Maximize Your Tax Refund: Avoid Delays and Get Paid Fast
Learn how to maximize your Tax refund, minimize delays, and receive your payment swiftly with essential tips and updates.
Many Americans may receive a larger tax refund this year. This could be a nice surprise. President Donald Trump signed a bill in July that added tax breaks for 2025. Also see how to make your money stretch farther in today’s economy.
The IRS didn’t update withholding quickly enough. So, some workers paid too much in federal taxes. This means they could get more money back when they file their taxes. When filing taxes, be sure to claim any dividends, such as from stock sales, and precious metal sales, such as gold and Silver.
But getting this money fast depends on how you choose to receive it. The IRS is moving towards electronic payments. The National Taxpayer Advocate warns that refunds might be frozen if you don’t include direct deposit details.
Many people, including low-income households and older adults, rely on checks. An electronic-first system can be tough for them. About 15 million Americans live in areas with slow internet, making it hard to track refunds or update banking info.
To better understand refunds, see this guide on tax refunds. The key is: a bigger refund is great, but getting it fast requires accurate filing and choosing the right delivery method.
Tax Refund Key Takeaways
- Some Americans may receive larger tax refunds because the 2025 tax breaks did not match the amount withheld from paychecks.
- Filing an accurate income tax return matters more when refunds are larger and timelines are tight.
- The IRS is pushing electronic payments, which may affect how fast refunds are released.
- Missing direct deposit information can slow processing and complicate tax refund status updates.
- People who rely on paper checks may face longer wait times and greater delivery risk.
- Limited internet access can make it harder to manage online refund tools and payment settings.
Tax refund
A tax refund is money sent back when you paid more in taxes than you owed. Many people also receive more back when they claim deductions for retirement savings or work expenses. The U.S. dollar hit a 4-year low due to Tariffs and political unrest.
To get an idea of what to expect, you can use a tax refund calculator. It won’t be exact, but it helps spot any issues before you file.
Why refunds may be bigger this year
Some people may receive larger refunds this year due to tax changes. Tax cuts were passed in July, but how much you pay in taxes didn’t change right away. Some workers are paid more than necessary.
The IRS says the average refund is $3,167 this year. Experts estimate refunds could increase by $675 to $1,000. This depends on your income, filing status, and tax credits.
Some people only notice the difference when they compare their pay stubs to their tax return.
How the IRS is “modernizing” payments and what it means
The IRS is moving toward more digital processes, such as e-filing and faster payments. This is important because refunds are processed faster when you file online and have the correct account details.
For a quick look at how quickly refunds are processed, see this refund timing guide. It shows how online filing can speed up the process compared to paper.
Direct deposit vs. paper check timing
Direct deposit is the fastest way to get your refund. It skips the need for printing and mailing. Paper checks take longer and can be delayed if your address is outdated.
Before you file, make sure you have your bank’s routing and account numbers right. Also, double-check your tax deductions and credits. This ensures your return matches your documents.
Why paper checks create more risk
Paper checks can get lost, delayed, or sent to the wrong address. They’re harder to replace, which can delay your refund when you need it most.
- Mail delivery adds time and tracking limits.
- Address typos can reroute a check for weeks.
- Stolen checks can trigger extra verification steps.
How to avoid a tax refund delay in the IRS refund process
To avoid a tax refund delay, file your taxes early and use e-file with direct deposit. This keeps the process moving and reduces errors that slow down your refund.
Before you submit, double-check your direct deposit details. The account number and bank routing number can be found on a paper check. A single wrong digit can delay your refund.
The IRS warns about a “missing direct deposit” issue. If you file without bank account info, the IRS will process it. But you won’t get your refund until you add direct deposit details or request a paper check. If you do nothing, the IRS sends a check after six weeks.
If your refund is frozen, the fix is usually simple. You’ll receive a CP53E notice asking you to update your direct deposit information in your online IRS account.
- You have 30 days to respond. Quick action can avoid weeks of waiting for the mail.
- Keep screenshots or a confirmation number handy for tracking your refund status later.
Good records help prevent review triggers that can delay your refund. Gather Forms W-2 and 1099, keep last year’s return handy, and report all income, including gig work and digital assets.
For more IRS tips on avoiding delays, check out these IRS tips. They align with the shift towards electronic delivery.
Some households face real barriers. The FDIC reports 5.6 million U.S. households are unbanked, often due to fees and lack of trust in banks. This can increase the chance of a tax refund delay.
When worried about minimums, a quick online search can find free checking accounts with no fees. Traditional bank minimums can be $100 to $500. Missing these can lead to fees that make people opt out of direct deposit.
If past banking problems prevent opening a new account, ChexSystems may be the reason. ChexSystems tracks deposit and debit history. A negative record, like unpaid overdraft fees, can limit new account openings for up to five years.
In such cases, “second-chance” accounts offered by some banks and credit unions can help. CNBC has reported on this. Planning is key for those facing a tech gap: Pulse Points found that about 15 million Americans live in broadband deserts. This makes it harder to update direct deposit quickly and protect their tax refund status.
Tax Refund Conclusion
Many taxpayers may receive a larger tax refund in 2025. The average refund is $3,167, and some customers could receive an additional $675–$1,000. The best strategy is not to guess. Instead, use a tax refund calculator early and check all deductions and credits before filing.
The IRS is pushing for direct deposit for refunds. This is because they want to modernize payments. If you don’t provide direct deposit info, your refund might be delayed. You can file without it, but you’ll have to wait longer for a paper check.
Choosing direct deposit is faster and safer. IRS data show that most refunds are deposited via direct deposit within three weeks. Checks take longer and are more likely to get lost or delayed. To understand why, many filers look into how tax refunds work.
The impact of these changes isn’t the same for everyone. Low-income and older taxpayers may face longer wait times. This is because 15 million people live in areas without reliable internet. To avoid delays, confirm direct deposit early. If you don’t have a bank account, look into free checking options.
