Want your tax refund sooner? File electronically. Here’s how

Tax season officially opens today, and if you’re trying to file your return early and get through the whole process as quickly as possible, there’s a method you won’t want to overlook.

We have provided you with tips about Documents you will need to prepare to file Your tax return and How to read your W-2 formBut following these additional tips will help you get your money back in about 21 days — compared to more than four weeks if you don’t. All you have to do is file electronically and set up direct deposit.

We’ll walk you through the benefits of using direct deposit and e-filing with the IRS to speed up your refund, and show you exactly how to do it. For more tax tips, explore how File taxes for free and Tax brackets for 2025. Also, here we have it Cheat sheet for filing your taxes Our choice for Best tax software.

Step 1: Go digital

The trick to getting your money back sooner is to combine electronic deposit with direct deposit. When you file a paper tax return, you must print the forms, mail them to the IRS, and then wait for your tax refund to be inspected — a process that can take more than four weeks.

By filing electronically, you will avoid processing delays and waiting for mail to be delivered.

To file your tax return electronically, you can either use… Free IRS filing service This, if you qualify, allows you to file a simple return for free. You can also explore our expert picks for The best tax applications and programs To file electronically.

Step 2: Go directly

Of course, you can always choose to go the old-fashioned route and send a paper tax check by mail, although it is the slowest, most expensive, and least convenient method.

On average, you will receive your refund within 21 days if you combine direct deposit with electronic deposit. There’s also no risk of your refund being misunderstood, lost, stolen or destroyed in the mail.

Direct deposit is free, and it also saves you money as a taxpayer. It costs more than a dollar to issue a paper refund check, but only ten cents per direct deposit, According to the tax authority.

To take advantage of the ease and convenience of direct deposit, you’ll just need to follow the steps below.

How to set up direct deposit

When depositing, you will have the option to add your bank account information to receive your funds through direct deposit.

When filing electronically, simply select “Direct Deposit” as your refund method or let your tax preparer know you want a direct deposit. You can also use direct deposit to receive your tax refund even if you choose to file your tax return on paper. No matter which method you choose, you will need to provide your bank account and routing numbers. (You can find these on a check or statement.)

You can spread your tax refund across three accounts — such as a savings account, a checking account and an individual retirement account — or choose to put the full amount into one account.

Your tax refund must only be deposited into a U.S. or U.S. bank account. Your account must be in your name, your spouse’s name, or both names if it’s a joint account, according to the IRS.

If you don’t have a bank account, you still have options. For one, you can open a bank account. using FDIC’s getBanked page, you can review and choose a bank or you can Consider a credit union If you prefer the option of non-profit, member-owned banks. Explore CNET Best checking account and Best account save From 2025 to obtain information on new bank accounts.

You can also choose to have your refund deposited to a prepaid debit card if you don’t want to open a bank account. Many reloadable prepaid cards have account and routing numbers, like the ones on your check, that you can provide to the IRS when you present it.

For more tax tips, here you go How to get your tax refund up to five days sooner And all states with Tax filing deadlines are later than April 15.