What an IRS Direct Deposit Relief Payment Is

An IRS Direct Deposit Relief Payment is money the IRS sends directly to your bank account when you are owed a refund or a payment from a federal tax program. Instead of mailing you a check, the IRS deposits the funds electronically, which is faster and more find. The payment arrives in your account within a few business days of the IRS processing it.

The IRS uses direct deposit for several types of payments: tax refunds, Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks), Child Tax Credit advance payments, and other tax-related credits. Once the IRS approves your payment, you do not have to do anything else — the money moves automatically to the bank account you have on file with them.

Key Takeaways

  • Direct deposit sends your IRS payment straight to your bank account instead of by mail, arriving in three to five business days.
  • The IRS uses the bank information from your most recent tax return, so you must update it if you have changed banks or closed an account.
  • You can check the status of a payment using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app.
  • If the IRS sends money to a closed account, the bank returns it and the IRS mails you a check instead, which takes several weeks longer.
  • You can choose direct deposit when you file your tax return, or update your bank information on IRS.gov before the IRS processes your payment.

How to Set Up or Update Your Direct Deposit Information

When you file your tax return, you will see a section asking how you want to receive your refund. Choose the direct deposit option and enter your bank account number, routing number, and account type (checking or savings). The routing number is a nine-digit code that identifies your bank; you can find it on the bottom left of any check, or call your bank to ask.

If you have already filed your return and want to change your direct deposit information before the IRS processes your payment, you can update it on IRS.gov. Go to the "Where's My Refund?" tool, enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return, and follow the prompts to change your bank details. You can only make this change if the IRS has not yet sent your payment.

If you filed your return through a tax preparation service like TurboTax or H&R Block, you entered your bank information through their website, not directly to the IRS. The tax service sends that information to the IRS on your behalf. If you need to change it, contact the tax service first — they may be able to update it before they transmit your return to the IRS.

Checking the Status of Your Payment

The IRS offers two tools to track your payment. The first is "Where's My Refund?" on IRS.gov. Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount, and the tool will tell you whether the IRS has received your return, is processing it, has approved your payment, or has sent it to your bank.

The second tool is the IRS2Go mobile app, available for iPhone and Android. It shows the same information as the website and sends you a notification when your payment is on the way. Both tools update once per day, usually overnight, so checking multiple times in a single day will not show new information.

The IRS typically processes refunds within 21 days of receiving your return, though it can take longer if your return is incomplete or if the IRS needs to verify information. Once the IRS approves your payment, direct deposit usually takes three to five business days to reach your account. Weekends and bank holidays do not count as business days.

What Happens If Your Bank Account Is Closed or Wrong

If you provided a bank account number that no longer exists — because you closed the account, switched banks, or made a typo — the bank will reject the deposit. When this happens, the IRS receives a notice from the bank and stops the direct deposit. The IRS then mails you a paper check instead, which takes two to three weeks to arrive.

You cannot prevent this delay once it starts. The best protection is to double-check your account number and routing number before you file your return, and to update your information on IRS.gov if you have changed banks recently. If you realize your information is wrong after you have filed, use the "Where's My Refund?" tool to update it as soon as possible — but only if the IRS has not yet sent the payment.

If your check does arrive in the mail and you have since opened a new account at a different bank, you can deposit the check through your bank's mobile app (mobile check deposit) or by visiting a branch in person. Some banks also allow you to mail a check to them for deposit.

Direct Deposit for Economic Impact Payments and Other Federal Payments

When the IRS sends Economic Impact Payments (the stimulus checks issued during 2020, 2021, and 2022), it uses the same direct deposit information from your most recent tax return. If you received a refund by direct deposit in the past, the IRS already has your correct bank details and will use them for these payments too.

The IRS also uses direct deposit for advance payments of the Child Tax Credit, which some families received monthly in 2021. If you were enrolled in that program, the IRS sent those payments to the bank account on file. For any federal payment, the IRS will always try direct deposit first if you have provided banking information; if that fails, it mails a check.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does direct deposit take from the IRS?

Once the IRS approves your payment, direct deposit usually takes three to five business days to reach your account. The IRS processes most returns within 21 days of receiving them, though complex returns or those needing verification can take longer. You can check progress using the "Where's My Refund?" tool.

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

Yes, but only before the IRS sends your payment. Use the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov to update your bank account number and routing number. Once the IRS has processed and sent your payment, you cannot change the destination — if it goes to a closed account, the bank returns it and the IRS mails a check instead.

What if I do not know my routing number?

Call your bank and ask for your routing number, or look it up on your bank's website — most banks list it in the help or FAQ section. You can also find it on the bottom left of any check you have from that account. Make sure you have the correct routing number for your specific branch, as some large banks have multiple routing numbers.

Will the IRS direct deposit to a savings account?

Yes. When you enter your bank information, you will choose whether the account is checking or savings. Direct deposit works the same way for both. Make sure you select the correct type, because entering the wrong one may cause the bank to reject the deposit.

What if I never received my direct deposit payment?

Check the "Where's My Refund?" tool first to confirm the IRS actually sent it. If it shows the payment was sent but never arrived, contact your bank — the deposit may have been rejected or delayed. If the tool shows the payment is still being processed, wait a few more days. If you believe there is an error, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to speak with a representative.