topic If I change my direct deposit information where I receive my refund will my taxes be delayed? in After you file

If I change my direct deposit information where I receive my refund will my taxes be delayed?

kaylastacy — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:47:22 GMT

Re: If I change my direct deposit information where I receive my refund will my taxes be delayed?

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:04:51 GMT

You cannot change your direct deposit information after your return has been accepted. The IRS does not allow it. If the refund goes to a closed or wrong account, then it gets sent back to the IRS and then the IRS issues a paper check and mails it to you. If you use refund processing and the third party bank is involved, then it goes into a mess that can take months for you to get your refund.

You need to be very sure at the time that you file your tax return that you are entering correct banking information. Check it and double check it before you e-file.

If you e-filed:

Banking information for direct deposit is wrong

If you entered incorrect banking information for your refund, you can change it if your return is rejected. If it is accepted, however, it is too late to change it.

Here is what the IRS says about entering incorrect banking information

https://www.irs.gov/help-resources/tools-faqs/faqs-for-individuals/frequently-asked-tax-questions-answers/irs-procedures/refund-inquiries/refund-inquiries-18

Re: If I change my direct deposit information where I receive my refund will my taxes be delayed?

Critter-3 — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:27:34 GMT

Can I change my return if I already submitted it and you’re holding it until the IRS opens?

No. Once you submit your return, it’s considered to be in pending status. We’ll hold all returns submitted before the IRS opens and submit them when the IRS is open. Processing of returns is expected to start on or about 1/23 however some returns may be pulled earlier in test batches so watch your email for alerts.

Once the IRS either accepts or rejects your return:

If your return is accepted: If you want to change your return, you’ll need to amend it AFTER the original return has fully processed an you have the original refund in hand or have paid the original balance due.
If your return is rejected: We'll send you an email to notify you, along with instructions on what to do. You can then open your return and make any changes you would like. Just be sure to fix the reason the return was rejected as well.

Re: If I change my direct deposit information where I receive my refund will my taxes be delayed?

kaylastacy — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:30:37 GMT

I have not submitted my return, I would just like it to go to a new bank account before proceeding. Will this change the processing time?

Re: If I change my direct deposit information where I receive my refund will my taxes be delayed?

DoninGA — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 14:33:28 GMT

@kaylastacy wrote:

I have not submitted my return, I would just like it to go to a new bank account before proceeding. Will this change the processing time?

No, changing your bank information will not effect the processing time for your tax return.