The IRS accepts direct deposit for refunds and makes some payments by direct deposit, but you control whether it happens

The IRS does not force direct deposit on you. When you file a tax return, you can choose to have your refund sent to your bank account instead of waiting for a check. If you receive certain IRS payments — like advance Child Tax Credit payments or Economic Impact Payments — the IRS may have already deposited them directly if you provided banking details in a prior year. You can change your banking information or switch to a check at any time, and the choice you make on one return does not lock you in for future years.

Direct deposit to the IRS means the money goes from the federal government's bank to your personal checking or savings account. The process is straightforward: you provide your routing number and account number when you file, the IRS verifies those details, and if your return is approved, the money lands in your account instead of being mailed as a paper check. Refunds typically arrive within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though the exact timing depends on how you filed and whether the IRS needs to review your return further.

Key Takeaways

  • You provide your bank's routing number and your account number on your tax return to receive a refund by direct deposit.
  • The IRS accepts direct deposit for federal income tax refunds, and some taxpayers also receive Economic Impact Payments or advance Child Tax Credit payments this way.
  • Refunds by direct deposit typically arrive within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though some returns take longer if they require review.
  • You can change your banking information or request a check instead on any future return; there is no penalty for switching methods.
  • If you file by paper, you must request a check; the IRS does not accept direct deposit information on paper forms.

How to provide your banking information when you file

If you file electronically — through tax software, a tax preparer, or the IRS Free File program — you will see a section asking how you want your refund. Choose direct deposit, then enter your routing number and account number. The routing number identifies your bank; the account number identifies your specific account. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank to ask.

The IRS asks which type of account you are using: checking or savings. This matters because some banks process deposits differently depending on the account type. Choose the correct one. You do not need to do anything else; once you submit your return, the IRS has the information it needs.

If you file by paper, you cannot use direct deposit. You must wait for a check. The IRS does not accept banking information on paper tax forms, so if you prefer direct deposit, you will need to file electronically in a future year.

What happens after you submit your banking information

The IRS accepts your return and begins processing it. If your return is straightforward and contains no errors, the IRS approves it within a few days to a week. Once approved, the IRS sends your refund to your bank using the routing and account numbers you provided. Your bank then deposits the money into your account.

The entire process — from IRS approval to money in your account — usually takes 21 days or fewer. However, if the IRS needs to review your return (for example, if you claimed a large credit or if something on your return does not match IRS records), the process takes longer. The IRS website has a tool called "Where's My Refund?" that shows the status of your return and an estimated deposit date once the IRS has approved it.

If you provided incorrect routing or account information, the deposit will fail and bounce back to the IRS. The IRS will then mail you a check instead, which takes several weeks longer. For this reason, double-check your routing and account numbers before you submit your return.

Direct deposit for Economic Impact Payments and other IRS payments

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRS sent Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) to millions of people. If you provided your banking information on a prior tax return or through the IRS's "Get My Payment" tool, the IRS deposited those payments directly into your account. The same applies to advance Child Tax Credit payments sent in 2021.

The IRS retains banking information from prior years, so if you received a direct deposit refund in 2022, the IRS may use that same account for payments in 2023 unless you file a new return with different information. You can update your banking details by filing a new return or, in some cases, by using IRS tools on the IRS website.

If you did not receive a payment by direct deposit and believe you should have, you can contact the IRS or check your account to confirm the money did not arrive under a different name or date than you expected.

Changing your banking information or switching to a check

You are not locked into direct deposit. On your next tax return, you can provide different banking information, or you can choose to receive a check instead. Simply select the check option when you file, and the IRS will mail your refund. There is no fee or penalty for changing your method.

If you want to change your banking information for a return you have already filed, you cannot do so through the IRS website. You must file an amended return (Form 1040-X) if the original return has not yet been processed. Once the IRS has processed your return and sent the refund, it is too late to change the banking information for that year.

If your refund was deposited into an account you no longer have access to — for example, because you closed the account or changed banks — contact your bank first. The bank may be able to tell you whether the deposit was rejected. If it was, the IRS will eventually mail you a check, but this can take several additional weeks.

Protecting your banking information

The IRS website is secure, and providing your routing and account numbers through official IRS channels (the IRS website, IRS Free File partners, or a tax professional) is safe. However, be cautious about sharing this information elsewhere. Scammers sometimes pose as the IRS and ask for banking details over the phone or email. The real IRS does not contact people by phone or email to ask for banking information.

If you are filing through a tax preparer, make sure you are working with a legitimate professional. Ask for their credentials and verify them through the IRS website or your state's tax board. Never provide banking information to someone who contacts you unsolicited.

Once your refund has been deposited, monitor your account to make sure the money arrived. If you see an unexpected deposit or if your account is compromised, contact your bank immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a refund by direct deposit?

The IRS typically deposits refunds within 21 days of accepting your return. If your return requires additional review, it may take longer. You can check the status using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website, which shows an estimated deposit date once your return is approved.

What if I entered the wrong account number?

If your routing or account number is incorrect, the deposit will fail and the money will be returned to the IRS. The IRS will then mail you a check instead, which takes several weeks. To avoid this, verify your routing and account numbers before you file. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks, or you can call your bank.

Can I change my banking information after I file?

If your return has not yet been processed, you can file an amended return with updated information. Once the IRS has processed your return and sent the refund, you cannot change the banking information for that year. You can provide different information on your next year's return.

Does the IRS keep my banking information for future years?

The IRS retains banking information from prior returns and may use it for future payments unless you file a new return with different information or request a check. You can update your banking details by filing a new return or by contacting the IRS if you need to make changes before filing.

Is it safe to provide my bank account number to the IRS?

Yes, providing your routing and account numbers through official IRS channels is safe. However, be cautious about sharing this information with anyone who contacts you unsolicited. The real IRS does not ask for banking details by phone or email. Always verify you are using the official IRS website before entering sensitive information.