Get your refund your way
You have several ways to receive your federal income tax refund. You can:
- Direct deposit your refund into a single checking account
- Split your direct deposit between two or three accounts
- Receive your refund in a paper check
Direct deposit your refund to a single checking or savings account
If you want to deposit your refund to just one account, put the information directly on your tax return. You don't need an extra form. It's safe, fast, and convenient.
Split your direct deposit between two or three accounts
Split your direct deposit refund into two or three accounts with up to three different U.S. financial institutions. You can put some into your checking account, some in your savings account, or some in other accounts, such as an individual retirement arrangement or IRA. Use the Form 8888, Allocation of Refund to split your refund. See Get your refund faster: Tell IRS to direct deposit your refund to one, two, or three accounts for more information.
There are limits on the number of direct deposits to the same account
To fight fraud and identity theft, new IRS procedures effective January 2015 limit the number of refunds electronically deposited into a single financial account or pre-paid debit card to three. Direct deposits must be made to an account with your name on it. This new limitation protects you from preparers who collect tax preparation fees by depositing your refund into their own accounts. Also, preparers can't use the Form 8888 to deposit any part of your refund into their own account or a joint account with you.
The fourth and subsequent refunds will convert automatically to a paper refund check and be mailed. Read more about direct deposit limits.
Receive your refund in a paper check
You can still choose to have a paper refund check mailed to you.
Include the EITC logo on your fact sheet
Add the EITC logo with the Life's a little easier with EITC tagline to your fact sheet. See our EITC logo guidelines to ensure you are using the logo properly and for directions on including.
More fact sheets
- Free tax help
- Choosing a tax preparer
- Bring the documents you need to get the EITC you deserve
- Where's my refund
- Low Income Tax Clinic (LITC)
