Tax season is upon us, and the IRS is offering advice and recommendations to expedite the process. The 2026 tax return will include changes stemming from IRS updates and modifications introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill. If you’d like to receive your 2026 refund faster, the IRS offers a direct deposit option, using the same secure system that delivers 98% of Social Security and VA benefits.
By filing electronically and opting for direct deposit, most refunds arrive in less than 21 days
According to experts, this is the safest, fastest, and most reliable way to receive your money, allowing taxpayers to send a refund to one, two, or even three different bank accounts. In fact, eight out of ten taxpayers already use it. By filing electronically and opting for direct deposit, most refunds arrive in less than 21 days. With rising costs and tighter budgets, receiving your refund quickly and where you need it is more important than ever. It’s worth remembering that with the recent government shutdown, benefit and salary payments were delayed in some cases.
Even those who file paper returns can do so by entering the numbers manually
For all these reasons, the IRS recommends planning your tax return to avoid any errors that could delay your refund. The agency emphasizes waiting for all supporting documentation before submitting your return. Therefore, to ensure you meet all requirements, when filing electronically, select direct deposit and enter your routing number and account number. If you hire a tax advisor, tell them you want direct deposit. Even those who file paper returns can do so by entering the numbers manually.
The OBBB recommends checking its official regulations page for effective dates and potential individual impacts
A refund can go across different accounts. You can split your refund across up to three bank accounts in the United States, including a checking account, a savings account, or even an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). In any case, the OBBB recommends checking its official regulations page for effective dates and potential individual impacts. In this specific case, splitting the refund is useful if you want to allocate part of it to paying bills and another part to savings.
Regarding the changes mentioned above, the IRS and the Treasury Department are working on implementing the OBBB Act, which adjusts federal taxes, deductions, and credits. Key issues include the 2026 tax year’s federal income tax schedule; changes to the standard deduction; changes to the Earned Income Tax Credit; modifications to energy credits; and changes to withholding and income thresholds.
By the way, regarding the refund split, taxpayers can use their tax software or submit Form 8888 when filing their paper return. This can be checked through the IRS online account. Using this feature, you can also access recent returns, Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) and transcripts; check payment, scheduling, and review transfers; obtain or review your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN); and remotely authorize professionals to view records and access specific processes.
Regarding the speed of payments, the IRS added that some prepaid cards, digital wallets, and mobile apps also accept direct deposits, provided the associated routing and account numbers are included. Recipients should be informed to understand the processes and procedures, as, for example, with direct deposit, taxpayers can save money since issuing a paper check costs the government ten times more than processing an electronic deposit. Furthermore, with the speed of direct deposit, families can access their income more quickly.