About 1.4 million tax filers could see their refunds arrive later than usual as the IRS moves away from paper checks, according to CNBC. The shift, part of a broader federal push toward electronic payments, means people who still expect a check in the mail may face delays if they haven’t set up direct deposit.
The IRS paper check phaseout is the reason behind these hold-ups. If you normally receive your refund by mail, this change directly affects how and when your money reaches you.
Why is the IRS phasing out paper checks?
The federal government has been steering payments toward electronic delivery for years, and the IRS is following that direction. CNBC reports that this transition away from paper checks is what puts roughly 1.4 million filers at risk of a delayed refund.
The exact timeline for the full phaseout, and the specific reasons the agency cited, are not detailed in the material available here. What is clear is that filers who rely on mailed checks are the group most exposed to slower processing.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →Who is affected by the refund delays?
The reported figure is specific: about 1.4 million filers. In practice, this group is made up of people who still receive their refunds as physical checks rather than through electronic transfer.
- Filers most at risk: Those who requested or default to a mailed paper check for their refund.
- Filers least affected: Those already set up for direct deposit, whose refunds are processed electronically.
If you filed and asked for a paper check, or simply didn’t provide bank details, you may fall into the 1.4 million cited by CNBC. The reporting does not break down these filers by state, income, or refund size.
How can I avoid a delayed refund?
The most direct way to sidestep the paper check problem is to receive your refund electronically. Direct deposit lets the IRS send money straight to your bank account, which is generally faster and avoids the mail entirely.
- Choose direct deposit when you file: Enter your bank routing and account numbers on your return.
- Double-check your bank details: A single wrong digit can cause its own delay.
- Check your refund status: Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool at irs.gov to track where your payment stands.
So, if you usually wait for a check in your mailbox, switching to direct deposit on your next return is the clearest step to keep your refund on schedule.
When will affected refunds arrive?
The specific delay length is not stated in the information available. CNBC’s report frames the issue as slower delivery tied to the paper check phaseout rather than a fixed number of extra days or weeks.
Because the timing depends on how the IRS processes each individual return, the safest move is to monitor your status directly through the agency’s online tools rather than assume a set arrival date.
Where can I verify this and get official help?
This account is based on reporting by CNBC. For anything tied to your own refund, the IRS is the authoritative source. You can:
- Track your refund: Use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on irs.gov.
- Update how you’re paid: Set up direct deposit through your tax return or filing software.
- Confirm official guidance: Rely on IRS.gov rather than third-party messages, since scammers often target filers who are waiting on money.
Because payment methods and processing times can change, it’s worth checking the IRS site directly before you file, especially if you’ve depended on paper checks in the past. Making the move to electronic delivery now is the simplest way to keep your refund from getting caught in the phaseout.
