Use your checking account routing number, not your savings account

The routing number you give the IRS should be the nine-digit code for the bank branch where you want your refund deposited. If you have both a checking and savings account at the same bank, use the routing number for the account you're actually depositing into — usually your checking account. The routing number tells the IRS's bank which financial institution to send your money to; the account number tells them which specific account within that bank.

You'll find your routing number in three places: on the bottom left of any check from that account, on your bank's website (usually under account details or in the help section), or by calling your bank's customer service line. If you're unsure which number is which, your bank can confirm it over the phone in under a minute.

Key Takeaways

  • Your routing number is a nine-digit code specific to your bank branch, different from your account number.
  • If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, use the routing number for the account where you want the refund to land.
  • You can find your routing number on a check, your bank's website, or by calling customer service.
  • Double-check both your routing number and account number before submitting your tax return, because the IRS cannot correct a typo after filing.
  • If you discover an error after filing, contact the IRS directly rather than filing an amended return for a routing number mistake alone.

Where to find your routing number

The easiest place to look is a check from the account you want to use. Look at the bottom left corner. You'll see three groups of numbers: the first group (nine digits) is your routing number, the second is your account number, and the third is the check number. If you don't have a check handy, log into your bank's website and search for "routing number" — most banks display it prominently on the account details page.

If you can't find it online, call your bank's main customer service number (it's on your debit card or bank statement). Tell them you need the routing number for direct deposit, and they'll give it to you when ready. Some banks have different routing numbers for different regions or account types, so confirm you're getting the right one for your specific branch and account.

The difference between routing number and account number

These are two separate pieces of information, and the IRS needs both. Your routing number identifies your bank — it's the same for everyone at that bank branch. Your account number identifies your specific account within that bank — it's unique to you. Think of it like an address: the routing number is the city and street, and the account number is your house number.

On a check, the routing number comes first (nine digits on the left), then your account number (usually ten to twelve digits). When you enter them on your tax return, make sure you're putting each in the correct field. The IRS form will label them clearly, but it's straightforward to reverse them by accident.

What happens if you enter the wrong routing number

If you make a typo in your routing number, your refund will be sent to the wrong bank. The receiving bank will reject it because the account number won't match anything in their system, and it will bounce back to the IRS. This delays your refund by several weeks while the IRS processes the return and reissues it.

Once you've filed your return, you cannot change the routing or account number — the IRS cannot edit a filed return. If you realize the error before the IRS processes your return (usually within a few days of e-filing), you can file an amended return with the correct information. If the IRS has already sent the refund to the wrong bank, contact the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 to report the error and request a reissue. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the correct account information ready.

Using a savings account instead of checking

You can have your refund deposited into a savings account instead of checking, as long as you use that account's routing number. Some people do this to avoid spending the refund when ready or to keep it separate from everyday money. The process is identical — just make sure you're using the routing number for the savings account, not your checking account at the same bank.

If your bank uses the same routing number for both checking and savings (many do), it doesn't matter which account type you choose — the account number will direct the deposit to the right place. If you're unsure whether your bank uses one routing number or two, ask when you call to confirm the number.

Using a third-party account or prepaid card

Some people use prepaid debit cards, mobile payment apps, or accounts at credit unions instead of traditional banks. These accounts have routing numbers too, and you can use them for tax refunds. However, confirm with the card or app provider that they accept incoming direct deposits from the IRS — not all prepaid cards do. If the provider doesn't support IRS deposits, your refund will be rejected.

If you're using a credit union, the process is the same: find the routing number on their website or by calling, and enter it along with your account number. Credit union routing numbers work exactly like bank routing numbers from the IRS's perspective.

Double-checking before you file

Before you submit your tax return, verify both your routing number and account number one more time. Write them down from your check or bank website, then log into your bank account and confirm they match what's displayed there. A single digit wrong in either number will cause your refund to be rejected and reissued, costing you weeks of waiting.

If you're using tax software (like TurboTax or FreeTaxUSA), the software will usually ask you to enter the routing number and account number separately and may validate them before you file. Take advantage of this — it catches most typos before the return goes to the IRS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different bank's routing number if I want the money to go somewhere else?

No. The routing number must belong to the bank where you actually have an account. The IRS will reject any routing number that doesn't match a real bank, and if you enter a real routing number for a bank where you don't have an account, the deposit will be rejected when that bank can't find your account number in their system.

What if my bank merged with another bank and I'm not sure which routing number to use?

Call your bank or check your most recent statement — it will show the current routing number for your account after a merger. Banks update their routing numbers when they merge, and your account will have been assigned to the new routing number automatically. Use the current number, not the old one.

Do I need a different routing number if I'm filing jointly with my spouse?

No. You both use the same routing number and account number — the account where you want the joint refund deposited. It doesn't matter whose name is on the account; the IRS will deposit the full refund there based on the information you provide on the return.

How long does it take for the refund to arrive after the IRS processes it?

Once the IRS approves your return, the actual deposit usually takes one to three business days. However, the IRS can take weeks to process the return itself, especially during tax season. You can track your refund status on the IRS website using the "Where's My Refund?" tool, which updates every 24 hours.

What if I don't have a bank account and want my refund by check instead?

You can request a paper check instead of direct deposit on your tax return. You won't need a routing number or account number — just select the check option on the form. The check will be mailed to the address on your return, and it typically arrives within two to three weeks after the IRS approves your return.