This article is for information only and is not tax advice.
This article explains why the IRS no longer sends paper checks as the default refund method, and what to do if you filed without bank information. It's for anyone who expects a refund from the IRS.
What changed
Starting with the 2026 tax filing season, for new tax returns, the IRS issues tax refunds mainly by electronic payment. Paper checks are no longer the default.
Why the IRS changed refunds
Executive Order 14247 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, the IRS sends refunds primarily by direct deposit, prepaid debit card, or other electronic methods. Paper checks exist, but they are becoming the exception rather than the rule.
If you file without bank information
If you file a return without bank details, the IRS accepts and processes the return. The IRS doesn't reject a return only because direct deposit information is missing. However, the refund can stop moving forward.
Instead of mailing a paper check automatically, the IRS can hold your refund temporarily. In most cases, you receive a letter, often a CP53E notice, that asks for your banking information before the IRS releases the refund.
Respond to the IRS notice
You typically have about 30 days to respond to the notice. During that time, you can provide your banking information so that the IRS can release your refund.