Core Insights - The IRS is requiring taxpayers to include their bank account information on 2025 tax returns to avoid delays in refunds [1][5] - Starting in the 2026 filing season, the IRS will transition to electronic payments for tax refunds, phasing out paper checks [1][4] Taxpayer Impact - Approximately 6.5 million taxpayers, or about 7% of those who received a refund, were issued paper checks during the 2025 tax filing season, primarily affecting unbanked or vulnerable populations [2] - If taxpayers fail to provide accurate bank information, their refunds will be frozen until the correct information is submitted within 30 days of receiving a notice from the IRS [2][5] Alternatives and Exceptions - Taxpayers who prefer not to provide bank information can request a paper check by contacting an IRS representative, but this will result in a delayed refund [3][5] - Certain groups, including international taxpayers, minors, prisoners, and those with religious exceptions, are exempt from the direct deposit requirement [6]