The IRS started phasing out paper refund checks for particular person taxpayers on Sept. 30, 2025, beneath Govt Order 14247. Direct deposit is now the first refund supply technique, though paper checks stay obtainable in sure circumstances. Offering legitimate direct deposit info if you file can assist keep away from refund delays.

Is the IRS nonetheless sending paper refund checks?

Sure, paper refund checks are nonetheless obtainable in sure circumstances. Nevertheless, direct deposit is now the first refund supply technique. Now, let’s discover why that is taking place.

Why is the IRS phasing out paper checks?

There are just a few key the reason why the IRS is phasing out paper tax refund checks, together with:

• Price financial savings. Decreasing the printing, processing, and mailing of paper checks can decrease authorities prices.
• Quicker refund supply. Mailing and delivering checks take time. By eliminating the mailing course of, digital refunds will likely be despatched and acquired a lot quicker.
• Higher safety and fraud prevention. Sending a bodily verify presents the danger of fraud and/or loss, as checks are regularly misplaced or stolen within the mail. Plus, there’s a considerably better danger of fraud, corresponding to having your verify altered.
• Fewer supply errors. Sending tax refunds electronically reduces the danger of widespread errors, like broken checks or outdated addresses.

How lengthy does a direct deposit tax refund take?

Submitting electronically and selecting direct deposit is the quickest option to obtain your federal tax refund. The IRS points most refunds in fewer than 21 days, however some returns require extra assessment and take longer. You must at all times double-check your routing and account numbers earlier than submitting to assist keep away from delays.

How will this have an effect on particular person taxpayers?

In response to IRS.gov, 93% of refunds had been issued by way of direct deposit throughout the 2025 tax submitting season. Nevertheless, 7% of taxpayers nonetheless acquired their refunds by means of the mail.

Individuals on this smaller group embrace, however aren’t restricted to, seniors, unbanked people, those that choose out of direct deposit, and people and not using a designated digital cost technique. 

In case your direct deposit info is lacking, invalid, or rejected, the IRS might quickly maintain your refund and mail you a CP53E discover. You usually have 30 days from the discover date to supply banking info or choose an relevant paper-check exception by means of your IRS Particular person On-line Account.

Underneath present IRS steering, if you don’t reply and there aren’t any different points along with your return, the IRS will challenge a paper verify six weeks after the discover date. Bear in mind to permit extra time for mail supply.

What’s an IRS CP53E discover?

The IRS might ship you a CP53E discover in case your direct deposit info is lacking, invalid, or rejected. You usually have 30 days from the discover date to supply banking info or choose an relevant paper-check exception by means of your IRS Particular person On-line Account.

Underneath present steering, when you don’t reply and there aren’t any different points along with your return, the IRS will challenge a paper verify six weeks after the discover date. Enable extra time for mail supply.

Easy methods to put together for the paper verify phase-out

Offering correct direct deposit info if you file can assist forestall refund delays. Listed here are just a few different methods you possibly can put together:

• Look ahead to IRS communications. For those who obtain a CP53E discover, comply with its directions inside 30 days of the discover date. Use your IRS Particular person On-line Account so as to add or replace your banking info or choose an relevant paper-check exception. IRS workers can’t replace your banking info by cellphone.
• Open a checking account. There are a number of methods to open a financial institution or digital account with out visiting a bodily department. With some analysis, yow will discover the proper monetary establishment that meets your monetary wants and objectives, serving to you keep away from pointless charges.
• Join direct deposit. Each receiving your refund by means of direct deposit and signing up for direct deposit are fast and straightforward. All it’s essential to do is enter your account quantity and routing quantity for the account you’d prefer to deposit your refund into, and every other requested private info. You’ll want to double-check that your info is right to keep away from any points or delays along with your cost.
• Discover different direct deposit choices. Sure pay as you go debit playing cards and cell cost apps can settle for tax refunds in the event that they assist direct deposit and supply routing and account numbers. Affirm eligibility and the right account particulars along with your supplier.

FAQ 

The underside line

The IRS is shifting most particular person tax refunds to digital supply. When submitting with TaxAct®, fastidiously assessment your obtainable refund choices and double-check any direct deposit info you present. For those who obtain an IRS discover about your refund, comply with its directions promptly to assist keep away from extra delays.

Whether or not you’ve got already chosen direct deposit, are switching to direct deposit, or are exploring different strategies, TaxAct can assist you file your return conveniently and effectively.

This text is for informational functions solely and never authorized or monetary recommendation. 

All TaxAct provides, services are topic to relevant phrases and situations.

Citations

Inside Income Service. “IRS to Part Out Paper Tax Refund Checks Beginning with Particular person Taxpayers.” Inside Income Service, 23 Sept. 2025, www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.
Inside Income Service. “Understanding Your CP53E Discover.” Inside Income Service, www.irs.gov/people/understanding-your-cp53e-notice. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.