Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive an IRS payment, and it works the same way your employer deposits your paycheck

When you choose direct deposit, the IRS transfers money straight into your bank account instead of mailing you a check or putting it on a debit card. The money typically arrives within one to three business days after the IRS processes your request. You need a valid checking or savings account at a U.S. bank, credit union, or other financial institution that accepts electronic transfers.

The IRS uses the routing number and account number you provide to send the payment. These are the same numbers on the bottom left of your checks. If you give the IRS incorrect information, the money may go to the wrong account or be rejected, which delays everything — so double-check before you submit.

Key Takeaways

  • Direct deposit delivers IRS payments in one to three business days, faster than checks or debit cards.
  • You need your bank's routing number and your account number, which appear on the bottom of your checks or in your online banking portal.
  • The IRS accepts direct deposit to checking accounts, savings accounts, and some money market accounts, but not to prepaid cards or investment accounts.
  • If the IRS rejects your direct deposit because of incorrect account information, the payment is returned and you will receive a check by mail instead.
  • You can set up direct deposit when you file your tax return, through the IRS website, or by calling the IRS if you have already filed.

Where to find your routing and account numbers

Your routing number and account number are printed on the bottom left of any check from your account. The routing number comes first (nine digits), then your account number (usually ten to twelve digits). If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or mobile app and look for account details, account information, or banking details — most banks display both numbers there.

If you cannot find the numbers online, call your bank's customer service line. The number is usually on the back of your debit card or on your bank's website. Have your account number ready, and the representative can give you the routing number in under a minute.

Do not use the account number from a savings account if you want the money in your checking account, or vice versa. The IRS will send the payment to whichever account number you provide, and if it does not match the routing number, the transfer may fail.

What types of accounts the IRS accepts

The IRS accepts direct deposit to checking accounts and savings accounts at banks, credit unions, and other institutions that participate in the electronic transfer system. Some money market accounts also work, as long as they have a routing number and account number.

The IRS does not accept direct deposit to prepaid debit cards, investment accounts, or accounts held outside the United States. If your only account is a prepaid card, you will need to choose a check or debit card payment instead. Some prepaid card companies do accept direct deposits from employers or government agencies, but the IRS does not use that route.

How to set up direct deposit when filing your tax return

If you have not yet filed your 2024 tax return, you can choose direct deposit as part of the filing process. Whether you file on paper or electronically, you will see a section asking how you want to receive your refund. Select direct deposit and enter your routing number and account number in the spaces provided.

If you file electronically through tax software or a tax preparer, the software will ask for this information and verify the numbers before submission. If you file on paper using Form 1040, write the routing and account numbers in the spaces labeled "Routing number" and "Account number" in the refund section. The IRS processes paper returns more slowly than electronic ones, so electronic filing gets you your money faster.

Setting up direct deposit after you have already filed

If you filed your return without choosing direct deposit, or if you want to change where the money goes, you can update your information through the IRS website or by phone. Go to IRS.gov and look for the "Get Your Refund Status" tool, which lets you check the status of your refund and update your banking information if the refund has not been processed yet.

You can also call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to update your direct deposit information. Have your Social Security number, filing status, and the refund amount from your tax return ready. The IRS can usually update your information over the phone, but only if your return has not yet been sent to the payment processing center — once it reaches that stage, you cannot change it by phone.

If you miss the window to update your information before processing, the IRS will mail you a check instead. You can then deposit that check into your account yourself, or wait for a future payment to use direct deposit.

What happens if the IRS rejects your direct deposit

If you provide incorrect routing or account information, the bank will reject the transfer and send the money back to the IRS. The IRS then issues a check and mails it to the address on your tax return. This adds two to three weeks to the time it takes to receive your money.

The IRS will not contact you to ask for corrected information — the rejection happens silently on the banking side. You will only know something went wrong when the check arrives instead of the deposit. To avoid this, verify your routing and account numbers one more time before submitting your return or updating your information online.

If you realize you gave the IRS the wrong account information before your return is processed, contact the IRS when ready through the website tool or by phone. The sooner you correct it, the better your chances of getting the money deposited before it is sent to the payment processor.

Direct deposit versus other payment methods

The IRS offers three ways to receive a refund: direct deposit, a mailed check, or a debit card. Direct deposit is the fastest — one to three business days. A check takes seven to ten business days to arrive by mail, plus however long it takes you to deposit it. A debit card is mailed to you and arrives in the same timeframe as a check, but you can use it when ready once it arrives without depositing it anywhere.

Direct deposit is also the most reliable because it does not depend on mail delivery or your ability to get to a bank. If you have a bank account and can verify your routing and account numbers, direct deposit is the best choice. The only reason to choose another method is if you do not have a bank account or if you prefer not to give the IRS your banking information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a savings account instead of a checking account?

Yes. The IRS accepts direct deposit to savings accounts, money market accounts, and checking accounts as long as they have a routing number and account number. Make sure you provide the routing number for the bank where the savings account is held, not a different bank.

What if I do not have a bank account?

You can request a check or a debit card instead. If you want to open a bank account to receive direct deposit, many banks and credit unions offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance. You can open an account online or in person and provide the routing and account numbers to the IRS once the account is active.

How long does direct deposit actually take?

The IRS typically sends the payment within one to three business days after processing your return. However, the IRS processes returns at different speeds depending on whether you filed electronically or on paper, and whether the return requires additional review. Check the IRS refund status tool on IRS.gov to see where your return stands.

What if I gave the IRS the wrong account number?

The bank will reject the transfer, and the IRS will mail you a check instead. This adds two to three weeks. If you catch the error before your return is processed, contact the IRS through the website tool or by phone to correct it. Once the return reaches the payment processor, you cannot change the information by phone.

Can I use direct deposit for a payment plan or an IRS bill?

No. Direct deposit is only for refunds. If you owe the IRS money, you can pay by check, electronic funds withdrawal, credit card, or through the IRS payment plan system, but not by direct deposit.