February 28, 2020 The fastest way to get your tax refund is to file your return electronically and have your refund deposited directly into your bank account. You don't need to wait by the mailbox because your check isn't printed and mailed. Instead, your bank or credit union credits your account with the exact amount of your refund. This is the same electronic transfer system used to deposit nearly 98 percent of all Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits into millions of accounts. It's a faster, safer, and a greener way to receive your refund. Direct deposit is easy to use. Select it as your refund method through your tax software Tell your tax preparer you want to receive your refund by direct deposit into your account Choose direct deposit even if you still file by paper; your deposit will take longer because of the longer time to process paper tax returns mailed to the IRS You'll need to have your bank account and routing number available when you're filing to get direct deposit. Most routing and account numbers can be located on your online banking app, your bank's website or by contacting your bank directly. It's important for you to double check your bank account information, after it's entered, to avoid errors and a possible delay in receiving your refund. And, you can choose to have your refund deposited into one, two or even three of your own bank accounts For more information go to IRS.gov/directdeposit. Whether you file electronically or on paper, direct deposit gives you access to your refund faster than a paper check. Direct deposit also avoids the possibility that your check could be lost or stolen or returned to IRS as undeliverable.
