What the IRS requires to send your refund by direct deposit in 2025
The IRS will deposit your 2025 tax refund directly into a bank account if you provide your routing number and account number on your tax return. You do not need special permission or prior approval — direct deposit is available to anyone who files a return and includes valid banking information. The IRS does not check your credit, income level, or account history before sending the money.
The account can be at a bank, credit union, or other financial institution that accepts ACH transfers (the electronic system the IRS uses). The account must be in your name or jointly in your name with a spouse or dependent, and it must be a U.S. account. You can use a checking account, savings account, or money market account.
Key Takeaways
- Direct deposit works with any U.S. bank account, credit union, or financial institution that accepts ACH transfers — you do not need a specific type of account.
- You must provide your correct routing number and account number on your tax return; the IRS will not contact you to verify these details before depositing.
- Direct deposit is faster than a paper check — refunds typically arrive within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though some arrive sooner.
- If your account information is wrong, the IRS will attempt to return the funds to the Treasury, and you will need to contact the IRS to claim the refund.
- Joint account holders and authorized users can receive deposits, but the account must be registered in your legal name or jointly with your spouse.
Where to find your routing and account numbers
Your routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank or credit union. Your account number is the unique identifier for your specific account. Both appear on the bottom left of your checks — the routing number comes first, then the account number. If you do not have checks, log into your online banking portal or call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers.
Some banks and credit unions print these numbers on statements or display them in the mobile app. If you use a prepaid card or online banking service, the routing and account numbers are usually in the account settings or help section. Write them down carefully — a single digit wrong will send your refund to the wrong account.
How to enter your banking information on your tax return
If you file on paper, Form 1040 has a section labeled "Refund" with boxes for routing number and account number. Write the nine-digit routing number in the first set of boxes and your account number in the second set. The form will specify which box is for checking and which is for savings — select the correct account type.
If you file electronically through tax software or a tax preparer, the software will ask for routing and account number as part of the refund section. The software checks that the routing number is valid before you submit. If you file through a tax preparer, give them both numbers and confirm they entered them correctly before signing.
Timeline for direct deposit refunds in 2025
The IRS aims to issue refunds within 21 days of accepting your return. Direct deposit is faster than paper checks — most arrive within this window, and many arrive sooner. The exact timing depends on when you file, when the IRS processes your return, and how quickly your bank posts the deposit.
If you file early in the tax season (January or February), your refund may arrive within 10 to 14 days. If you file closer to the April deadline or if your return requires additional review, it may take closer to 21 days. You can track your refund status using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov, which updates once per day.
What happens if your account information is incorrect
If you provide a wrong routing number or account number, the IRS will attempt to return the funds to the U.S. Treasury. The bank that received the deposit will reject it, and the IRS will receive notice of the rejection. You will not automatically receive a corrected deposit — you will need to contact the IRS to report the error and request a paper check or a new deposit attempt.
Contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to report an incorrect account number. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the amount of your refund ready. The IRS can issue a paper check or, in some cases, attempt a new direct deposit if you provide corrected information. This process can add several weeks to receiving your money.
Using a third-party account for direct deposit
You can have your refund deposited into an account that is not in your name if you are an authorized user on that account and the account holder agrees. For example, a spouse can deposit a refund into a joint account, or an adult child can use a parent's account with permission. The account must still be registered at a U.S. financial institution and accept ACH transfers.
However, if the account holder later disputes the deposit or closes the account, recovering the money becomes complicated. The safest approach is to use an account in your own name or jointly with your spouse. If you must use someone else's account, confirm with them in writing that they have authorized the deposit and understand the refund will go there.
Prepaid cards and online banking services
Many prepaid cards and online banking services (like PayPal, Square Cash, or Chime) have routing and account numbers and can receive direct deposits. Check your service's website or app to confirm it accepts IRS deposits — most do, but some have restrictions. If your service supports direct deposit, you can use its routing and account numbers on your tax return just as you would for a traditional bank.
Be aware that some prepaid card services charge fees for deposits or have daily spending limits. If your refund exceeds the card's limit, the deposit may be rejected. Confirm the card's policies before providing its information to the IRS. If the deposit is rejected, you will face the same recovery process as with an incorrect account number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I split my refund between two accounts?
Yes. Form 1040 allows you to split your refund into up to three separate deposits to different accounts. You specify the amount for each account, and the IRS deposits them all on the same day. This is useful if you want to send part of your refund to savings and part to checking, or to different family members' accounts with their permission.
What if I do not have a bank account?
You can open a basic checking or savings account at most banks and credit unions with minimal documentation — usually just an ID and proof of address. Some banks offer accounts with no minimum balance or monthly fees. If you cannot open a traditional account, some prepaid card services and online banking platforms accept direct deposits and may have fewer barriers to opening an account.
Can I change my direct deposit information after I file?
If the IRS has not yet accepted your return, you can file an amended return with corrected banking information. Once the IRS accepts your return, you cannot change the deposit account — the refund will go to the account you provided. If you realize the information is wrong after filing, contact the IRS immediately at 1-800-829-1040 to report the error before the deposit is processed.
Do I need to do anything special to receive my refund by direct deposit?
No. Simply provide your routing and account numbers on your tax return. The IRS does not require you to sign up, register, or take any additional steps. As long as your banking information is correct and your account is active, the refund will deposit automatically.
What if my bank rejects the deposit?
If your account is closed, frozen, or flagged as fraudulent, the bank will reject the IRS deposit. The IRS will receive notice of the rejection and attempt to return the funds to the Treasury. You will need to contact the IRS to find out what happened and request a paper check or a new deposit attempt to a different account.