I have requested the federal and state to send me a check. Why would turbo tax process my refund if it is not direct deposit?

[dschindler1]

I have requested the federal and state to send me a check. Why would turbo tax process my refund if it is not direct deposit?

[xmasbaby0]

What do you mean when you say "TurboTax process my refund?"       TurboTax provided you with do it yourself tax software to prepare your return.  Only the IRS processes your tax return and issues your refund.

[VolvoGirl]

Did you choose to have any fees like the $25 state efile fee deducted from your refund?  That has to use Direct Deposit for the 3rd party bank to take the fee out.  There is also a $40 Pay with Refund service charge.  

If you have the Desktop program check the first page Filing Instructions.  You can switch to Forms Mode.  

[dschindler1]

Based on the response... The only way to have a check mailed to you is to file by Mail. This a major flaw in the software. E-mailing is free for Federal but Turbo Tax will only allow e-filing if they process the refund for direct deposit For $40.

[CatinaT1]

The IRS doesn't give this option anymore. In accordance with Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments To and From America's Bank Account, signed on March 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in coordination with the Internal Revenue Service and other federal agencies, is advancing the transition to fully electronic federal payments. This policy shift includes phase out of paper tax refund checks beginning Sept. 30, 2025, to the extent permitted by law.

You can find more information in this article.

[VolvoGirl]

@dschindler1   There is NO fee to get Direct Deposit.   If you are seeing the $40 (45 in California) to process your refund that is because you chose to have a Turbo Tax fee deducted from your refund. Like the $25 State Efile fee in the Desktop program. Or any fees in the Online version. Go back though the File tab and see if you selected to have any fees deducted.

If you are using the Desktop there is one screen that can trip you up. People get going to fast and click the bottom right button to continue. But to pay by credit card you need to check the Left button.
See this screen shot

,

[hawkdog88gt]

I just ran into this with my parents' return. A week after I submitted their 1040-SR, the IRS sent them a letter saying their direct deposit information was incorrect. I thought it was a scam because I didn't provide any direct deposit information because I never do. At any rate, I had to create an IRS account for my 82yo father in order to enter the required information.

BTW, if he had done nothing, he would have received a check in 6 weeks (per the IRS). 

If the IRS isn't issuing checks any longer, then why leave that option in TT for Federal?

(Venting here, but I hate the assumption these days that everyone has a smart phone and/or computer, and that they can create and use online accounts as easy as younger, computer savvy people.)