En esta noticia
The way millions of Americans receive money from the federal government is changing as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) moves away from traditional paper checks and toward electronic payments. The change is part of a broader effort to modernize government payments and make transactions faster and more secure.
For taxpayers, the most important change concerns tax refunds. Most refunds are now expected to be delivered electronically, primarily through direct deposit, although other secure options may be available in certain circumstances.
Paper checks are being phased out
The IRS began phasing out paper refund checks as part of Executive Order 14247, which calls for the federal government to modernize how it sends and receives payments.
For taxpayers who provide valid banking information, direct deposit remains the fastest and most secure way to receive a refund. The IRS says electronic refunds generally provide faster access to the money than payments sent by mail.
The change does not mean that taxpayers must alter the way they file their federal tax returns. The IRS has clarified that the filing process itself remains the same; the main difference involves how refunds are delivered and, gradually, how tax payments are made.
What happens if you do not provide bank information?
Taxpayers who file a return without direct deposit information can still have their return processed. However, their refund may be temporarily held while they provide the necessary information or request an available alternative.
In some situations, the IRS may send a CP53E notice asking the taxpayer to add or update their direct deposit information through their IRS Online Account. If the taxpayer does not respond within the specified period, the agency can eventually issue a paper check.
This means that keeping bank account and routing information accurate is particularly important for anyone expecting a federal tax refund.
There are alternatives for people without a bank account
The move toward electronic payments does not mean that taxpayers without traditional bank accounts will automatically lose access to their refunds.
The IRS has indicated that options such as prepaid debit cards and digital wallets may be available in appropriate circumstances. Limited exceptions to the electronic-payment transition can also apply.
Taxpayers who do have a bank account can generally avoid unnecessary delays by checking their account and routing numbers carefully before submitting their tax return.