You generally cannot change direct deposit info after e-filing if your return is accepted, but you can correct it if rejected; otherwise, the IRS will mail a check if the bank rejects the deposit, leading to delays, or you can use the Get My Payment tool for recent stimulus-type payments to update to a check if needed, notes ThePayStubs. For future refunds, always double-check routing and account numbers in your tax software before filing, or use Form 8888 for paper returns.
If the bank returns your direct deposit, the IRS will send a paper check to the mailing address listed on your return. If you want to change your bank account or routing number for a tax refund, call the IRS at 800-829-1040.
What Happens Next & How Long? Fact checked by Ashleigh S. If your tax refund was sent to a closed account, your bank will reject the deposit and return the money to the IRS, who typically mails a paper check to your address within 2 to 7 weeks.
The fastest way to sign up for or update your direct deposit information is online with your bank or in your CRA account. You can not update or start direct deposit by phone.
If you have direct deposit, fill out the forms directing your employer to reroute your paychecks to your new account. Do the same for any other direct deposit, such as Social Security payments. Find out when your direct deposits will transfer.
Transferring Direct Deposits May Take a Couple Weeks
While many companies will be able to transfer your direct deposit to a new account starting with your next paycheck, other companies might take longer. When transferring direct deposits, always check with your HR department to find out how long the process will take.
If you wish to switch a direct debit from one bank to another you would need to contact the originator of the funds to ensure they have the correct and most up to date account details.
You can use the Online Payment Agreement tool to make the following changes:
Once submitted, the bank account information will be updated. How quickly will CRA update my account selection? It can take between 24 – 48 hours for the changes to be reflected in CRA My Account for Individuals, but processing times may vary.
For e-filed returns with direct deposit, the IRS usually issues refunds within 21 days, but it can be faster (a few days after approval) or slower if there are errors, fraud, or missing info, with paper returns taking 6+ weeks; use the IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool for status updates.
If a refund goes to a closed bank account, the bank usually rejects the transaction and returns the funds to the sender (like the IRS or a merchant), who then issues the refund via a paper check or another method, causing a delay of a few weeks to a couple of months. For tax refunds, the IRS will typically mail a check to the address on file, while other refunds might go back to the original payment method or require you to contact the sender for alternative arrangements.
When a direct deposit goes to a closed account, the bank usually rejects it and returns the funds to the sender (like your employer or the government) within a few days, causing a delay in you receiving the money. You need to contact the sender immediately to update your bank details and ask how they'll reissue the payment (often a paper check or a new direct deposit). Also, call the bank that received the deposit to confirm they returned the funds.
You incorrectly enter an account or routing number, and the number passes the validation check, but your designated financial institution rejects and returns the deposit to the IRS. The IRS will issue you a refund by other means for the amount of that deposit once it is received.
You can direct your refund to any of your checking or savings accounts; you cannot direct your refund to someone else's account (except for your spouse's account, if this is a joint refund).
This page has answers for you; click on "What should I do if I entered an incorrect routing or account number for direct deposit of my refund?" tl;dr: You can call them (1-800-829-1040) and tell them to cancel the direct deposit if it hasn't gone through yet, and they'll mail you a check instead.
If your address has changed, you need to notify the IRS to ensure you receive any IRS refunds or correspondence. For more information see, Change your address – How to notify the IRS.
To enrol in direct deposit with CRA:
There's no strict maximum limit for how long the IRS can hold a refund, but they must pay interest after 45 days; while most e-filed returns take 21 days, returns needing extra review for errors, fraud, or certain credits (like EITC/ACTC) can take months (45-180+ days), and amended returns can take 8-16 weeks, with unfiled returns having an indefinite delay until filed.
You can find your direct deposit account info on your Tax Return Summary.
After the IRS accepts your return, you can't make any changes to it.
You can't change your bank account information once we've posted your tax return to our system.
To speak with the IRS, call their main line at 1-800-829-1040 (7 AM - 7 PM local time, M-F) and navigate the phone tree by selecting language, then options for income tax and other questions, sometimes skipping prompts to reach a live agent, or visit IRS.gov/appointment for in-person help at a Taxpayer Assistance Center, but have your SSN and documents ready.
What to expect when changing your Direct Debit. Direct Debits normally take at least two weeks to update. This means your payment date may stay the same the month you request a change.
To change a payment method, you need to go to the account settings for the specific service (like Google Play, Apple ID, or a website/app) and find the "Payment Methods" or "Billing" section to add a new card/account, edit an existing one, or set a new default. For most apps/stores, it's a few taps in your profile/settings, while for web services, you'll log in and find it in your account/payment settings.