Why Your 2026 Tax Refund Could Be Delayed Without Direct Deposit
The IRS is changing how tax refunds are issued starting in 2026. If your tax return does not include direct deposit information, or if your bank rejects your deposit, your refund may be temporarily frozen instead of automatically mailed as a paper check.
That does not mean you will lose your refund, but you may need to take extra steps to receive it quickly.
Where Do I Set Up Direct Deposit in My Income Tax Filing?
Taxpayers should be prompted to enter direct deposit information within their tax filing software (TurboTax, H&R Block, CPA-prepared return, IRS Free File, etc.). If you prepare your own return, there is a section on Form 1040 where you enter:
Routing number
Account number
Account type (checking or savings)
If you do this correctly at the time you file, you do not need to create an IRS online account.
How to Make Sure Direct Deposit Is Set Up Correctly With Your Ouachita Valley FCU Checking Account
Using direct deposit with your Ouachita Valley FCU checking account is straightforward, but accuracy matters.
Step 1: Locate Your Routing and Account Numbers
You will need:
Ouachita Valley FCU’s routing number, which is 311176021
Your personal checking account number
You can find both of these numbers:
Inside Ouachita Valley FCU’s online and mobile banking dashboards
On the bottom of your checks
By calling Ouachita Valley FCU at 318.387.4592
Be sure you are using your checking account number, not a debit card number.
Step 2: Select Direct Deposit on Your Tax Return
When filing your return:
Choose direct deposit as your refund method
Enter the routing number carefully
Enter your checking account number
Select “checking” as the account type
Double-check all numbers before submitting your return. Even one incorrect digit will cause the deposit to be rejected.
Step 3: Confirm Your Account Is Active
Make sure:
The checking account you’re using for direct deposit is open and active
The name on the account matches your tax return
There are no restrictions on the account
If you recently changed checking accounts or closed an old one, update your tax filing information accordingly.
What Happens If You Do Not Provide Direct Deposit Information
The IRS will still process your return if you don’t include bank account information, but your refund may be delayed by weeks. You can create and access your IRS online account and add your direct deposit information after filing, or request that a paper check be issued to speed up the process.
If you do nothing, the IRS will eventually issue a paper check after several weeks. However, that delay could push your refund back longer than in previous years when paper checks were issued automatically.
What Happens If Your Direct Deposit Is Rejected
Entering incorrect direct deposit information, or having it rejected, can create longer delays than not entering direct deposit information at all. If your bank rejects the deposit:
The IRS freezes the refund
You are sent a CP53E notice in the mail
The notice instructs you to log into your IRS online account and enter the correct information
If the IRS verifies your updated information, the refund is reissued by direct deposit. If you do not respond, the IRS will mail a paper check after about six weeks.
Why the IRS Is Moving Away From Paper Checks
The federal government has been working to modernize how payments move to and from bank accounts. Electronic payments:
Cost less to process than printing and mailing checks
Arrive faster
Reduce the risk of lost or stolen mail
Decrease fraud related to paper checks
Direct deposit is also easier and faster for taxpayers. Funds go directly into your checking account without you needing to deposit it, and your refund can be used immediately to pay bills, move to savings, or cover expenses.
Paper checks will still be available, and you will eventually receive one if you don’t set up direct deposit, but requesting one requires additional steps, and you will be waiting weeks longer to receive your refund.
The Key Is Entering Accurate Direct Deposit Information
The 2026 changes do not prevent you from receiving your refund, but they do place more responsibility on taxpayers to provide correct bank information and respond promptly if an issue occurs.
If you live in Northeast Louisiana and need a checking account for direct deposit, or if you’re already a member and want help locating your routing and account numbers, Ouachita Valley FCU can help. You can contact our team at 318.387.4592.
