The IRS claimed that about 161,489,000 were received in 2024. That is about 0.9% more than in 2023. Bear in mind that not all tax filers receive a tax refund from the Agency.
In fact, out of that number, only about 103,185,000 received a refund. So, more than 58,000,000 either got no refund or had to pay to the Internal Revenue Service the money they owed.
Only 93,506,000 taxpayers got a direct deposit from the IRS
Comparing the number of American taxpayers who received a tax refund from the IRS and those who got a direct deposit, it is possible to find that 9,679,000 taxpayers got a check instead of a direct deposit.
However, the Internal Revenue Service’s advice is to get banked to speed tax refund payment with a direct deposit. For your information, the fastest way to get your tax refund is to file electronically and request a direct deposit.
Paper checks can take much longer to be issued. Hence, there is no need to keep you waiting if you really need the money in your bank account. All you have to do is get your routing and account number by signing into your online banking account or get it from your local branch.
IRS tips for those who do not have a bank account yet
Some Americans do not have a bank account yet. The IRS explains to taxpayers how to open an account at an FDIC-insured bank. Another possibility is to do it through the National Credit Union Locator tool: https://mapping.ncua.gov/
Veterans who do not have a bank account yet can take advantage of the Veterans Benefits Banking Program also known as VBBP. In this way, you can have access to the financial services that participating banks offer.
Another possibility is to get a prepaid debit card or even a mobile app that allows direct deposit of tax refunds. Of course, they need to have routing and account number to get your money from the IRS.