- Using Direct Deposit for Tax Refunds
Using Direct Deposit for Tax Refunds
You have the option to receive your tax refund using direct deposit. It's safe, secure, and fast. If you file your tax return electronically and select direct deposit, you can get your tax refund in about two weeks or less.
- Switch from Refund by Mail to Direct Deposit
- Direct Deposit Information Was Wrong
- Direct Deposit Sent To Wrong Account
- Direct Deposit or Direct Debit and Foreign Accounts
- Direct Deposit to Different Account
- Depositing Refund in Multiple Accounts
If you filed your income tax return as married filing jointly, check with your financial institution for the rules governing direct deposit of tax refunds. In some cases, you'll want to make sure that your spouse is also named on the bank account you chose to have your tax refund deposited into, otherwise, your financial institution may reject the direct deposit.
Important: Direct deposit policies vary by financial institution. Please verify whether or not your bank accepts deposits into accounts when the name on the IRS refund transaction does not match the name on the account.Switching from refund-by-mail to direct deposit
If you are getting a refund, you can switch from getting a check to getting direct deposit, but only in certain cases.
If you printed and mailed your tax return
- If you already filed your return by printing and mailing it, you cannot switch to direct deposit.
- If you haven't printed or mailed your return yet, you can switch to direct deposit. Follow the steps to switch to direct deposit below.
If you e-filed your tax return
- If you have already transmitted your return and it has been accepted, you cannot change how you are going to get your refund.
- If you haven't transmitted your return, you can switch to direct deposit. Follow the steps to switch to direct deposit.
- If you transmitted your returns and they have been rejected, you can still switch to direct deposit. Follow the steps below, but be sure to fix the errors that caused your return to be rejected before you transmit again.
If you want to switch to direct deposit
Take the following steps:
- Select the Print & File tab, then select File a Return.
- Follow the on-screen instructions
- In the How Do You Want Your Federal Refund? screen, select the option for Direct Deposit to my bank account.
- Enter the information for the bank account that you want your refund deposited to, then select Continue.
Direct deposit information was wrong
You'll need to wait until your return is accepted or rejected by the taxing agency.
- If your return is rejected, correct the account information and any other errors (including the errors that caused the rejection) and then transmit your return again.
- If your return is accepted, and there's an error in your bank account information, the IRS will mail you a paper refund check instead of direct depositing it.
If you have not transmitted the return, select the Print & File tab, select File a Return, then select E-file. Make sure your bank account information is accurate and up-to-date. Follow the on-screen instructions and make any necessary changes.
Direct deposit sent to wrong account
If you think your direct deposit went to the wrong account, make sure you correct the wrong direct deposit information.
If the IRS cannot match the account information (both the account number and the routing number) in your return with an actual, existing account and routing number, it automatically switches your refund method and sends you a paper check. The check usually takes between three and four weeks to arrive.
However, if the IRS matches all of the account information in your return with an account that already exists, your refund will go to that account, even if it's not yours.
Note: If you need help getting the status of your refund or if you think your refund is lost, call the IRS Refund Hotline at (800) 829-1954.
Direct deposit or direct debit in foreign accounts
You cannot choose direct deposit or direct debit if you have a foreign bank account.
Direct debit and direct deposit are currently available only for bank accounts located within the United States.
Direct deposit to a different account
If you are receiving a refund and want it directly deposited into a bank account, or you owe taxes and want the money directly debited from a bank account, the account does not necessarily have to be your own.
Just enter the information for the account you plan to use when we ask for your direct deposit or direct debit information in the e-filing section.
For example, if you are married filing jointly, you can have a refund deposited into your spouse's account instead of your own.
Likewise, if a relative or friend agrees to pay the taxes you owe, you can enter that person's bank account information for the direct debit.
Important: Please verify with the bank in question beforehand that the bank will accept deposits to accounts when names do not match.
Depositing tax refund in multiple accounts
You can split your tax refund and have the money deposited in up to three (3) accounts. You can complete Form 8888, Direct Deposit of Refund which will provide you more options for where your refund can be deposited. Form 8888 will give you a choice of selecting one, two, or three accounts such as checking, savings, and retirement account.
