The IRS will deposit your 2025 tax refund directly into your bank account if you provide routing and account numbers on your return

Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a federal tax refund. The IRS sends money electronically to the bank account you list on your tax return — you do not have to wait for a check to arrive by mail. The process works the same way whether you file on paper or electronically, though e-filing is faster overall.

You need three pieces of information to set up direct deposit: your bank's routing number, your account number, and the account type (checking or savings). The IRS deposits refunds into the account you specify, usually within 21 days of accepting your return if you file electronically. Paper returns take longer because they must be processed and entered into the system first.

Direct deposit is free and does not require you to have a special account type or minimum balance. Any bank, credit union, or financial institution that accepts ACH transfers can receive your refund.

Key Takeaways

  • You provide your bank routing number and account number directly on your tax return, either on Form 1040 (lines 33a and 33b) or through your tax software.
  • The IRS typically deposits refunds within 21 days of accepting an electronically filed return, but paper returns can take six to eight weeks.
  • You can split your refund among up to three different accounts at the same time if you want to divide the money between checking, savings, or other accounts.
  • If you file jointly with a spouse, both names must appear on the account, or the IRS may reject the deposit and send a check instead.
  • The IRS Where's My Refund tool lets you track your refund status and see the expected deposit date once your return is processed.

Where to find your bank's routing number

Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your financial institution to the IRS. You can find it in several places: at the bottom left of any check you have from that account, on your bank's website (usually under account information or help), or by calling your bank's customer service line.

Make sure you have the correct routing number for the specific branch or account type. Some large banks have different routing numbers for different regions or account types. If you enter the wrong number, the IRS will reject the deposit and mail a check instead, which delays your refund by several weeks.

How to enter your direct deposit information on your return

If you file Form 1040 on paper, you enter your routing number on line 33a and your account number on line 33b. You also check a box to indicate whether the account is checking or savings. The form has space for only one account.

If you use tax software to file electronically, the software walks you through the direct deposit section and usually validates your routing number as you type it. Most software also lets you split your refund among multiple accounts — you can send part to checking and part to savings, for example. This option is not available on the paper form.

Double-check your account number before submitting. The IRS cannot correct a typo after you file; if the number is wrong, your refund goes to the wrong account or is rejected and sent by check.

Joint returns and accounts in both names

If you file a joint return with your spouse, the account must be in both of your names, or the IRS may reject the deposit. The IRS does not deposit joint refunds into accounts that list only one spouse's name. If your account is in only one name, you have two options: add your spouse's name to the account before filing, or use a different account that is in both names.

If you cannot add your spouse's name before filing, you can still file the return and have the refund mailed as a check. You and your spouse can then deposit it together into a joint account, though this takes longer.

Splitting your refund among multiple accounts

The IRS lets you split your refund into up to three separate deposits if you file electronically. This is useful if you want to send part of your refund to savings and part to checking, or to different accounts entirely. You cannot split a refund on a paper return.

To split your refund, you provide routing and account numbers for each account in your tax software. You also specify the dollar amount or percentage you want sent to each account. For example, you could send $1,500 to savings and the remainder to checking. The IRS processes all three deposits at the same time, usually within 21 days of accepting your return.

Tracking your refund and deposit date

The IRS Where's My Refund tool shows you the status of your return and tells you when your refund will be deposited. You can access it on IRS.gov or through the IRS mobile app. You need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount to use the tool.

The tool updates once per day, usually overnight. It shows three statuses: received (the IRS has your return but has not processed it yet), approved (your return has been processed and your refund is on the way), and deposited (your refund has been sent to your bank). Once the status shows "deposited," your bank should receive the money within one to two business days, though some banks post deposits more slowly.

If your refund status shows "pending" or does not update for more than 21 days after you filed electronically, contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.

What happens if the direct deposit fails

If the IRS cannot deposit your refund — because the routing number is wrong, the account is closed, or the account is in only one spouse's name — the IRS mails a check to your address on file. You will not receive a notice that the deposit failed; the check simply arrives instead. This can take four to six weeks.

To avoid this, verify your routing and account numbers before you file. If you realize you made a mistake after filing but before the IRS processes your return, you can file an amended return with the correct information. Once the IRS has processed your return, you cannot change the deposit information.

If you receive a check instead of a direct deposit and want to know why, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 with your Social Security number and return information ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a prepaid card or money transfer account for direct deposit?

Yes, if the account has a routing number and account number. Many prepaid cards, money transfer services, and online banks accept ACH deposits. Check with your provider to confirm they accept IRS refunds and to get your routing and account numbers. Some prepaid cards do not accept government deposits, so verify before filing.

What if I do not know my account number?

Call your bank or log into your online banking portal. Your account number appears on checks, statements, and in the account details section of your bank's website. Do not guess or use a partial number — the IRS will reject an incorrect account number and mail a check instead.

How long does it take to receive a direct deposit refund?

The IRS typically deposits refunds within 21 days of accepting an electronically filed return. Your bank then posts the deposit within one to two business days, though some banks take longer. Paper returns take six to eight weeks because they must be manually processed first.

Can I change my direct deposit information after I file?

No. Once you file your return, you cannot change the bank account information. If you made a mistake, you can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) with the correct information, but this delays your refund by several weeks. It is better to verify your information before you submit your return.

What if my refund was deposited to the wrong account?

Contact your bank immediately to report the error. Your bank can sometimes reverse the deposit or redirect it to the correct account. You will also need to contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report the incorrect account information so they have a record of the error.