The IRS allows you to receive your tax refund via direct deposit. It doesn’t matter whether you file electronically or by mail – direct deposit gives you access to your refund faster than if you choose to receive it as a paper check.

Direct deposit also avoids the possibility that your check could be lost or stolen or returned to the IRS as undeliverable.

With direct deposit, you get access to your funds more quickly than if you have to cash a refund check. It can take up to five (5) business days for a check to clear when you deposit it.

If your refund check is lost, stolen, or returned to the IRS as undeliverable, you won’t be able to request a replacement check until 28 days have passed from the date the refund was originally mailed.

Here is what the IRS says about using direct deposit:

Why Use Direct Deposit?

• You get your refund faster by direct deposit than you do by check.
• Payment is more secure. There is no check that can get lost or stolen.
• It is more convenient. You do not have to make a trip to the bank to deposit your check.
• It saves tax dollars because it costs the government less.

Setting up direct deposit is easy … if you have a bank account, that is. If you have a bank account, simply follow the IRS instructions here.

If you don’t have a bank account (or don’t want your tax refund to be available in your regular bank account), you may want to consider using a tax refund card (or “prepaid debit card”).

Continue Reading the Tax Refund Card Guide Online

->Part 1: Why Should I Use a Tax Refund Card?

Part 2: What is a Tax Refund Card?

Part 3: Who Should Use a Tax Refund Card?

Part 4: How to Get a Tax Refund Card.

Part 5: How to Use a Tax Refund Card.

Part 6: Our Recommended Tax Refund Cards.

Part 7: Cards for Independent Tax Preparation Services.

Part 8: Tax Refund Card FAQ.