Can I change from direct deposit to paper check after return was accepted?

Unfortunately, once your return has been accepted into the IRS Electronic Filing System (EFS), the banking information cannot typically be modified via telephone intervention. The Direct Deposit Routing Protocol (DDRP) is established during initial submission and becomes part of the immutable processing parameters. Your only recourse at this juncture would be if the direct deposit fails due to account closure or invalid routing information, at which point the IRS would automatically default to a paper check issuance through their Recovery Refund Protocol (RRP). This is incredibly frustrating given the lack of flexibility in their systems.

Here's what you need to know about changing payment methods: 1. Once your return is accepted, direct deposit information is locked in 2. If you're concerned about the account, you could contact your bank to prepare them 3. If the direct deposit fails (wrong account number, closed account), the IRS will automatically send a paper check 4. This paper check process adds about 2-4 weeks to your refund timeline 5. You can track what's happening through the Where's My Refund tool The key is understanding that while you can't change it now, there are still options if something goes wrong with the deposit.

I had this exact same situation last year! I wanted to change from direct deposit to a check because I was closing my bank account. I spent hours trying to get through to the IRS, and when I finally did, they told me it was impossible to change it. What happened was my bank account closed before the deposit hit, so the payment bounced back to the IRS automatically. Then they mailed me a paper check about 3 weeks later. It was stressful waiting though, because there was that period where my refund was basically in limbo and the Where's My Refund tool just showed "processing."

I believe what others have said is mostly correct, but if you really need to speak with an IRS representative to confirm your specific situation, you might want to try Claimyr. I've used their service a couple of times when I couldn't get through on the regular IRS lines. They seem to help people get through the IRS phone system much faster than waiting on hold yourself. The YouTube video explains how it works: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c. It might be worth it if you're particularly concerned about your refund situation and need definitive answers.

According to the Internal Revenue Manual (IRM) section 21.4.1, once a return has been accepted for processing with direct deposit information, the payment method cannot be altered through customer service channels. The Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) locks payment parameters after initial processing stage. However, there are two specific scenarios to be aware of: 1. If the financial institution rejects the direct deposit (closed account, incorrect routing number), the IRS automatically converts to paper check issuance. 2. If you're concerned about tax offset intercepts (where the Treasury Offset Program might take part of your refund for outstanding debts), changing to paper check would not prevent this as TPO intercepts occur before disbursement method is executed. Your best course of action is to ensure your banking information is correct and active, or alternatively, allow the direct deposit to fail naturally if you prefer a paper check.

Just to clarify something I'm seeing in the other comments - when people say "accepted" they're usually referring to two different things that get confused a lot. Your return being "accepted" by the IRS just means they received it and it passed the initial checks. It doesn't mean the review process has finished. So while it's true you can't change the direct deposit info now (unless you want to file an amended return, which would delay things by months... not worth it! 😅), you're still probably a couple weeks away from the actual deposit happening if you're on PATH. The PATH Act holds certain refunds until at least February 15th, so they're just now starting to release those funds for qualifying returns.