IRS Paper Refund Checks Phase-Out: What Changes | HelloBooks The IRS generally stopped issuing paper refund checks to individuals after September 30, 2025. What happens when a return has no bank details.
Under Executive Order 14247, the IRS generally stopped sending paper refund checks to individuals after September 30, 2025. A return without bank details still gets processed, but the refund waits.
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Paper refunds phased out from
September 30, 2025
Applies: Individual refunds from September 30, 2025From IRS.gov · checked October 10, 2026
The return is accepted and processed. The IRS mails a letter and then a CP53E notice asking for a response within 30 days, which the taxpayer can give through their IRS Individual Online Account. IRS staff cannot take bank details by phone or in person.
If the taxpayer does not respond and there is no other issue, the refund is released as a paper check after six weeks. Limited exceptions exist for hardship and legal or procedural reasons.
Paper checks and money orders are still accepted for payments to the IRS for now, though the IRS plans to move toward electronic methods. Business refunds will also move to direct deposit over time.
The plain-English summary for business owners
Individuals · marketplace coverage
Reference · 2025 and 2026
By client type · retirees and seniors
General information for tax professionals, not advice on a specific return. Figures are from IRS.gov on the date shown; check the current IRS instructions before filing.
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