How to set up direct deposit for your tax refund

Direct deposit for taxes means the IRS sends your refund straight to your bank account instead of mailing a check. You provide your bank routing number and account number on your tax return, and the money arrives in 1 to 3 business days after the IRS processes your return — usually faster than waiting for a paper check.

You can set up direct deposit when you file your return, whether you file on paper or electronically. If you file electronically (which most people do now), the process takes about two minutes. If you file on paper, you write your bank details on the form itself.

Key Takeaways

  • Direct deposit requires your bank's routing number and your account number, both found on a check or by calling your bank.
  • You enter this information on Form 1040 (lines 33a and 33b) if you file on paper, or in the corresponding fields if you file electronically.
  • The IRS processes most returns within 21 days, and your refund arrives in your account 1 to 3 business days after that.
  • If you make a mistake entering your bank details, the IRS will mail a check instead, which takes 2 to 4 weeks longer.

Finding your bank routing number and account number

Your routing number and account number appear on the bottom left of any check from your account. The first nine digits are your routing number. The account number follows after that, usually 10 to 12 digits long. Do not include the check number at the far right.

If you do not have a check, call your bank's customer service line — the number is on your debit card or bank statement. Tell them you need your routing number and account number for direct deposit. They will give you both numbers over the phone. Some banks also show this information in their mobile app or online portal under account details.

Make sure you have the right account type selected. If you have both a checking and savings account, decide which one you want the refund to go to, and use the routing and account numbers for that specific account.

Entering your bank information on your tax return

If you file electronically through tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA, or the IRS Free File program), you will see a section asking for direct deposit information. Enter your routing number in the first field and your account number in the second field. The software will ask whether it is a checking or savings account — select the correct type.

If you file on paper using Form 1040, write your routing number on line 33a and your account number on line 33b. Check the box next to "Checking" or "Savings" to indicate your account type. Write clearly in blue or black ink so the IRS scanner can read it correctly.

Double-check both numbers before you submit or mail your return. A single wrong digit means the IRS cannot deposit the money and will mail a check instead, delaying your refund by several weeks.

What happens after you submit your return

Once the IRS receives your return, it processes it within 21 days under normal circumstances. You can check the status of your return using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return.

After the IRS approves your return, it sends the refund to your bank. Your bank then deposits it into your account within 1 to 3 business days. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days, so a refund approved on Friday may not appear until Tuesday.

You will receive an email or text notification from your bank when the deposit arrives (if you have signed up for those alerts). Check your account to confirm the money is there before you spend it, in case there was any delay.

What to do if you made a mistake with your bank details

If you realize you entered the wrong routing number or account number after you filed, contact the IRS as soon as possible. Call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 (the number for individual tax returns). Explain that you filed with incorrect bank information and provide the correct details. The IRS can update your information if your return has not yet been processed.

If your return has already been processed and the IRS attempted to deposit the money to the wrong account, the receiving bank will reject the deposit and return it to the IRS. The IRS will then mail a check to the address on your return. This process takes an additional 2 to 4 weeks. You can still call the IRS to provide corrected bank information, but they cannot may provide they will use it instead of mailing a check.

To avoid this problem, verify your routing and account numbers one more time before you submit your return. If you are unsure, call your bank and confirm both numbers match what you entered.

Direct deposit for state and local tax refunds

Most states allow direct deposit for state tax refunds using the same process as your federal return. When you file your state return (either on paper or electronically), you enter your bank routing and account numbers in the direct deposit section. Some states use the same form as your federal return; others have a separate state form.

State refunds are processed on their own timeline, separate from your federal refund. Some states process returns within 2 to 3 weeks; others take 4 to 6 weeks. Check your state's tax agency website for the current processing time. Your state will deposit the refund into your account 1 to 3 business days after it approves your return.

If you live in a state with local income tax (such as New York City or Ohio), you may also be able to set up direct deposit for your local refund. The process is the same: provide your routing and account numbers on your local tax return. Contact your local tax office for instructions specific to your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a savings account for direct deposit?

Yes. You can direct deposit to either a checking or savings account. Make sure you select the correct account type on your return and use the routing and account numbers for the account you choose. Some people use savings accounts to keep refunds separate from their regular spending money.

What if I do not have a bank account?

You can still file your return and receive a refund by check. The check will be mailed to the address on your return within 2 to 4 weeks of approval. Some people open a basic savings account at a bank or credit union just to receive their tax refund, since direct deposit is faster and safer than waiting for mail.

How long does direct deposit actually take?

The IRS processes most returns within 21 days. After approval, your bank receives the deposit and adds it to your account within 1 to 3 business days. Total time from filing to money in your account is usually 3 to 4 weeks, but can be faster if you file early in the tax season.

Can I change my direct deposit information after I file?

If your return has not been processed yet, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and provide corrected information. If your return has already been processed, the IRS cannot change the bank account. If the deposit was rejected, the IRS will mail a check instead. For future years, you can use different bank information on your next return.

Is direct deposit safe?

Direct deposit is secure as long as you enter the correct routing and account numbers. The IRS does not share your bank information with anyone else. The only risk is entering the wrong numbers, which would send your refund to the wrong account. Always verify your numbers before submitting your return.