Tax season begins on January 26. This is how you can monitor your refund status

Expecting a Bigger Tax Refund? Here’s How to Get Yours Fast

This year, many Americans are likely to receive larger tax refunds than usual. If you’re eager to access your money quickly, the IRS recommends choosing electronic methods for the fastest results.

Tax refunds represent a significant financial boost for millions each year, often being the largest single payment many people receive. In fact, about three-quarters of Americans typically get a refund annually.

According to IRS statistics, the average refund in 2025 was $2,939. Experts predict this figure could increase due to recent tax and spending changes introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration. Because the IRS did not adjust withholding tables to reflect these new rules retroactively, taxpayers could collectively save an extra $50 billion, says Oxford’s lead economist Nancy Vanden Houten.

While the IRS can still issue paper checks, opting for direct deposit is both quicker and more secure. Over 90% of taxpayers already receive their refunds this way, and the IRS is encouraging even more people to make the switch. As of September 30 last year, the IRS began phasing out paper checks for individual filers.

The IRS notes that paper checks are over 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, altered, or delayed compared to electronic payments. Direct deposit also eliminates the risk of a refund check being returned as undeliverable.

How to Set Up Direct Deposit for Your Tax Refund

• If you’re using tax software: Choose direct deposit as your refund option and enter your bank’s routing and account numbers.
• You can locate your routing number on the bottom left of your checks or on your bank’s website. Your account number is typically on the bottom right of your checks, or you can find it by logging into your online banking or contacting your bank branch.
• If you’re working with a tax preparer: Let your preparer know you want your refund sent via direct deposit.
• For the fastest results, combine electronic filing with direct deposit, as recommended by the IRS.
• If you’re filing a paper return: You can still use direct deposit—just select this option on your tax form and provide your banking details.

Be sure to double-check your account and routing numbers to avoid errors. If there’s a mistake, the IRS may send your refund by paper check instead.

No Bank Account? Here’s What to Do

If you don’t have a bank account, you still have options. Ask your tax preparer if they offer other electronic payment solutions.

Alternatively, you may be able to have your refund deposited onto a reloadable prepaid debit card or a mobile app. Many of these options provide routing and account numbers, which may differ from the card number itself. Confirm with your financial provider that your card or app can accept direct deposits, and verify the correct numbers before submitting.

Splitting Your Refund Between Multiple Accounts

You can divide your refund among different accounts to help manage your finances—perhaps setting aside some for immediate use and some for savings. Tax software can help you do this electronically, or you can use IRS Form 8888 if you’re filing a paper return.

• You may split your refund in any ratio among up to three U.S. financial accounts, reloadable prepaid debit cards, or mobile apps.
• Refunds can only be deposited into accounts in your name, your spouse’s name, or both if it’s a joint account.
• No more than three electronic refunds can be sent to a single account or prepaid card.

How Long Does Direct Deposit Take?

Most taxpayers who file electronically and select direct deposit receive their refunds in less than 21 days.

You can track your refund’s progress using the IRS "Where’s My Refund?" tool, which shows when your return was received, when your refund was approved, and when it was sent. Once approved, funds typically appear in your account within five days.

If you file a paper return, processing may take four weeks or longer. Refunds involving the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit cannot be issued before mid-February by law. Most early filers claiming these credits should see their refunds by March 3, provided they chose direct deposit and there are no issues with their return.

Tracking Your Refund

Regardless of whether you choose a paper check or direct deposit, you can monitor your refund status using the "Where’s My Refund?" tool on the IRS website or by calling 800-829-1954.

• Check your refund status 24 hours after e-filing or four weeks after mailing a paper return. Updates are posted daily, overnight.
• You’ll need your Social Security or taxpayer ID number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return.
• If you split your refund, the tool will confirm the split but won’t show the amount deposited in each account. It will display the estimated deposit dates and note any adjustments made to your refund.