“The IRS is moving away from paper refund checks in favor of digital payment methods to improve speed, security, and cost efficiency. For the 2026 tax filing season, taxpayers are encouraged to pay—and get paid—electronically, including receiving refunds by direct deposit.”
By: Kelly Phillips Erb

You Can Still Write The IRS A Check, But Your Refund Will Be Direct Deposit
As the IRS moves toward digital-only payments under a Trump-era executive order, taxpayers should expect changes in how refunds are issued and payments are made.