Do you want your tax refund early? File electronically. Here’s how

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

We’ve given you tips on documents you need to prepare for submission your tax return and how to read your W-2 formbut following these extra tips will help you get your refund in about 21 days — compared to over 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 electronic filing with the IRS to speed up your refund, and show you exactly how to do it. For more tax tips, explore how to file taxes for free and on tax bands for 2025. Also, here’s ours cheat sheet to file your taxes and our picks for the best tax software.

Step One: Go Digital

The trick to getting your refund sooner is to combine electronic filing with direct deposit. When you file a paper tax return, you’ll need to print out the forms and mail them to the IRS, then wait for a tax refund audit, a process that can take more than four weeks.

By filing electronically, you will avoid processing delays and waiting times for mail delivery.

To file your tax return electronically, you can use IRS Free File Service which, if you qualify, allows you to file simple returns for free. You can also check out our expert suggestions for the best tax apps and software to submit electronically.

Step Two: Go Direct

Of course, you can always choose to go the old-fashioned way and get a paper tax refund check mailed to you, although this is the slowest, most expensive, and most inconvenient method.

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

Direct deposit is free and also saves you money as a taxpayer. Issuing a paper refund check costs more than $1, but only a penny for each direct deposit, according to the IRS.

To take advantage of the ease and convenience of direct deposit, all you have to do is follow the steps below.

How to set up direct deposit

When you file, you’ll have the option to add your bank account information to receive your refund via direct deposit.

When filing electronically, simply select “Direct Deposit” as your refund method or let your tax preparer know you want direct deposit. You can also use direct deposit to get 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 number. (You can find them on a check or statement.)

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

Your tax refund should only be deposited into a US bank or US bank-linked account. Your account will need to 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. On the one hand, you can open a bank account. With the help of FDIC’s GetBanked page, you can browse and select a bank or you could consider a credit union if you prefer a non-profit, member-owned banking option. Check out CNET best checking account and best savings account from 2025 for 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 those found on a check, that you can provide to the IRS when you file.

For more tax advice, here how to get your tax refund up to five days early and all countries with deadlines for submitting tax returns after April 15.