IRS Refunds and Payments
Paper checks for Internal Revenue Services (IRS) federal income tax refunds are being phased out.
In accordance with Executive Order 14247, federal agencies are transitioning to fully electronic federal payments. This policy shift includes phase out of paper tax refund checks beginning Sept. 30, 2025, to the extent permitted by law.
Taxpayers who file returns with valid bank account information will continue to receive direct deposits as the fastest and most secure refund method. Electronic refunds give taxpayers faster access to refunds, with payments issued in less than 21 days in most cases. Payments may take 6 weeks or longer for refunds sent by mail.
Source: IRS: Modernizing payments to and from America’s bank account
What happens when you request a paper check:
If you request your refund as a paper check it may take 2-3 months or longer to receive it.
After a federal income tax return if electronically filed requesting a paper check, the IRS will send the taxpayer a Notice CP53E and you can expect a delay in the processing of the refund by up to an additional six weeks.
More information: FS-2026-02 Questions and answers about Executive Order 14247: Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account
Tips on Electronic Payment Options Available to Taxpayers as the IRS Phases Out Paper Checks
(Taxpayer Advocate Service)
Direct Deposit
For purposes of direct deposit be sure to bring your banking information including:
Type of Account: checking; savings; etc.
Name of bank
Routing number
Account number
Your name needs to be on the account.
If you do not have a bank account here are some resources:
Open bank/credit union account:
Washington State Banks (Washington State Department of Financial Institutions)
List of Washington State Chartered Banks
FDIC: Get Banked
Washington State Credit Unions (Washington State Department of Financial Institutions)
List of Washington State Chartered Credit Unions Banks
https://dfi.wa.gov/credit-unions/list-washington-state-chartered-credit-unions
Certain mobile apps and prepaid debit cards.
If they have a routing and account number.
Tips on Electronic Payment Options Available to Taxpayers as the IRS Phases Out Paper Checks (Taxpayer Advocate Service)
Can I get a checking account without a Social Security number or driver’s license? (CFPB)
Paying a Tax Bill Electronically
Make a payment (IRS)
From: Tips on Electronic Payment Options Available to Taxpayers as the IRS Phases Out Paper Checks > Paying a Tax Bill Electronically (Taxpayer Advocate Service)
There are a several ways taxpayers – both individuals and businesses – can pay their taxes through electronic means, including:
Paying directly from a bank account: Taxpayers can pay at the time they submit their return or schedule payments up to a year in advance. Individual and business taxpayers can also use IRS Direct Pay to pay taxes from their bank account. Direct Pay is free and secure, doesn’t require a sign-in, and you can change or cancel within two days of a scheduled payment.
Using a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet: Both individual and business taxpayers can use one of these methods to pay their tax bill. However, taxpayers should be aware the card or wallet may charge a processing fee, and this option is not available for paying payroll taxes.
Paying from an individual or business IRS account: Taxpayers who have an online account with the IRS can make payments through this account for an amount owed, a quarterly estimated tax payment, a payment on a recently filed amended return, a proposed tax assessment, a payment for an extension to file an income tax return (available January – April), an offer in compromise (OIC) application fee, or other OIC related payment.
Via the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS): Taxpayers must enroll in EFTPS to make payments through this system. Taxpayers can use EFTPS to make payments from their bank accounts.
Via an Electronic Funds Withdrawal: This option is only available to taxpayers when filing their return electronically, either using tax preparation software or with a tax professional.