IRS Form 8888: Allocation of Refund
Form 8888 lets you split your federal refund into more than one account by direct deposit. You attach it to your return. The IRS page also covers using it to buy savings bonds where available. It does not speed up a refund, but it controls where the money goes.
What this form is for
It directs parts of one refund into different checking, savings or retirement accounts.
When people usually use it
People use it at filing time to send some of the refund to savings. It may come up if a split refund went to the wrong account.
What to have ready
- Routing and account numbers for each account
- Your return showing the refund
Notices that mention it
- IRS Notice CP12: Changes to your return: refund changed
Related forms
Read the IRS page
IRS.gov page for Form 8888 (opens in a new tab). The IRS page is the final word on this form.
Frequently asked questions
What is IRS Form 8888?
Form 8888 lets you split your federal refund into more than one account by direct deposit. You attach it to your return. The IRS page also covers using it to buy savings bonds where available. It does not speed up a refund, but it controls where the money goes.
Where do I get Form 8888?
Get it from IRS.gov. The IRS page for Form 8888, https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8888, has the latest revision, the instructions and any recent changes.
Do I need to file Form 8888?
That depends on your own facts. The instructions on IRS.gov explain who uses Form 8888, and any IRS letter you got may say what it needs from you. This is not tax advice.
What should I have ready for Form 8888?
Gather: routing and account numbers for each account; your return showing the refund. The instructions on IRS.gov list everything the form asks for.
If you have an IRS letter
The OweRight iPhone app reads your letter and explains what it says in plain English. Join early access and we will let you know when it is available.
OweRight is not the IRS and does not give tax or legal advice.