The IRS is moving further toward digital payments, which could delay tax refunds in 2026 for filers who don’t use direct deposit, as the agency balances modernization efforts with staffing limits and new tax rules.

KEY TAKEAWAY The IRS is moving away from paper refund checks this year, and is asking all taxpayers to include their direct deposit information on their 2025 tax returns.Taxpayers who don't include their bank information or report it incorrectly will have their refunds held until they correct it.

The IRS recently issued Notice 2026-13 (the “IRS Notice”), modifying two safe harbor explanations that retirement plan sponsors may use for

With the Trump administration forecasting larger refunds for many households this year following sweeping tax changes, interest is growing not only in how much people might receive but also when that money could land in their bank accounts.