Tax season officially opened today, and if you’re trying to file your return early and get the whole process out of the way as quickly as possible, there’s one method you won’t want to overlook.
We’ve given you tips on what documents you’ll need to prepare to file your tax return and how to read your W-2 form, but following these additional tips will help you get your refund back 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.
This story is part of Taxes 2025CNET’s coverage of the best tax software, tax advice and everything you need to file your return and track your refund.
We’ll walk you through the benefits of using direct deposit and e-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 tax brackets for 2025. Plus, here’s our cheat sheet for filing 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 filing a paper tax return, you will need to print the forms and mail them to the IRS, then wait for a tax refund check – a process that can take more than four weeks.
By electronically filing, you will avoid dealing with mail delivery delays and wait times.
To file your tax return electronically, you can either use the IRS Free File Service which, if you qualify, allows you to file simple returns for free. You can also explore our expert picks for the best tax apps and software for e-filing.
Step Two: Go Direct
Of course, you can always choose to go the old-fashioned route and send a paper tax refund check through the mail, although this is the slowest, most expensive method. and the least practical.
On average, you will receive your refund within 21 days if you combine direct deposit with electronic deposit. There is also no risk that your refund will be broken, lost, stolen or destroyed in the mail.
Direct deposit is free and also saves you money as a taxpayer. It costs more than $1 to issue a paper refund check, but only a penny for each direct deposit, According to the IRS.
To enjoy the ease and convenience of direct deposit, you’ll just need to follow the steps below.
How to set up direct deposit
When depositing, you will have the option to add your bank account information to receive your refund via direct deposit.
When e-filing, 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 receive your tax refund even if you choose to file your tax return by paper. Regardless of which method you select, you will need to provide your bank account and routing numbers. (You can find them on a check or statement.)
You can have your tax refund spread across up to three accounts – such as a savings account, a checking account and an individual retirement account – or choose the entire amount placed in a single account.
Your tax refund should only be deposited into an account affiliated with U.S. Bank(s). Your account will need to be in your name, your spouse’s name, or both names if it is 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. Using the FDIC is obtained Page, you can consult and choose a bank or you can Consider a credit union If you prefer a non-profit, member-owned banking option. Explore CNET’s Best Checking Account and Best Saving Account of 2025 for information on new bank accounts.
You can also choose to have your refund deposited onto a prepaid debit card if you don’t want to open a bank account. Many reloaded prepaid cards have account and routing numbers, like those found on a check, that you can provide to the IRS when filing.
For more tax tips, here’s how to get your tax refund up to five days early and all states with tax filing deadlines later than April 15.
