IRS Moves Towards Digital-Only Refunds: Impacts and Insights

The IRS, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Treasury, is spearheading a transformative shift from paper tax refund checks to digital payments, aiming to complete this transition by September 30, 2025, under Executive Order 14247. This initiative is designed to modernize the refund process for increased efficiency and security, yet poses challenges, particularly for unbanked individuals. Here, we explore the repercussions for taxpayers and outline available options for those lacking traditional banking access.

Reasons for the Electronic Shift

Transitioning to electronic refunds brings numerous advantages. Electronic payments are vastly more secure than paper checks, being over 16 times less susceptible to loss, theft, or delays. Moreover, IRS processing times are considerably reduced, with electronic refunds completed in under 21 days for electronic filers who encounter no issues. In contrast, non-electronic refunds often face weeks-long delays.

The financial benefits of electronic refunds are noteworthy. By eliminating the need for printing and mailing checks, the Treasury can reallocate resources more effectively. Notably, during the 2025 tax season, 93% of federal refunds were successfully processed via direct deposit, thanks to taxpayers including banking details on their returns.

Addressing Challenges for Unbanked Individuals

Despite clear advantages, about 7% of refund recipients still rely on paper checks. This subset, particularly those without banking services, faces pressing challenges, prompting a need for immediate solutions like prepaid debit cards and digital wallets.

The American Bar Association (ABA) has voiced concerns about the rapid pace of this transition, cautioning that unbanked individuals might encounter unforeseen issues. The ABA suggests enhancing access to basic banking services while educating the populace about prepaid card risks, which can involve high fees and limited consumer protections.

The Tax Law Center has emphasized that while prepaid cards offer a solution, they may not be best-suited for annual tax refunds as opposed to regular monthly benefit disbursements. They advocate for a thoughtful deployment to ensure potential costs do not outweigh the advantages.

Exploring Solutions and Alternatives

To mitigate these challenges, several initiatives can aid those without banking facilities:

  1. Prepaid Debit Cards: These cards provide a straightforward solution for those without bank accounts. It is crucial for users to understand associated fees and reissuance processes for tax refunds.

  2. Digital Wallets: With platforms like PayPal and mobile banking apps, taxpayers can receive electronic payments conveniently, offering an alternative to traditional banking.

  3. BankOn Initiative: This program aims to deliver low-cost banking services to underserved communities. Taxpayers should consider accounts certified by BankOn for their low fees and no minimum balance requirements.

  4. FDIC's GetBanked Resources: The FDIC's GetBanked website provides guidance for opening basic bank accounts that are affordable and accessible to newcomers.

  5. International Solutions: For taxpayers overseas, current policies limit direct deposits to U.S. accounts. While advocacy for international ACH transfers continues, maintaining a U.S. account is advised.

The IRS's shift to electronic refunds poses both promising advancements and logistical hurdles, especially for those without bank accounts. Ensuring all taxpayers are informed and have access to alternative financial solutions is vital for a smooth transition. Encouraging the use of practical solutions can help mitigat disruptions and allow taxpayers to benefit from the streamlined efficiency of electronic payments.

This policy change does not affect taxpayers who already opt for paperless refunds. For further inquiries, please contact our office.

Share this article...

Want our best bookkeeping and business service tips and insights delivered to your inbox?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

Let us take your tax and accounting needs off your hands today.

Get in touch

27451 Tourney Road, Ste. 160
Valencia, California 91355
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
Contact
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully