What IRS direct deposit relief payments are

When the IRS sends you a relief payment — such as an economic impact payment during a pandemic, a tax refund, or a recovery rebate credit — it can deposit the money directly into your bank account instead of mailing a check. Direct deposit is faster than the mail, and the IRS uses the banking information you provided on a tax return or through the IRS website to route the payment to you.

The IRS does not charge you to receive a payment this way. The money goes into whichever account you designated, and you can use it when ready once it arrives. If you did not set up direct deposit with the IRS before, you can still provide your banking details after the fact through the IRS website or by mail, though this may delay the payment.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS sends relief payments by direct deposit if you provided banking information on a recent tax return or through the IRS website.
  • Direct deposit payments arrive in your account within one to three business days after the IRS processes them, much faster than a mailed check.
  • You can check the status of a relief payment through the IRS "Get My Payment" tool or by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
  • If the IRS has the wrong bank account on file, the payment may be rejected and returned, after which the IRS will mail you a check instead.
  • You do not need to do anything to receive a direct deposit payment if your banking information is current with the IRS.

How the IRS knows your bank account information

The IRS pulls your banking details from the most recent tax return you filed. If you filed a 2023 tax return and chose direct deposit for your refund, the IRS has that account on file. The same is true if you received a relief payment by direct deposit in the past — the IRS keeps that information unless you ask them to change it.

If you have not filed a recent return or never set up direct deposit with the IRS, you can provide your banking information through the IRS website before a payment is sent. The IRS also accepts banking details by mail if you send a signed letter with your name, Social Security number, account number, and routing number. Providing this information early can speed up the payment, though the IRS will also mail a check if they cannot process a direct deposit.

What happens when the IRS sends your payment

Once the IRS processes your relief payment, it sends an electronic instruction to your bank with the amount and your account number. Your bank then deposits the money into your account. This process usually takes one to three business days from the time the IRS initiates the transfer. You will see the deposit appear in your account, and you can withdraw or spend the money right away.

The IRS does not hold the money or place any restrictions on how you use it. Once it is in your account, it is yours to manage like any other deposit. If you have set up alerts with your bank, you may receive a notification when the deposit arrives.

When direct deposit fails and what happens next

If the bank account information the IRS has is closed, incorrect, or belongs to a different account than you expected, the bank will reject the deposit. When this happens, the payment bounces back to the IRS. The IRS then initiates a new payment by mail, which takes several weeks to arrive. You will receive a check in the mail instead of a direct deposit.

If you realize the IRS has the wrong account before the payment is sent, you can update your information through the IRS website or by calling 1-800-829-1040. If the payment has already been rejected and you want to provide the correct account, you can contact the IRS, though they may proceed with mailing a check rather than attempting another direct deposit. Keep the check when it arrives — do not discard it thinking the payment failed.

Checking the status of your relief payment

The IRS provides a tool called "Get My Payment" on its website where you can enter your Social Security number, date of birth, and street address to see whether a relief payment has been sent and which method was used. The tool shows you the payment date, the amount, and whether it was sent by direct deposit or check. You can check this tool as soon as you believe you are due a payment.

If the tool shows that a direct deposit was sent but you have not received it after three business days, contact your bank to confirm the account number the IRS used. Your bank can tell you whether the deposit arrived and was credited to your account, or whether it was rejected. If it was rejected, contact the IRS to provide corrected banking information.

Direct deposit versus check: why the IRS offers both

Direct deposit is faster and more reliable than mail. A check can be lost, stolen, or delayed in transit. Direct deposit eliminates those risks and puts the money in your account within days. The IRS prefers direct deposit for these reasons and encourages people to set it up when they file taxes.

However, not everyone has a bank account or wants to provide banking information to the IRS. For those people, the IRS mails a check. There is no penalty for receiving a check instead of a direct deposit — the payment amount is the same either way. The only difference is timing: a check takes two to four weeks to arrive by mail, while direct deposit takes one to three business days.

Protecting your account when the IRS has your banking information

Providing your banking information to the IRS for direct deposit is safe. The IRS uses the same security standards as banks and does not share your account details with anyone else. The IRS only uses your banking information to send you money, not to withdraw from your account.

If you are concerned about fraud or identity theft, monitor your bank account regularly and set up account alerts with your bank. If you see a deposit you did not expect or a withdrawal you did not authorize, contact your bank when ready. You can also check the "Get My Payment" tool to confirm what the IRS has sent you and when.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my bank account after the IRS has sent a direct deposit payment?

You cannot recall a direct deposit once the IRS has sent it. If the payment went to the wrong account, contact your bank to see if they can reverse it or redirect it. You can update your banking information with the IRS for future payments through the IRS website or by mail.

What if I do not have a bank account?

If you do not have a bank account, the IRS will mail you a check. You can also open a bank account at most banks or credit unions and provide that information to the IRS before a payment is sent. Some people use prepaid debit cards or savings accounts at check-cashing services, though a traditional bank account is usually the most reliable option.

How long does a direct deposit payment take to show up?

Direct deposit payments usually arrive within one to three business days after the IRS processes them. Weekends and bank holidays can add time. If more than three business days have passed, check the "Get My Payment" tool to confirm the payment was sent, then contact your bank to ask whether the deposit arrived.

Can someone else receive my relief payment if they have access to my bank account?

Once a direct deposit arrives in your account, anyone with access to that account can withdraw the money. This is true of any deposit. Protect your account by keeping your banking information private and monitoring your account regularly for unauthorized activity.

What if the IRS sent my payment to an old account I no longer use?

Contact the bank that holds the old account and ask whether the deposit arrived. If it did, you may be able to withdraw it or ask the bank to transfer it to your new account. If the deposit was rejected because the account is closed, the IRS will mail you a check. You can also provide your new banking information to the IRS for future payments.