How to Update Your Direct Deposit Info for Both the IRS and SSA

Changing where you receive federal money—tax refunds or Social Security benefits—requires different steps for each agency. This guide explains how to update your direct deposit info for the IRS and the Social Security Administration (SSA), what you need to prepare, and what to expect after you submit the change.

Why update your direct deposit info for IRS and SSA

Keeping direct deposit details current avoids missed payments, returned funds, and identity confusion. The IRS uses bank info for tax refunds, while SSA sends monthly benefit payments directly to the bank account you provide.

Both agencies require accurate routing and account numbers, and each agency follows different processes and timelines for changes.

What you need before you update your direct deposit info

• Your Social Security number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN)
• Bank routing number (9 digits) and account number
• Account type: checking or savings
• Recent bank statement or a voided check for verification
• Access to your online account for the agency when available

How to update your direct deposit info with the SSA

The SSA allows benefit recipients to change deposit details online, by phone, or in person. Online is usually the fastest and most convenient method.

Steps to update your SSA direct deposit online

1. Sign in or create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount.
2. Choose “Direct Deposit” or “Change Payment Method.”
3. Enter the routing number, account number, and account type.
4. Confirm details and submit. Print or save the confirmation for your records.

If you prefer not to use the website, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Some offices will ask you to bring a voided check or bank statement to confirm the account information.

Timing and common issues for SSA

• New bank details may take one or two payment cycles to take effect. Plan ahead if you need payments in a specific month.
• Only U.S. bank accounts are accepted for direct deposit. The SSA can also place funds on a U.S. Treasury debit card if needed.
• Watch for email or mail confirmations. If you do not see a confirmation, follow up with SSA.

How to update your direct deposit info for the IRS

The IRS issues direct deposit primarily for tax refunds. The process for changing where your refund goes depends on whether you have filed your tax return.

If you have not yet filed your tax return

Include your correct bank routing and account numbers on your Form 1040 (or return prepared by your tax software or tax pro). The IRS uses the information on the filed return to send refunds directly.

If you already filed your return

• If your return has not yet been processed, you can try contacting the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to ask whether changes are possible. In many cases, once a return is accepted, the bank account on the return cannot be changed by the taxpayer.
• If the bank account is closed or incorrect, the financial institution often returns the funds to the Treasury, and the IRS will reissue the refund as a paper check mailed to your address on file.
• Monitor your refund with the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool at irs.gov/refunds to track status and delivery method.

Special notes for tax professionals and electronic filers

Tax preparers who file electronically can enter direct deposit details during e-file submission. If you use a tax pro, confirm the bank info on the preparer’s copy before they transmit your return.

Security tips when updating direct deposit info

• Use the official agency websites: ssa.gov and irs.gov. Avoid updating information via unsolicited emails or texts.
• Do not share your full SSN or banking info over unsecured email. Use secure portals or in-person visits.
• Keep a copy of confirmations and check bank statements after the first payment to verify deposit.

Real-world example: Changing SSA deposit after a bank switch

Maria retired in February and cashed a final check into a temporary account. She opened a permanent checking account in March and updated her SSA direct deposit online on March 10. Her April benefit was deposited into the new account, but the first month used to switch took one payment cycle.

She saved the confirmation page as proof and checked her bank on payment day to confirm the deposit. When her bank showed no deposit on the expected date, she called SSA and found the change had been processed but scheduled for the next monthly payment.

Quick checklist before you update your direct deposit info

• Confirm routing and account numbers (check a voided check).
• Have your SSN or TIN handy.
• Use the correct agency website or phone number.
• Save confirmations and monitor first payment.

When to contact support

If you do not receive payment after the expected processing window, contact the agency directly. For SSA, use 1-800-772-1213 or your local office. For IRS refund issues, use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool first, then call 1-800-829-1040 if needed.

Following these steps helps ensure refunds and benefits arrive on time and in the right account. Update your information with enough lead time before a scheduled payment to avoid delays.