Direct deposit works the same way for both IRS refunds and Social Security, but you set them up through different systems
If you receive a tax refund from the IRS or monthly Social Security payments, you can have both deposited straight into your bank account instead of waiting for a check or debit card. The process differs slightly depending on which payment you're setting up, but both use the same banking information — your routing number and account number.
For IRS refunds, you enter your bank details when you file your tax return, either on paper Form 1040 or through tax software. For Social Security, you set up direct deposit through your Social Security account online, by phone, or at a local office. Once either one is active, the money arrives on the scheduled payment date without you having to do anything else.
Key Takeaways
- You provide your bank's routing number and your account number to set up direct deposit — the same information for both IRS refunds and Social Security.
- IRS refunds are set up when you file your tax return, while Social Security direct deposit is managed through ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a Social Security office.
- Direct deposit for both payments is free and reduces the risk of lost or stolen checks.
- If you change banks or accounts, you need to update your direct deposit information separately with the IRS and Social Security — one change does not update both.
- Social Security offers a one-time option to receive your first payment by check or debit card if you are not yet set up for direct deposit.
Setting up direct deposit for your IRS refund
When you file your tax return for 2024 (due April 15, 2025), you will enter your bank account information on the return itself. If you file electronically through tax software or a tax preparer, you enter your routing number and account number in the direct deposit section. If you file by mail on paper Form 1040, you write this information in the spaces provided on the form.
The IRS uses this information to deposit your refund directly into your account. The refund typically arrives within 21 days of the IRS accepting your return, though it can take longer if there are errors or if the IRS needs to verify information. You can track your refund status using the IRS Where's My Refund tool at irs.gov, which updates once per day.
If you do not set up direct deposit when you file, the IRS will mail you a check or load your refund onto an IRS debit card. You cannot add direct deposit after you have filed — you would have to wait for the check or card and then deposit it yourself.
Setting up direct deposit for Social Security payments
Social Security direct deposit is managed separately from the IRS. You can set it up online at ssa.gov by logging into your My Social Security account, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time), or by visiting your local Social Security office in person.
When you set up direct deposit, you provide your bank's routing number and your account number, just as you would for the IRS. Social Security will ask whether you want the payment deposited to a checking account, savings account, or money market account. Once you submit the information, Social Security typically processes the change within one to two business days, and your next payment will arrive by direct deposit on the scheduled date.
If you are already receiving Social Security but have not set up direct deposit, you can still do so at any time. Social Security will continue to send payments by check or debit card until you change your payment method.
What information you need to provide
For both IRS refunds and Social Security direct deposit, you will need your bank's nine-digit routing number and your account number. Your routing number identifies which bank or credit union holds your account. Your account number is the unique identifier for your specific account at that bank.
You can find both numbers on the bottom left of any check you have from that account — the routing number comes first, then the account number. If you do not have a check, you can call your bank or log into your online banking portal to find these numbers. Some banks also print them on statements or debit cards.
Make sure you have the correct account type selected — checking or savings — because the payment will go to whichever account you specify. If you enter the wrong account number or routing number, the payment may be delayed or sent to the wrong account, and you will need to contact the IRS or Social Security to correct it.
Changing or updating your direct deposit information
If you change banks, close an account, or need to update your direct deposit details, you must make the change separately with the IRS and with Social Security. Updating one does not update the other.
To change your IRS direct deposit information, you must file a new tax return with the updated banking details. You cannot change direct deposit information for a return you have already filed. If you need to update your information before filing your next return, you can contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to discuss your options, though the most reliable way is to provide the correct information when you file.
To change your Social Security direct deposit information, log into your My Social Security account at ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office. Social Security processes changes within one to two business days, and the new account information takes effect with your next scheduled payment.
What happens if direct deposit fails
If your bank rejects a direct deposit payment — for example, because the account was closed or the routing number was incorrect — the IRS or Social Security will typically attempt to redeposit the payment. If the second attempt fails, the payment will be issued by check or debit card instead, which delays your money by several weeks.
If you receive a notice that a direct deposit failed, contact your bank when ready to confirm your account is active and that the routing and account numbers on file are correct. Then contact the IRS (1-800-829-1040) or Social Security (1-800-772-1213) to report the issue and request that the payment be reprocessed. Keep any rejection notices from your bank, as you may need them to resolve the problem.
Direct deposit for joint accounts and representative payees
You can set up direct deposit to a joint account — an account held in two names — as long as you provide the correct routing number and account number for that account. Both the IRS and Social Security will deposit to the account you specify, regardless of whose names appear on it.
If someone else manages your Social Security benefits as your representative payee, that person sets up direct deposit on your behalf. They provide their own bank account information, and Social Security deposits your payment into their account. The representative payee is responsible for using the money for your needs and keeping records of how it is spent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the same bank account for both my IRS refund and Social Security?
Yes. You provide the same routing number and account number to both the IRS and Social Security, and both payments will go into that account. However, you set up direct deposit separately with each agency — updating one does not update the other.
How long does it take for direct deposit to start after I set it up?
For the IRS, direct deposit is set up when you file your return, and the refund typically arrives within 21 days of acceptance. For Social Security, changes take one to two business days to process, and the new payment method takes effect with your next scheduled payment date.
What if I do not have a bank account?
If you do not have a traditional bank account, you may be able to use a prepaid debit card or a credit union account. Some prepaid cards provide routing and account numbers for direct deposit. Contact your card issuer or credit union to confirm they support direct deposit and to get the routing and account numbers you need.
Can I set up direct deposit for Social Security online if I do not have a My Social Security account?
You can create a My Social Security account at ssa.gov to set up direct deposit online. If you prefer not to create an account, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office in person to set up direct deposit over the phone or face-to-face.
What should I do if my direct deposit payment went to the wrong account?
Contact your bank when ready to report the error and ask whether the payment can be recovered. Then contact the IRS (1-800-829-1040) or Social Security (1-800-772-1213) to report the incorrect account information and request that the payment be reissued. Provide the correct routing number and account number so the payment goes to the right place the next time.