Form 8888 is used to split a direct deposit of your tax refund across multiple accounts, either at a bank or a different financial institution.
Form 8888
2025
Trusted by lawyers
Form 8888
2025
Trusted by lawyers
Form 8888 is used to split a direct deposit of your tax refund across multiple accounts, either at a bank or a different financial institution.
How to Fill Out a Form 8888
Step 1: Open Form 8888 in our PDF editor.
Step 2: Enter your name and social security number.
Step 3: Add the amounts to be deposited in each account, along with the account number and routing number, according to the Form 8888 instructions.
Step 4: Sum up the amounts allocated to each account. The final number must match the amount on your income tax return.
Step 5: Attach the document to Form 1040.
Step 6: Submit the package to the IRS.
What Is IRS Form 8888 Used For?
IRS Form 8888 is used to request a direct deposit of your tax refund to two or three accounts at a bank or a different financial institution (mutual fund, credit union, or brokerage firm). This is done for added convenience and to save tax dollars.
Who Should Use Form 8888?
Individuals who wish to split their federal tax refund across two or three accounts should use Form 8888. Essentially, anyone receiving a tax refund can do it, but there are some limitations; namely, you can’t file this form if you’ve already filed Form 8379, the Injured Spouse Allocation, and the accounts must be in your name.
When Is the Form 8888 Due?
Form 8888 is submitted along with Form 1040, the U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, so it must be filed by 15th April. This isn’t a recurring form, though; you complete it only for the tax years when you want to split your tax refund across multiple accounts.
Are There Penalties for Not Filing Form 8888?
There are no penalties for not filing Form 8888; it’s entirely up to you if you want to split your tax refund across multiple accounts. If you don’t file it, you’ll still receive the refund, but it will be sent either to one account or as a paper check.
How and Where Do I File Form 8888?
You should file Form 8888 with the IRS by attaching it to Form 1040 and submitting the package either by mail or electronically. You’ll find both the paper submission addresses and the online portal on the official IRS website.
How to Get Your Form 8888
1
Access the printable Form 8888
2
Enter the required information
3
Download Form 8888 to your device
#1. How do I get a blank Form 8888?
You can get a blank Form 8888 from pdf.net or the official IRS website. Both forms are valid, and you can easily open them in our PDF editor to fill them out.
#2. Can I submit a Form 8888 electronically?
You can submit Form 8888 electronically if you use the IRS’s official online submission tool. Follow the instructions and make sure to attach this document to your Form 1040.
#3. What if my Form 8888 is missing information?
If your Form 8888 is missing information, the refund deposit might be delayed, or the IRS may have to submit it to only one account. You may be able to correct the issue if you act fast and contact the IRS to have them stop the direct deposit until you submit the corrected form along with the amended tax return (Form 1040-X). However, to avoid these complications, it’s best to cross-check your document with a Form 8888 example before filing.
#4. Can I fill out my Form 8888 online?
You can fill out Form 8888 online by using our PDF editor or the online tool on the official IRS website.
#5. Is this form free?
This form is free to view and edit, but you need to purchase a subscription plan if you want to download it for further use.
#6. Can I correct mistakes on Form 8888?
You can correct mistakes on Form 8888 by submitting Form 1040-X with an updated version attached to it. However, the corrections won’t be taken into account if the IRS has already processed the original form and sent out the deposit.
#7. How many accounts can I list on Form 8888?
You can list up to three accounts on Form 8888, along with their account/routing numbers. These accounts can be at a bank, or they can belong to a different eligible financial institution.
#8. Can I use Form 8888 with my joint tax return?
Yes, you can use Form 8888 with your joint tax return. The only document with which you can’t use Form 8888 is Form 8379, the Injured Spouse Allocation.