The IRS has phased out the paper check refund starting from the 2026 tax season, which will offer faster refunds to taxpayers. The 2026 tax season is just a few months away; taxpayers preparing for tax returns should file earlier to receive a faster refund.
The 2026 tax season has major updates due to the new bill and other changes that every taxpayer should know to adapt to them. The agency followed the paper check prohibition in the President’s Executive Order to reduce costs and fraud.
The IRS announced that paper check refunds will be phased out as of 30 September 2025, which is designed to speed up the refunds, protect taxpayers, and cut the paper check costs. The early filers with a valid return can expect a faster refund.
Why will early filers get faster refunds in 2026?
The IRS has not specifically suggested that early filers would receive faster refunds, but it is clear that if you file early and select direct deposit, your return will be reviewed faster and the refund will be processed faster unless you have claimed the credits restricted under the PATH Act.
The PATH Act would delay your tax refund with EITC/ACTC credits till 15 February 2026. The early filers get the faster return as the agency prioritizes the early filers and processes the electronic returns with direct deposit first.
Filing early, taxpayers can also avoid the season rush and backlog that is generally seen near the April deadline, which delays the processing. With a paper check refund in the picture, the tax refunds will be issued to the taxpayers with a valid return within 21 days of the filing, following the general tax refund processing schedules.
How will the 2026 tax refunds be higher?
Apart from the refund process getting faster, the taxpayers can also expect the tax refund to get higher in the 2026 tax season due to the following reasons:
- The new bill, OBBBA, has raised the tax credits and deductions for the 2025 tax year, which will increase tax refunds for the taxpayers, such as the standard deduction, child tax credit to $2200, and others.
- The inflation adjustment has increased the EITC credit amount for the 2026 tax season and changed many tax laws that will increase your tax refund.
- The new bill introduced many changes to the tax laws, such as no tax on tips/ overtime, etc, which would affect the taxpayers.
- The new bill retroactively lowered the tax rates, and the IRS has not updated the withholding tables, which means the employees are paying based on the current rate, which would lead to the workers overpaying the taxes, which they will receive as a tax refund later in the tax season.
How can you get your tax refund faster in 2026?
Preparing to file your taxes in the 2026 tax season, here’s what you can do to receive a faster tax refund from the IRS:
- First of all, ensure you have a valid bank account if you are planning to select the direct deposit. If you used to select a paper check, you should open a bank account or check your account if you can receive your refund through it, as paper check refunds will not be available.
- You should go for electronic filing methods for the tax return as they are processed faster, resulting in faster processing of the refund. IRS allows e-filing through the IRS Free File software, tax software, and others.
- Know which IRS Forms you have to file with the tax returns to claim the credits or deductions, or tax benefits.
- You should file the tax return electronically as early as soon once the tax season starts in the last week of January 2026.
- You can file early through the IRS Free File and hold your tax return, and file it as soon as the tax season starts.
- You can track your tax refund via the IRS Where’s My Refund tool and easily get an idea of your refund processing and reflection in your bank account or other payment method.
What can delay your tax refund in 2026?
Now, if you wish to get your refund faster in the 2026 tax season, you should avoid the following mistakes:
- When you file your taxes, make sure all information is valid, as missing information or incorrect information can delay the review process.
- Remember to check all your claims and ensure you have attached the supporting documents along with the return.
- When you enter the bank account information on the tax return, ensure that it is correct and active when you are filing.
- If you claim EITC/ACTC credits, your tax refund will be delayed till mid-February 2026.
- You should avoid paper filing, though the IRS has not mentioned if the paper filing will also be removed or not, but try to go for the e-filing methods.
The IRS is striving to improve the tax system and make it easy and convenient for taxpayers. If you are preparing for the 2026 tax season, you should explore the tax changes and prepare to file the return accordingly.
Disclaimer: IRS 2026 refund information is for general awareness only. Confirm details with the official IRS sources.
