Avoid 10-Week Wait: Fix Your Refund

0:00Over 98% of tax refunds got handled electronically this season, due direct deposit, says the IRS. Most hit accounts in under 21 days with folks averaging $3,571 back that's a 10% jump from last year. But here's the snag, skip direct deposit info, and you're looking at major holdups up to 10 weeks for your money. The feds are pushing hard to ditch paper checks so missing or wrong bank details trigger a CP-53E notice in the mail. Taxpayers feel the pinch from these delays, especially those caught off guard without quick online access. You can fix it fast without waiting for that letter jump. On the Where's My Refund tool, then your IRS online account to add routing and account. Numbers. Updates usually process in seven days, and IRS staff can't tweak it over the phone. Ignore the notice for 30 days, and yeah, you'll get a paper check eventually, but brace for six to 10 weeks. No bank account. Claim exemptions online for hardships or special cases like disasters.

1:04Paper check in one to two weeks, or call 800-829-1040. For help, smart move keeps the cash flowing smooth. That wraps Birmingham News today. Brought to you with AI.