Here are the main reasons 66 million taxpayers chose Direct Deposit in 2008:
- Direct Deposit is secure. There is no chance for a check to get lost in the mail. Thousands of checks are returned to the IRS by the US Post Office every year as undeliverable mail. Direct Deposit eliminates the possibility you won't receive your check and prevents your refund from being stolen.
- Direct Deposit is convenient. The money goes directly into your bank account. You won't have to make a special trip to the bank to deposit the money yourself.
- Direct Deposit is easy. When you're preparing your return, simply follow the instructions for "refund" on your return. Just make sure you entered the correct bank account and bank routing numbers on your tax form and you'll receive your refund quicker than ever.
- Direct Deposit offers options. You can also electronically direct your refund to multiple accounts. With the "split refund" option, taxpayers can divide their refunds among as many as three checking or savings accounts and three different U.S. financial institutions. A word of caution — some financial institutions do not allow a joint refund to be deposited into an individual account. Check with your bank or other financial institution to make sure your direct deposit will be accepted.
This and other helpful tips are available in IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax. To get a copy, visit the Forms and Publications section of the IRS Web site, IRS.gov, or call 800-TAX-FORM (800-829-3676).
