The US Treasury issues checks for IRS refunds, payable to the name(s) that appear on the tax return, as you filed it.

In the case of IRS refunds issued by direct deposit, the name on the tax return usually must match the name on the bank account into which a refund is to be direct deposited. An individual's refund can be deposited into a joint account if the taxpayer's name is one of the owners of the joint account.

The IRS also gives you the option of depositing a refund from a joint tax return into an individual bank account in the name of either spouse. Some banks require a refund from a joint income tax return to be deposited into a joint bank account. If in doubt, check with your bank.