☝️ Starting with the 2026 tax filing season (for 2025 tax returns), the IRS is changing how it issues tax refunds. Paper checks are no longer the default. Instead, the IRS is moving almost entirely to electronic payments.
ℹ️ This change comes from a Federal Executive Order (14247) that requires most federal payments and collections to be made electronically. The goal is to reduce fraud, speed up processing, and lower administrative costs. As a result, refunds are now primarily sent by direct deposit, prepaid debit cards, or other electronic methods. Paper checks still exist, but they’re becoming the exception rather than the rule.
🤔 What if you didn’t include bank information?
👉 If you file a return without providing bank details, your return will still be accepted and processed. The IRS won’t reject it just because direct deposit information is missing. However, the refund itself may not move forward right away.
🔎 Instead of automatically mailing a paper check, the IRS may temporarily hold your refund. In most cases, you’ll receive a letter, often a CP53E notice, asking you to provide your banking information before the refund can be released.
‼️ You’re typically given about 30 days to respond. During that time, you can submit your bank routin.