The IRS accepts direct deposit for refunds through your bank account, and it remains the fastest way to receive money back
Direct deposit to the IRS sends your refund straight to your checking or savings account instead of waiting for a paper check. The process has not changed significantly for 2025 — you provide your routing number and account number when you file your tax return, and the IRS deposits the refund once your return is processed and approved.
The IRS does not charge a fee for direct deposit. Your bank may not either, though some banks flag incoming IRS deposits differently than other transfers. Refunds typically arrive within one to three business days after the IRS approves your return, compared to five to seven business days for a mailed check.
You can use direct deposit whether you file electronically or on paper, though e-filing is faster. You can also split your refund among up to three separate accounts if you want to direct portions to different banks or savings goals.
Key Takeaways
- You need your bank's routing number and your account number to set up direct deposit on your tax return.
- Direct deposit refunds arrive in one to three business days after the IRS approves your return, compared to five to seven days for a check.
- The IRS does not charge for direct deposit, and you can split your refund among up to three accounts.
- If you file on paper, write your routing and account numbers directly on the return form in the spaces provided.
- You can change your direct deposit information before the IRS processes your return, but not after.
Finding your routing number and account number
Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number is unique to your account at that bank. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks — the routing number comes first, then your account number.
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 both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number.
Make sure you have the correct routing number for your branch. Some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on which state or region your account is held in. If you enter the wrong routing number, the IRS will send the refund to the wrong bank, and you will have to contact both the IRS and that bank to recover it.
Entering direct deposit information on your tax return
If you file electronically through tax software or a tax professional, the software will ask for your routing number and account number as part of the return. Enter them exactly as they appear on your checks or in your bank account details — no spaces, no dashes, no extra characters.
If you file on paper, write your routing number and account number in the spaces labeled "Routing number" and "Account number" on Form 1040 or whichever form you use. The IRS instructions for your form show exactly where these boxes are. Write clearly in blue or black ink.
Double-check both numbers before you submit or mail your return. The IRS processes millions of returns and cannot contact you to confirm if a number looks wrong — it will send the refund to whatever account number you provided.
Splitting your refund among multiple accounts
If you want to send part of your refund to savings and part to checking, or divide it among accounts at different banks, you can split it into up to three separate deposits. This requires filing electronically or through a tax professional — you cannot split a refund on a paper return.
Tax software will ask you to specify an amount or percentage for each account. For example, you might send $1,500 to your checking account and $500 to a savings account. The IRS will make all three deposits at the same time once your return is approved.
Splitting your refund does not speed up the process or change how long approval takes. It is simply a way to direct different portions of your money to different places without having to transfer it yourself after you receive it.
What happens after you submit your return with direct deposit information
Once the IRS receives your return, it processes it and checks for errors or missing information. This usually takes a few weeks, though it can take longer if the IRS needs to verify something. You can check the status of your return using the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov, which updates once a day.
When the IRS approves your return and releases your refund, it sends the deposit instructions to your bank. Your bank then deposits the money into your account. This deposit usually shows up within one to three business days, though the exact timing depends on your bank's processing speed.
If your bank rejects the deposit for any reason — for example, if the account was closed or the routing number was wrong — the IRS will mail you a check instead. The IRS will not contact you first; you will simply receive a check in the mail several weeks later.
Changing or correcting your direct deposit information
You can change your direct deposit information after you file but only before the IRS processes your return. Once the IRS approves your return and releases the refund, you cannot change where it goes.
If you need to change your information, contact the IRS as soon as possible. You can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 or use the IRS website to amend your return. Have your Social Security number and the routing and account numbers you want to change ready.
If the IRS has already processed your return and sent the refund to the wrong account, you will need to contact your bank to see if they can recover it. The IRS cannot reverse a deposit once it has been made. Some banks can retrieve funds sent to a closed account or wrong account, but this process takes time and is not may provide.
Direct deposit for state tax refunds
Most states also offer direct deposit for state income tax refunds, though the process and timing vary by state. If you file a state return, look for direct deposit options on your state's tax website or in the state tax software you use.
State refunds are separate from federal refunds and may arrive at different times. Some states process refunds faster than the IRS, while others take longer. You can set up direct deposit for your state refund using the same routing and account numbers you use for your federal refund, or you can choose different accounts if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a direct deposit refund from the IRS?
The IRS typically approves returns within two to three weeks of receiving them. Once approved, the refund deposits into your account within one to three business days. If the IRS needs to verify information on your return, approval can take longer — up to several months in some cases.
What if I entered the wrong routing number?
If you entered the wrong routing number before the IRS processed your return, contact the IRS immediately to correct it. If the IRS has already sent the refund to the wrong bank, that bank may be able to return it, but you will need to contact both the IRS and the receiving bank. This process can take several weeks.
Can I use direct deposit if I do not have a bank account?
No, direct deposit requires a bank or credit union account with a routing number and account number. If you do not have a bank account, you will receive your refund by check. Some communities offer low-cost or free bank accounts specifically for people without banking access.
Do I have to use direct deposit, or can I still get a check?
Direct deposit is optional. You can choose to receive your refund by check instead by leaving the direct deposit fields blank on your return. Checks take longer to arrive but do not require a bank account.
Can I change my direct deposit account after the IRS approves my return?
No, you cannot change your direct deposit information after the IRS has processed and approved your return. If you need to change it, you must do so before the IRS processes your return. Contact the IRS as soon as possible if you need to make a change.