You can change where your refund goes at any point before you file

TurboTax lets you change your refund destination — whether that means switching from a paper check to direct deposit, changing which bank account receives the money, or updating the address where a check should arrive — right up until you submit your return to the IRS. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you're using TurboTax on a computer or phone, and whether you've already entered refund information once before.

The most important thing to know is that you control this choice, not TurboTax. Once you file, the IRS processes the refund based on the routing and account information you provided, so getting it right before you hit submit saves you weeks of waiting if something goes wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your refund destination any time before you file your return, including the day you submit it to the IRS.
  • Direct deposit to a bank account is faster than a mailed check — usually 21 days or less instead of four to six weeks.
  • If you're changing banks or account numbers, you'll need your new routing number and account number, which you can find on a blank check or by calling your bank.
  • TurboTax saves your refund choices, so if you file multiple years, you may need to update information that's no longer correct.

Finding the refund section in TurboTax on a computer

Open TurboTax and navigate to the section labeled "Refund" or "Where's My Refund." This appears in the left sidebar under the main tax form sections. Click into it, and you'll see options for how you want to receive your money.

If you haven't entered refund information yet, TurboTax will ask you to choose between direct deposit and a mailed check. If you've already filled this in during a previous session or earlier in this return, you'll see your current choice displayed. To change it, click the "Edit" or "Change" button next to your existing selection.

Switching to direct deposit or updating your bank details

Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your refund. The IRS typically deposits money within 21 days of processing your return, while a mailed check can take four to six weeks. To set up direct deposit or change your account information, you'll need three pieces of information: your bank's routing number, your account number, and whether the account is checking or savings.

Find your routing number by looking at the bottom left corner of a blank check from your bank, or by calling your bank's customer service line. Your account number appears on the same check, to the right of the routing number. If you're switching banks, make sure you're using the new bank's routing and account numbers, not your old bank's information.

Enter these details into TurboTax's direct deposit section. TurboTax will ask you to confirm the account type (checking or savings) and may ask you to re-enter your account number to verify it's correct. Double-check every digit before moving forward — a single wrong number means your refund goes to the wrong account and takes weeks to recover.

Changing to a mailed check or updating your address

If you prefer a paper check or need to change the address where it should be sent, select the "Check" option in the refund section. TurboTax will use the address you've already entered for your return — usually your current home address. If that address is wrong or outdated, you'll need to update it in the "Personal Information" section of your return before you file.

The IRS mails checks to the address on your return, so if you've moved since last year and haven't updated your address with TurboTax, your check will go to your old address. If you're expecting a refund but moved recently, update your address with the IRS using Form 8822 before filing, or contact the IRS directly to redirect a check that's already in the mail.

Using TurboTax on your phone or tablet

The mobile app works the same way as the computer version, but the layout is different. Open TurboTax on your phone and look for a section labeled "Refund," "Money," or "Where's My Refund" — the exact label varies depending on which TurboTax product you're using. Tap into that section to see your current refund choice.

To change your selection, tap "Edit" or the pencil icon next to your current option. You can then choose direct deposit or check, and enter or update your bank details the same way you would on a computer. Make sure you're in a place where you can see your banking information clearly, since entering numbers incorrectly on a small screen is straightforward to do.

What happens if you change your mind after filing

Once you've submitted your return to the IRS, you cannot change your refund destination through TurboTax. The information you filed is locked in. If you realize you made a mistake — entered the wrong account number, chose the wrong account type, or provided an outdated address — you have a few options depending on how far along the IRS is in processing.

If your refund hasn't been processed yet, you can file an amended return using Form 1040-X, which lets you correct information including your refund destination. This takes longer than your original return and may delay your refund by several weeks. If your refund has already been processed and sent to the wrong place, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the error and ask about recovery options.

Common mistakes to avoid when entering refund information

The most common error is transposing digits in your routing or account number. A single wrong number sends your refund to someone else's account. Before you file, read your routing and account numbers aloud to yourself, or have someone else read them back to you from your check or bank statement. This catches most typos.

Another frequent mistake is using an old account number after switching banks. If you've changed banks in the last few months, make absolutely sure you're using your new bank's routing number and your new account number, not the old ones. TurboTax may remember your previous year's information, so don't assume it's correct just because it's already filled in.

A third mistake is choosing the wrong account type — entering a savings account as checking, or vice versa. Your bank's system will reject the deposit if the type doesn't match, and your refund will be returned to the IRS, adding weeks to the process. Check your bank statement or call your bank if you're unsure whether an account is checking or savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I split my refund between two accounts?

Yes. TurboTax lets you divide your refund among up to three different accounts or a combination of direct deposit and a paper check. In the refund section, look for an option to "split refund" or "multiple refunds." You'll enter the amount going to each account and the routing and account numbers for each one.

What if I don't have a bank account?

You can choose to receive a mailed check instead. The IRS will send it to the address on your return. If you're unhoused or don't have a permanent address, you can use a shelter address, a trusted friend's address, or a general delivery address at your local post office. Update your address in TurboTax before filing.

How long does it take to get my refund after I file?

Direct deposit usually arrives within 21 days of the IRS processing your return. A mailed check takes four to six weeks. Processing time itself varies — the IRS typically processes returns within a few days to a few weeks depending on how busy they are and whether your return needs review.

What if my refund goes to the wrong account?

Contact your bank first to see if the deposit arrived in someone else's account at that bank. If it did, your bank can sometimes recover it. If your bank can't help, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and the amount of the refund. The IRS can issue a replacement check, but this adds several weeks.

Do I need to update my refund information every year?

TurboTax saves your information from year to year, so if your bank account hasn't changed, you don't need to update it. However, if you've switched banks, closed an account, or moved to a new address, you must update that information before filing. Check all your refund details carefully each year, even if they're already filled in.