Yes, TurboTax lets you split your refund into two accounts during filing
TurboTax allows you to direct your federal tax refund to two separate bank accounts in the same filing. You specify the first account normally, then add a second account and decide how much of your refund goes to each one. The IRS processes both transfers together when your return is accepted — they do not happen at different times.
This feature works only for federal refunds. State refunds cannot be split in TurboTax; each state return can direct money to one account only. If you want your state refund in a different account, you will need to change the account information on that separate state return.
The split happens during the filing process itself, not after you file. Once your return is accepted by the IRS, you cannot change where the money goes — so you need to decide on both accounts before you submit.
Key Takeaways
- You can split your federal refund between two bank accounts by entering both account numbers and routing numbers in TurboTax before filing.
- You decide the dollar amount or percentage that goes to each account — for example, $1,500 to checking and $500 to savings.
- Both transfers happen together once the IRS accepts your return; you cannot split a refund after filing.
- State refunds cannot be split in TurboTax and must go to a single account per state return.
- The IRS needs valid bank account and routing numbers for both accounts, or the entire refund may be delayed.
Where to enter the second account in TurboTax
The refund split option appears in the "Refund" or "Where's My Refund" section of TurboTax, usually near the end of the interview. After you enter your first bank account details (account number and routing number), TurboTax asks whether you want to split your refund. If you select yes, a second set of fields appears for the second account.
The exact location depends on which TurboTax product you use. In TurboTax Online, this section is typically in the federal return interview under the refund or payment method step. In TurboTax Desktop, it appears in a similar location during the interview flow. If you do not see the option, make sure you have selected "Direct Deposit" as your refund method — the split option only works with direct deposit, not checks or other methods.
You must enter the routing number and account number for both accounts exactly as they appear at your bank. A single digit wrong will cause the IRS to reject that account, and your entire refund may be delayed while the IRS tries to contact you.
How to decide how much goes to each account
TurboTax gives you two ways to split the money: by dollar amount or by percentage. You can enter a specific dollar amount for the first account and send the remainder to the second account, or you can specify a percentage for each. For example, you might send $2,000 to checking and the rest to savings, or 60% to one account and 40% to the other.
The most common approach is to put a fixed amount in one account (often checking, for when ready access) and send everything else to savings or another account. This way, if your refund is larger or smaller than expected, the split still makes sense — you get your spending money in checking and the rest goes to savings automatically.
If you choose percentages, make sure they add up to 100%. TurboTax will warn you if they do not, but double-check before you file.
What information you need for both accounts
For each account, you need the routing number and the account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank or credit union. The account number is the unique identifier for that specific account at that institution. Both pieces of information appear on the bottom left of a check, or you can find them by logging into your bank's website or calling the bank directly.
The accounts do not have to be at the same bank. You can split your refund between a checking account at one bank and a savings account at another, or between accounts at two completely different institutions. The IRS will process both transfers using the routing and account numbers you provide.
Make sure the account numbers and routing numbers are correct before you file. If even one digit is wrong, the IRS cannot deposit to that account. The deposit to the correct account will still go through, but the money meant for the incorrect account will be held while the IRS tries to contact you — a process that can take weeks.
Timing: when the money arrives in each account
Both deposits happen on the same day, once the IRS accepts your return. The IRS does not split the refund into two separate transactions that arrive at different times — it is a single refund split into two parts that are processed together.
The arrival time depends on your bank's processing speed. Most banks credit direct deposits within one to two business days of the IRS sending them. Some banks post the deposit the same day it arrives; others take an extra day. You can check your bank's policy by calling or checking their website.
The IRS typically accepts returns within 24 hours of filing if there are no errors or missing information. If your return is accepted on a Friday, the deposits may not arrive until the following Monday or Tuesday, depending on your bank's weekend processing.
What happens if one account number is wrong
If you enter an incorrect routing number or account number for either account, the IRS will attempt to deposit to that account and the deposit will fail. The money does not go to the other account automatically — instead, the IRS holds the failed portion and tries to contact you to correct the information.
This process can take several weeks. The IRS will send you a letter asking you to verify the correct account information. Once you respond, they reissue the deposit. During this time, your money is not in any of your accounts — it is held by the IRS.
To avoid this, verify both account numbers and routing numbers with your bank before you file. Call the bank, log into your account online, or check a recent check or bank statement. A few minutes of verification can save you weeks of waiting.
Splitting a refund with a tax professional or tax software other than TurboTax
Other tax software products, including IRS Free File partners, also offer refund splitting. The process is similar: you enter both accounts during the filing interview, specify how much goes to each, and both deposits happen together once the IRS accepts your return.
If you work with a tax professional or CPA, they can set up the split for you. You will need to provide them with both account numbers and routing numbers, and tell them how you want the refund divided. They will enter this information on your return before filing.
The IRS itself does not offer a way to split a refund after you file. If you file without splitting and later want to divide your refund, your only option is to receive the full amount in one account and then transfer money between your own accounts manually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I split my state tax refund the same way as my federal refund?
No. TurboTax does not offer refund splitting for state returns. Your state refund must go to a single account. If you want it in a different account than your federal refund, you will need to change the account information on your state return separately.
What if I want to split my refund three ways instead of two?
TurboTax only supports splitting into two accounts. If you need three accounts, you can receive the full refund in one account and then manually transfer portions to the other two accounts after the deposit arrives.
Can I change the split after I file but before the IRS accepts my return?
It depends on the timing. If your return has not been accepted yet, you may be able to amend it through TurboTax to change the split. Once the IRS accepts your return, you cannot change where the money goes. Contact TurboTax support when ready if you need to make a change before acceptance.
Do both accounts have to be in my name?
Yes. The IRS requires that both accounts be in the name of the person filing the return. You cannot split your refund into an account belonging to someone else, even a spouse or family member. Each person must receive their own refund in accounts under their own name.
What if one of my accounts is closed by the time the refund arrives?
If an account is closed, the deposit to that account will fail. The IRS will hold that portion of your refund and contact you to provide a new account number. The other deposit will go through normally. Provide the new account information as soon as you receive the IRS letter to avoid further delays.