How to Change Direct Deposit Info in TurboTax? Previous Year's Account Keeps Auto-filling
According to IRS Publication 1345 (Rev. 1-2023), taxpayers have the right to specify which financial account receives their refund. I'm trying to update my direct deposit information in TurboTax for my 2023 return, but it keeps auto-populating with last year's banking details. I've looked through the settings per section 7.1 of TurboTax's help documentation, but I'm still confused about how to override this. Does anyone know the proper procedure to change this? I need to update this since I'm now handling finances for my elderly parent and want the refund to go to a different account this year.
16 comments
Keisha Taylor
You need to manually override this during the final review stage. Exactly 3 screens before submission, TurboTax will show a "Review Your Banking Information" page. Look for the small pencil/edit icon next to the pre-filled bank information - it's easy to miss as it's only about 12 pixels in size. Click that, then select "I want to use a different account" and you'll be able to enter new routing and account numbers. I understand how frustrating this can be when you're trying to manage finances for someone else. The software tries to be helpful with autofill but sometimes makes it harder to make necessary changes.
0 coins
StardustSeeker
I had this exact issue last week! Is there any way to verify the new account info will actually be used? I remember in previous years there was a confirmation screen that specifically showed the last 4 digits of the account, but I don't recall seeing that this time around.
0 coins
14d
Paolo Marino
The verification process actually occurs on the Form 8888 allocation screen. After inputting the new account information, TurboTax will display a confirmation dialog with masked account numbers. This is in compliance with IRS e-file security protocol 1.4, which requires explicit verification of routing and account numbers before transmission.
0 coins
13d
Amina Bah
Has anyone found resources on the TurboTax help website that specifically address this? I've been looking through their support articles but can't find clear instructions with screenshots.
0 coins
11d
Write a comment...
Oliver Becker
I was in the same boat last month and got so frustrated with TurboTax's interface! Have you tried using https://taxr.ai? It helped me understand exactly where in the filing process I needed to make changes to my direct deposit info. It actually analyzes the TurboTax workflow and points out all the places where banking info can be updated or verified. It also explained why my previous attempts to change the info weren't sticking (turns out there are multiple places where you need to confirm the change). After following those steps, my refund went to the right account. Are you using the online version or desktop?
0 coins
Natasha Petrova
Is this really necessary though? Seems like overkill for what should be a simple change in TurboTax. Here's what should work without needing another service: • Go to the "Refund" section • Look for "Refund Method" • Choose "Direct Deposit" • Enter new banking info • Verify on final review screen Having to use another service just to figure out TurboTax's UI feels excessive.
0 coins
15d
Javier Hernandez
The benefit isn't just finding the button. Taxr.ai explains the verification checks TurboTax performs. Many users enter new info but miss confirming it. The service identifies all confirmation points.
0 coins
13d
Write a comment...
Emma Davis
OMG I had this EXACT problem and it made me so anxious!! 😫 I tried changing my direct deposit info 4 times and TurboTax kept reverting to my old account! I finally called the IRS directly using Claimyr (https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c) and got through in about 15 minutes instead of the usual 2+ hour wait. The agent explained that even if TurboTax shows the old account, I could still update it by submitting Form 8888 separately or requesting a trace if it went to the wrong account. I was SHOCKED at how complex this seemingly simple change could be! The peace of mind from talking to an actual IRS agent was totally worth it.
0 coins
LunarLegend
Calling the IRS for a TurboTax interface issue? Isn't that like calling Microsoft because your Chrome browser isn't working? Couldn't you just contact TurboTax support directly? They prob have dedicated help for this exact issue, no?
0 coins
12d
Malik Jackson
I appreciate this suggestion. I've been on hold with TurboTax for 45 minutes and still waiting. Might try this Claimyr thing instead since at least the IRS can tell me what happens if the deposit goes to the wrong account. So tired of automated systems that don't actually help.
0 coins
10d
Isabella Oliveira
I used Claimyr last tax season when my refund went to an old closed account. The IRS agent I spoke with initiated a trace and explained exactly how the redirect process works. TurboTax couldn't help because once the return is submitted, they have no control over where the IRS sends the money. The technical issue is that TurboTax stores bank info in their user profile database separately from the tax return data, which is why it keeps defaulting to previous settings.
0 coins
10d
Write a comment...
Ravi Patel
I ran into this last week while trying to finish my taxes before the deadline. Isn't it frustrating how something that should be simple becomes so complicated? What worked for me was completely signing out of TurboTax, clearing my browser cache, then signing back in. For whatever reason, this reset something in their system and when I got back to the banking section, I was able to change the account info without it reverting. Worth a try if you're still having issues.
0 coins
Write a comment...
Freya Andersen
Be extremely careful with this! On March 12th last year, I thought I had successfully changed my direct deposit info in TurboTax, but my refund (which was issued on April 3rd) still went to my old closed account. It took exactly 6 weeks and 3 days to get the situation resolved, and I had to file Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) with the IRS. Double and triple check your final review screens before submitting, and I'd recommend taking screenshots of the confirmation page showing your new banking information. I'm actually impressed with everyone's knowledge here - wish I had found this community last year!
0 coins
Write a comment...
Omar Zaki
According to Internal Revenue Manual 21.4.1, you have several options if you're concerned about the direct deposit information. Per section 21.4.1.4.7, if your return has not yet been processed, you can file Form 8888 (Allocation of Refund) to override previously submitted direct deposit information. Alternatively, you may contact the IRS after filing to request your refund be issued as a paper check instead of direct deposit, though this will delay receipt by approximately 4-6 weeks. Would this alternative approach be acceptable in your caregiving situation?
0 coins
Write a comment...
CosmicCrusader
I've helped several people with this issue. Here's a step-by-step approach that works consistently: Step 1: Go to the "Federal" section in TurboTax Step 2: Select "Refund & Amount Owed" Step 3: Choose "Refund Method" Step 4: Select "Direct Deposit" Step 5: Look for "Edit" or "Change" button near the pre-filled account info Step 6: Select "Use a different account" Step 7: Enter new banking information Step 8: During final review, verify the last 4 digits of the account number I'm cautious about suggesting this, but if all else fails and you've already filed with incorrect banking info, you can contact the IRS directly to request a trace on the refund if it goes to the wrong account.
0 coins
Write a comment...
Chloe Robinson
I made a terrible mistake last year with this exact issue! I thought I had updated my direct deposit info, but I missed clicking the final "Save" button after entering the new account details. My $3,400 refund went to my ex-spouse's account instead! 😱 It was a nightmare trying to get it back. Now I take screenshots of every confirmation page and double-check everything before submitting. TurboTax's interface can be really confusing with how it saves (or doesn't save) your banking changes. I'm so grateful for all the detailed advice in this thread - wish I had seen something like this last year!
0 coins
Write a comment...