How to Set Up Direct Deposit for Your 2025 IRS Refund or Payment

Direct deposit sends your IRS refund or payment straight to your bank account instead of waiting for a check in the mail

The IRS processes direct deposits faster than paper checks — typically within one to three business days after your return is accepted, compared to two to three weeks for a mailed check. You control where the money goes by providing your bank account details when you file your tax return or set up a payment plan. Direct deposit works whether you're receiving a refund, making a quarterly estimated tax payment, or paying taxes owed on your return.

You'll need your routing number and account number from your bank, and you must choose either checking or savings. The IRS cannot deposit to prepaid cards, money market accounts, or investment accounts — only standard bank accounts at a U.S. financial institution.

Key Takeaways

Direct deposit requires your nine-digit routing number and your full account number, both found on a check or through your bank's website or app.
You provide these details on your tax return itself (Form 1040, line 33a and 33b for refunds) or through IRS Direct Pay if you're making a payment.
The IRS processes direct deposits within one to three business days after accepting your return, much faster than mailed checks.
If you need to change your direct deposit information after filing, you must contact the IRS before the money is deposited — once sent, it cannot be redirected.

Where to find your routing and account numbers

Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check you have from your bank. The first set of numbers is the routing number (nine digits), followed by your account number. If you don't have a check, log into your bank's website or mobile app — most banks display both numbers in the account details or settings section, sometimes labeled "account information" or "bank details."

You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number. Have your account number ready when you call, since some banks ask you to verify it before providing the routing number.

Providing direct deposit information when you file your return

If you're receiving a refund, you enter your banking details directly on Form 1040 (the main individual income tax return). Lines 33a and 33b ask for your routing number and account number. You also select whether the account is checking or savings. Paper filers write these numbers in the boxes; e-filers enter them into the corresponding fields in their tax software.

Double-check the numbers before submitting — a single digit wrong sends your refund to the wrong account, and recovering it takes weeks of back-and-forth with the IRS and the receiving bank. Many tax software programs verify routing numbers automatically and will flag an error before you file.

Using IRS Direct Pay for tax payments

If you owe taxes and want to pay by direct debit from your bank account, use IRS Direct Pay on the IRS website (irs.gov). This is different from entering direct deposit on your return — Direct Pay is a payment method, not a refund delivery method. You log in, enter the amount you owe, select the payment date, and provide your routing and account number. The IRS withdraws the money on the date you choose.

Direct Pay is free and works for federal income tax, estimated tax payments, and payments on a payment plan. You can schedule a payment up to 120 days in advance. The IRS confirms the payment immediately and sends a confirmation number — keep this for your records.

Setting up a payment plan with direct debit

If you cannot pay your full tax bill at once, you can set up an installment agreement (payment plan) with automatic withdrawals from your bank account. The IRS charges a lower setup fee if you use direct debit ($31 for online agreements, $225 for phone or mail) compared to other payment methods. You authorize the IRS to withdraw a set amount on a date you choose each month.

You can set up a payment plan through IRS Direct Pay, by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, or by mailing Form 9465 (Installment Agreement Request). If you use Direct Pay or call, you provide your routing and account number during the setup. The IRS begins withdrawals after your agreement is approved.

What happens if you need to change your direct deposit information

Once you file your return with direct deposit details, you cannot change them through the IRS website or by phone. If you made a mistake or want to redirect your refund to a different account, you must contact the IRS before the refund is deposited. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your Social Security number, filing status, and the correct banking information ready.

If the refund has already been deposited to the wrong account, you'll need to contact that bank to request a reversal or transfer. The receiving bank can refuse to return the money, so acting quickly is important. The IRS can also help trace a misdirected refund, but the process takes several weeks.

Tracking your direct deposit refund

Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on irs.gov to check the status of your return and refund. The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. It shows whether the IRS has accepted your return, is processing it, or has approved your refund. Once approved, it displays the expected deposit date.

You can also download the IRS2Go mobile app, which sends notifications when your refund status changes. If you filed electronically, the tool is usually available within 24 hours of filing. Paper returns take longer to process — the IRS recommends waiting four weeks before checking the status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I split my refund between two bank accounts?

Yes. Form 1040 allows you to split a refund into up to three accounts. You enter the routing and account number for each account and the dollar amount or percentage you want sent to each one. This is useful if you want part of your refund to go to savings and part to checking.

What if my bank rejects the direct deposit?

The IRS will attempt the deposit, and if the bank rejects it (usually because the account number is wrong or the account is closed), the IRS mails a check instead. You'll receive a notice explaining why the deposit failed. Contact your bank to confirm the account is open and the number is correct, then contact the IRS if you want to try direct deposit again.

How long does direct deposit take if I file in April?

Direct deposit still takes one to three business days after the IRS accepts your return, regardless of when you file. However, processing times are longer during peak tax season (February through April), so the IRS may take longer to accept and approve your return. Filing early in the year speeds up the overall process.

Can I use direct deposit if I file a paper return?

Yes. Write your routing number and account number on Form 1040 in the spaces provided, just as you would on an electronic return. The IRS processes paper returns more slowly than e-filed returns, so your refund will take longer to arrive even with direct deposit.

Is direct deposit safe?

Direct deposit is as safe as any bank transaction. The IRS does not store your account number after the refund is deposited. If you're concerned about security, verify that you're on the official IRS website (irs.gov) before entering any banking information, and never provide your information to someone who calls or emails you claiming to be from the IRS.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.