How the IRS Sends Your Tax Refund by Direct Deposit

Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your tax refund from the IRS

The IRS can deposit your refund directly into your bank account instead of mailing a check. Direct deposit typically arrives within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though many people receive it in 5 to 10 days. You control where the money goes by providing your bank account information on your tax return.

You do not need a special account or to sign up for anything separate. You simply enter your routing number and account number when you file your return — either on the paper form or through tax software. The IRS then sends the money to that account once your return is processed.

Key Takeaways

• Direct deposit requires your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which you can find on a check or by calling your bank.
• The IRS typically deposits refunds within 21 days of accepting your return, but many arrive in 5 to 10 days.
• You can split your refund among up to three different accounts if you want part of it in savings and part in checking, for example.
• If you file on paper, mail your return at least two weeks before you need the money, because processing takes longer than electronic filing.
• You can check the status of your refund on IRS.gov using the "Where's My Refund?" tool, which updates once per day.

What information you need to provide

You will need two pieces of information from your bank: your routing number and your account number. The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank. The account number identifies which account at that bank receives the money.

Both numbers appear on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. The first set of numbers is the routing number; the second set is the account number. If you do not have a check, call your bank's customer service line and ask for both numbers. You can also log into your online banking and find them there.

Make sure you enter these numbers correctly. A mistake in either one means your refund goes to the wrong place, and you will have to contact the IRS to correct it. Double-check before you submit your return.

How to enter direct deposit information when you file

If you file electronically using tax software or a tax professional, the software will ask for your routing and account numbers as part of the filing process. You enter them into the refund section of the return. The software usually lets you review this information before you submit, so check it carefully.

If you file on paper using Form 1040, you write your routing and account numbers in the spaces provided on the form itself. The instructions that come with the form show exactly where these go. Write clearly so the IRS can read the numbers when they scan your return.

Some people use a tax preparation service at a tax office or through a volunteer program. The person preparing your return will ask for this information and enter it for you. Ask them to show you what they entered before they file so you can verify it is correct.

Splitting your refund among multiple accounts

You can direct the IRS to split your refund and send portions to up to three different bank accounts. This is useful if you want to put some money in savings and some in checking, or if you want to send part of your refund somewhere else entirely.

To do this, you fill out Form 8888, Allocation of Refund. This form lets you specify an amount or a percentage for each account, along with the routing and account number for each one. You attach this form to your paper return, or if you are filing electronically, your tax software will have a section for split refunds.

The IRS processes all three deposits at the same time, so you should see all of them within the same timeframe as a single deposit. Make sure the account numbers and routing numbers for each account are correct, because a mistake in any of them delays that portion of your refund.

Timeline: when your refund arrives

The IRS says refunds arrive within 21 days of accepting your return. In practice, most direct deposits arrive much faster — often within 5 to 10 days. The exact timing depends on when the IRS processes your return and when your bank processes the incoming deposit.

If you file electronically early in the tax season, your refund usually arrives faster than if you file in April or May. Filing early also gives you time to fix any problems before the deadline. If you file on paper, add extra time for the IRS to receive and scan your return before they begin processing it.

Once the IRS accepts your return, you can track your refund using the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. This tool updates once per day and shows you whether the IRS is still processing your return, has approved it, or has sent the money to your bank. If the tool says your refund has been sent but you have not received it after five business days, contact your bank to see if there was a problem on their end.

What happens if your direct deposit fails

If the IRS tries to deposit your refund but the account information is wrong or the account has been closed, the deposit will be rejected. The IRS will then mail you a check instead, which takes several additional weeks. You will not receive a notice that this happened — you simply will not see the deposit and will eventually receive a check in the mail.

To avoid this, make absolutely certain your routing and account numbers are correct before you file. If you recently changed banks or closed an account, use the new account information. If you are unsure whether an account is still active, call your bank before you file your return.

If your direct deposit fails and you receive a check instead, you can deposit that check at your bank or through mobile deposit if your bank offers it. You do not need to do anything else — the check is your refund.

Direct deposit versus other refund payment methods

The IRS offers three main ways to receive your refund: direct deposit to a bank account, a mailed check, or a refund anticipation loan through a tax preparation company. Direct deposit is the fastest and most reliable. A check takes 3 to 4 weeks to arrive by mail. A refund anticipation loan gives you the money immediately but charges fees and interest.

If you do not have a bank account, you have options. Some banks and credit unions offer accounts with no minimum balance and low or no fees. Some tax preparation nonprofits can help you open an account. You can also choose to receive a check, though it will take longer. A refund anticipation loan is usually the most expensive option and should be a last resort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my direct deposit information after I file my return?

If the IRS has not yet accepted your return, you can file an amended return with the correct information. Once the IRS accepts your return, you cannot change the direct deposit account. If you realize the information is wrong after filing, contact the IRS immediately at 1-800-829-1040 to see if they can correct it before processing your return.

What if I do not have a bank account?

You can still receive your refund by check. When you file your return, do not enter direct deposit information — just leave that section blank. The IRS will mail you a check instead. Opening a bank account is another option; many banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance.

Does direct deposit cost anything?

No. Direct deposit is free. The IRS does not charge you to deposit your refund into your account, and your bank should not charge you either. If a tax preparation company offers to deposit your refund faster for a fee, that fee is their charge, not the IRS's.

How do I find my bank's routing number if I do not have a check?

Call your bank's customer service number, which is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Tell them you need your routing number and account number for direct deposit. You can also log into your online banking portal — many banks display this information in the account details section.

What if my refund does not arrive after 21 days?

Use the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov to check the status. If it says the refund was sent but you have not received it, contact your bank to confirm the account information was correct and ask if the deposit was rejected. If your bank confirms they never received it, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.