Direct deposit sends your tax refund straight to your bank account instead of waiting for a paper check

The IRS processes direct deposit refunds faster than mailed checks — typically within 21 days of acceptance, though many arrive in 5 to 10 business days. You provide your bank routing number and account number on your tax return, and the IRS deposits the money electronically. No check to lose, no trip to the bank to deposit it.

You can set up direct deposit when you file your 2024 tax return for the 2025 tax year, or you can change your banking information if you filed earlier. The process is the same whether you file on paper or electronically, though e-filing is faster overall.

Key Takeaways

  • Direct deposit refunds arrive in your bank account in 5 to 21 business days, compared to weeks for a mailed check.
  • You need your bank's routing number and your account number — both appear on a blank check or your bank's website.
  • If you filed your return already without direct deposit, you can still provide your banking information to the IRS through their website or by mail.
  • The IRS will not deposit money to a closed account, and some banks reject deposits to savings accounts from government sources.
  • You can split your refund between multiple accounts or use part of it to buy savings bonds.

Finding your bank routing number and account number

Your bank's routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your specific bank branch. Your account number identifies your individual account. Both appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account — the routing number comes first, then the account number.

If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details or account information. Most banks display both numbers there. You can also call your bank's customer service line and ask for your routing number and account number.

Make sure you have the right routing number for your specific branch. Some large banks have multiple routing numbers depending on where you opened the account. If you enter the wrong number, the IRS will attempt the deposit, it will fail, and you will receive a check by mail instead — a delay of several weeks.

Entering direct deposit information on your tax return

If you are filing electronically through tax software (TurboTax, H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA, or similar), the software will ask for your routing number and account number in the refund section. You will also choose whether the account is a checking or savings account. Double-check both numbers before you submit — the software cannot catch a typo.

If you are filing on paper using Form 1040, write your routing number and account number in the boxes labeled "Routing number" and "Account number" in the refund section. You will also mark a box for checking or savings. Mail the return to the IRS address for your state.

If you already filed your return without direct deposit, you can still provide your banking information after the fact. Go to IRS.gov, log into your account under "View Your Tax Account," and look for the option to update your refund method. You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and provide your information over the phone, though wait times are often long during tax season.

What happens if your bank rejects the deposit

The IRS attempts to deposit your refund on the date they process your return. If the deposit fails — because the account is closed, the routing number was wrong, or the bank rejected it — the IRS will mail you a check instead. This adds 2 to 3 weeks to the wait.

Some banks, particularly credit unions and smaller institutions, reject direct deposits from government sources to savings accounts. If you have a savings account, use a checking account instead, or contact your bank before filing to ask whether they accept IRS deposits to savings.

If your refund was rejected and mailed, you can track the check status on IRS.gov using the "Where's My Refund?" tool. If the check does not arrive within the expected timeframe, contact the IRS to request a replacement.

Splitting your refund between accounts or into savings bonds

You can direct the IRS to split your refund among up to three different accounts. This is useful if you want to send part of your refund to checking and part to savings, or to multiple accounts at different banks. You provide routing and account numbers for each destination on your tax return.

You can also use part of your refund to purchase Series I savings bonds. On your tax return, you specify the dollar amount you want in bonds, and the IRS mails them to you. The rest of your refund goes to your bank account via direct deposit. This option is available only on paper returns filed with the IRS, not through most tax software.

Tracking your refund after you file

Once you file, use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov to check the status. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates every 24 hours and will tell you whether the IRS has received your return, is processing it, or has approved it for deposit.

The tool also shows the expected deposit date once your return is approved. If direct deposit is selected, you will see a message confirming the deposit method and the date the IRS will attempt to transfer the money. Your bank may take an additional 1 to 2 business days to post the deposit to your account, depending on when the transfer arrives.

Changing your direct deposit information mid-season

If you filed your return and then realized you entered the wrong bank account number, you can update it before the IRS processes your refund. Log into your IRS account on IRS.gov and select the option to change your refund method. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.

The IRS processes returns in the order they are received, so the sooner you update your information, the better. If your return has already been approved for deposit, you cannot change the bank account — the deposit will go to the account you originally provided, and you will need to contact the IRS or your bank to recover the money if it went to the wrong place.

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, though many arrive within 5 to 10 business days. The exact timing depends on when the IRS processes your specific return and how quickly your bank posts the deposit. You can check the status using the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov.

What if I enter the wrong account number?

If the account number is wrong, the bank will reject the deposit and the IRS will mail you a check instead, adding 2 to 3 weeks to the wait. If you realize the error before the IRS processes your return, update your information through your IRS account online. If the deposit has already been attempted, contact your bank to see if they can recover the rejected transfer.

Can I use a savings account for direct deposit?

Most banks accept IRS deposits to savings accounts, but some credit unions and smaller banks reject them. Contact your bank before filing to confirm they accept government direct deposits to savings. If they do not, use a checking account instead or request a mailed check.

Can I split my refund between two different banks?

Yes. You can direct the IRS to deposit portions of your refund to up to three different accounts. Provide the routing number and account number for each destination on your tax return, along with the dollar amount for each account. The amounts must add up to your total refund.

What if I do not have a bank account?

If you do not have a bank account, you cannot use direct deposit. The IRS will mail you a check instead. Some communities offer prepaid debit cards or check-cashing services if you need to access the money quickly once the check arrives.