How the IRS Direct Deposit Relief Program Works

What IRS Direct Deposit Relief Does

IRS Direct Deposit Relief is a program that lets you change where the IRS sends your tax refund if your bank account or routing number has changed, or if you no longer have access to the account where you originally told the IRS to deposit it. The program does not change your refund amount — it only changes the destination account. You use it when your circumstances have shifted since you filed your return, and you need the money to go somewhere else.

The IRS created this program because refunds sent to closed accounts, accounts you no longer control, or accounts held by someone else can get stuck. Direct Deposit Relief lets you redirect that money to a current account in your name before the IRS processes the deposit.

Key Takeaways

You can only use Direct Deposit Relief if you filed your return and the IRS has not yet deposited your refund into the original account you listed.
You must have a valid bank account, prepaid card account, or credit union account in your own name to redirect the refund to.
The fastest way to request the change is through IRS.gov using your login credentials, or by calling the IRS refund line at 1-800-829-1954.
The IRS processes refund redirections within one to two weeks if you request the change before the original deposit is sent.

Who Can Use Direct Deposit Relief

You can use this program if you filed a tax return for the current year and you know a refund is coming, but the IRS has not yet deposited it into the account you originally listed. You must also have a different bank account, credit union account, or prepaid debit card account in your own name that you want the refund sent to instead.

You cannot use Direct Deposit Relief if the refund has already been deposited into the original account. If that has happened, you will need to work with your bank or contact the IRS directly to recover the funds. You also cannot use this program to redirect a refund to someone else's account or to a business account.

If your original account was closed or frozen because of fraud, or if someone else has access to it without your permission, Direct Deposit Relief is the right tool. It moves the money before it arrives in a place you cannot reach it.

How to Request a Refund Redirect Through IRS.gov

The IRS offers a self-service tool on IRS.gov called Get My Payment or the refund status tracker. Log in with your IRS username and password, Social Security number, and filing status. Once you are in, you can view your refund status and, if the refund has not yet been deposited, you will see an option to change the bank account information.

You will need the routing number and account number for the new account you want the refund sent to. Make sure the account is in your name and that you have access to it. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank or credit union; you can find it on a check, on your bank's website, or by calling the bank directly.

After you submit the new account information, the IRS will send you a confirmation. Keep that confirmation number. The refund will be rerouted to the new account within one to two weeks, depending on when the IRS processes the change.

Requesting a Redirect by Phone or Mail

If you do not have an IRS.gov login or prefer to speak with someone, call the IRS refund line at 1-800-829-1954. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the new account information ready. The IRS representative will verify your identity and update your refund destination on the spot.

You can also mail a written request to the IRS, though this is slower. Write a letter that includes your name, Social Security number, the tax year, your filing status, and the new routing and account numbers. Mail it to the IRS address for your state, which you can find on IRS.gov. Mail requests typically take three to four weeks to process, so phone or online is faster if your refund has not yet been sent.

What Happens After You Request the Change

Once you submit the redirect request, the IRS will update its records. If the refund has not yet been deposited into the original account, it will be sent to the new account instead. If the IRS has already started processing the deposit to the old account, the redirect may not work, and you will need to contact your bank or the IRS to recover the funds.

The new deposit usually appears in your account within one to two business days after the IRS sends it. Check your account regularly after you submit the request. If the money does not arrive within two weeks, call the IRS again to confirm the change went through.

Keep your confirmation number from the redirect request. If there is a problem, you will need it to prove you asked for the change.

What You Need to Have Ready

Before you contact the IRS, gather these documents and details:

Your Social Security number
Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.)
The tax year of the return with the refund
The routing number and account number of the new account
Proof that the new account is in your name (a recent bank statement or account card)

If you do not know your routing number, call your bank, check a blank check, or log into your online banking portal. Do not guess — an incorrect routing number will send the refund to the wrong place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I redirect my refund if it has already been deposited?

No. Direct Deposit Relief only works before the IRS deposits the money. If the refund has already arrived in the original account, contact your bank to see if you can recover it, or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1954 to report the problem and ask for next steps.

What if I do not have a bank account?

You will need a bank account, credit union account, or prepaid debit card account in your name to use Direct Deposit Relief. If you do not have one, you can open a basic bank account at most banks or credit unions, or purchase a prepaid card at a retailer. Once you have an account, you can redirect your refund there.

How long does it take for the refund to show up in the new account?

The IRS usually processes the redirect within one to two weeks. Once the IRS sends the refund to the new account, it typically appears within one to two business days. Total time from request to deposit is usually two to three weeks.

Can I redirect my refund to someone else's account?

No. The account must be in your name. The IRS will not send a refund to an account belonging to someone else, even if you have permission to use it.

What if I entered the wrong routing number?

Contact the IRS immediately at 1-800-829-1954 and provide the correct routing number. If the refund has already been sent to the wrong account, the IRS can work with you to recover it, though this may take additional time.

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.