank's customer service number (on the back of your debit card or on your bank statement) and ask for your routing number. Have your account number ready when you call. The representative will give it to you in seconds.

For credit unions, the process is the same. Your routing number is also called your transit number in some regions, but the nine-digit code is what you need for the IRS.

What happens if you enter the wrong routing number

If the routing number does not match a real bank or credit union, or if it belongs to a different institution than the account number you provided, the IRS will catch the mismatch during processing. The deposit will fail, and the IRS will mail you a paper check instead. This adds two to three weeks to your refund timeline.

You will not lose the money — it straightforward will not arrive by direct deposit. Once you receive the check, you can deposit it normally at your bank. If you realize the error before filing, correct it in your tax software or on the paper form before submitting. If you catch it after filing but before the IRS processes your return, you can contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a change, though this is only possible during certain windows of the filing season.

Routing numbers for joint accounts and accounts in another person's name

Your tax refund must be deposited into an account that is in your name, either alone or jointly with a spouse. If you are married and filing jointly, you can direct the refund to either spouse's account, but the account must have that person's name on it. You cannot deposit your refund into someone else's account — the IRS will reject it.

If you have a joint account with your spouse, use the routing number for that account. The IRS does not require both names to be on the account, only that one of the filers has ownership rights. If you are unsure whether your name is on the account, contact your bank before filing.

Banks with multiple routing numbers by region

Some large banks operate multiple routing numbers depending on which state or region your branch is in. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and other national banks each have several routing numbers. Using the wrong one for your region will cause the deposit to fail.

The safest approach is to check your own checks or your online banking portal — both will show the routing number tied to your specific account and branch. Do not rely on a general search result that lists "the" routing number for a major bank, because there may be several. When in doubt, call your bank and confirm the routing number for your account specifically.

Direct deposit timing and what to expect

If your routing number and account number are correct, the IRS will deposit your refund electronically. The timing depends on how you filed. If you filed electronically and chose direct deposit, the IRS typically processes the refund within 21 days of accepting your return, though many refunds arrive faster — sometimes within five to ten business days.

Once the IRS initiates the deposit, it usually reaches your bank within one to two business days. Some banks post deposits when ready; others hold them for a day. You can track your refund status using the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov, which updates once per day and will tell you when the deposit has been sent to your bank.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the routing number the same as my account number?

No. Your routing number identifies your bank or credit union; your account number identifies your specific account within that institution. Both are required for direct deposit. The routing number is nine digits and appears first on the bottom of a check; the account number comes after it and is usually longer.

Can I use a savings account routing number for my tax refund?

Yes. The routing number works the same way for savings accounts, checking accounts, and money market accounts. As long as the account is in your name and the routing number is correct for that account, the IRS will deposit your refund there.

What if my bank merged or changed names?

Your routing number may have changed. Check your most recent statement or log into your online banking to confirm the current routing number. If you are unsure, call your bank. Using an old routing number from before a merger will cause the deposit to fail.

Can I change my routing number after I file my taxes?

Only during a narrow window before the IRS processes your return. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 as soon as you realize the error. If your return has already been processed, you cannot change the routing number — the IRS will mail a check instead. You can then deposit the check at your correct bank.

Do I need a routing number if I want the IRS to mail me a check?

No. If you choose not to use direct deposit, you do not enter a routing number at all. The IRS will mail a paper check to the address on your return. This takes longer — typically three to four weeks — but requires no banking information.