For years, many families in El Paso waited for their tax refund to arrive in the mail. That is changing. The IRS is phasing out IRS paper refund checks, and most refunds now go out electronically. In this guide, we explain what changed, who can still get a paper check and how to get ready before the 2027 tax season starts.
Why the IRS Is Phasing Out Paper Refund Checks
In March 2025, an executive order directed the federal government to move away from paper checks. As a result, the IRS and the Treasury began phasing out paper refund checks on September 30, 2025. The 2026 tax season was the first one under the new rules for individual taxpayers.
The main goals are speed and safety. Paper checks can be lost, stolen or changed. In contrast, a direct deposit usually arrives faster and is harder to steal. That is why the IRS now treats direct deposit as the standard way to receive a refund.
What Happens If You Don’t Give Bank Information
Many people in our community do not have a bank account, or they prefer not to share it. So what happens if you file without banking details? Here is the general process the IRS describes:
- The IRS holds your refund. If your return has no bank information, or your direct deposit is rejected, your refund is put on hold.
- You get a CP53E notice by mail. This letter asks you to add bank information or explain why you can’t.
- You have about 30 days to respond. You can answer through your IRS Online Account.
- A paper check may come later. If you don’t respond and there are no other problems with your return, the IRS generally issues a paper check after about six weeks.
In other words, IRS paper refund checks still exist, but they are now the slow option. If you wait for a check, plan for a longer wait than in past years.
Who Can Still Get IRS Paper Refund Checks
The IRS says paper checks are still issued in limited cases where no other option exists. These include:
- Hardship cases. Some taxpayers can explain why they cannot receive an electronic payment.
- Legal or procedural reasons. Certain situations still require a paper check.
- Refunds for a deceased taxpayer. For now, the IRS continues its current practice for these accounts.
- No response to a CP53E notice. As mentioned above, a check may be the fallback after the waiting period.
Also, keep in mind that other government checks may still arrive on paper in some cases. If you receive one, you can cash it with a valid ID.
Options If You Don’t Have a Bank Account
Not having a bank account does not mean you lose your refund. The IRS mentions a few alternatives:
- Open a free or low-cost account. The FDIC’s GetBanked program lists simple options.
- Use a prepaid debit card. Certain reloadable prepaid cards have routing and account numbers that can receive a direct deposit.
- Use a mobile payment app. Some apps provide account numbers for direct deposit.
Before you choose, check the card or app fees. Some products charge monthly or ATM fees that can reduce your refund.
How to Get Ready Before the 2027 Tax Season
The IRS usually starts accepting returns in late January. Therefore, now is a good time to prepare. Start with these steps:
- Create your IRS Online Account. You will need it to answer a CP53E notice or check your refund.
- Decide how you want your refund. Choose a bank account, prepaid card or app before you file.
- Update your mailing address. If a letter or check comes by mail, it must reach you.
- Gather your documents early. Our tax season checklist can help.
- Watch out for scams. Learn how to spot fake IRS checks and CP53E scams.
Cash Your IRS or Government Check in El Paso
If your refund still arrives as a paper check, Metro Money Financial can help. We offer IRS and government check cashing at our two El Paso offices, with bilingual service in English and Spanish. Bring your check and a valid photo ID, and our team will guide you through each step.
Visit us on Magoffin Ave. or N. Loop Dr., or call +1 915 351 1658.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the IRS still mail paper refund checks in 2027?
Only in limited cases. Most refunds are now sent electronically. A paper check is generally the fallback when no electronic option is available or when you don’t respond to a CP53E notice.
Is the CP53E notice real?
Yes, it is a real IRS notice. However, scammers copy it. The IRS sends it by mail and never asks for bank information by email, text or phone.
How long does a refund by paper check take?
It usually takes longer than direct deposit. If your refund is held for missing bank information, a paper check may come about six weeks after the notice, if you don’t respond.
Can I cash my IRS refund check without a bank account?
Yes. A check cashing service like Metro Money Financial can help you cash it with a valid photo ID. See our guide on how to cash an IRS refund check.