This story is part of Taxes 2022, CNET’s coverage of the best tax software and everything else you need to get your return filed quickly, accurately and on-time.
Tax season began on Jan. 23, which was the first day that individual filers could submit their tax return. While you might think you have plenty of time to submit your return, that deadline of April 18 approaches quickly. The fastest way to get your tax refund is by filing electronically with direct deposit, and there’s a simple way to access your IRS money a few days sooner than usual.
If you need your tax refund ASAP, you can get it two days quicker — and you don’t even need a bank account. Cash transfer apps like Venmo, Cash App or PayPal can help you process your tax refund, and they can provide your money earlier than traditional banking services.
Here’s how to set up direct deposit with Venmo, Cash App or Paypal to get your refund sooner. For more, learn how to file taxes for free, the biggest tax changes this season and seven ways to avoid an IRS tax audit. And if you received a tax rebate last year, the IRS said you may want to wait to file.
How to get your tax refund quicker
Unlike most banks, cash transfer apps like Venmo can make your deposits available to you as soon as they’re received. That means you can get your refund back up to two days sooner because you wouldn’t have to wait on your bank to process the deposit, which could take up to a week.
How to get your refund through Venmo
Setting up a Venmo account takes less than 5 minutes. Here’s how to do it.
1. Download the Venmo app on your mobile phone and create an account or sign in.
2. Select the profile icon at the bottom right side of the screen.
3. Scroll down and tap Direct Deposit.
4. Select “Show account number” to access your Venmo account details.
5. When you file your tax return, enter your Venmo routing and account number. Once your taxes have been processed by the IRS, your refund will be sent to your Venmo account.
Your refund could arrive up to two days earlier via a money transfer app.
James Martin/CNET
How to get your refund through Cash App
If you’d like to set up direct deposit with Cash App, here’s how to do it.
1. Download the Cash App app on your mobile phone and create an account or sign in.
2. Tap the Banking tab on the bottom left side of your screen. It’s the one shaped like a building.
3. Scroll down and select Direct Deposit. It’ll note that you can get your money two days faster.
4. Next, you’ll need to create a free Cash Card. Tap Get Free Cash Card and follow the onscreen prompts.
5. Once you’re finished, you can go back to the Direct Deposit tab and copy your routing and account numbers. Use those when you file your taxes.
Get your tax refund through PayPal
Just like Venmo (owned by PayPal) and Cash App, you can get your money back two days sooner with PayPal. Here’s how.
1. Download PayPal on your mobile device and sign in or create an account.
2. Scroll through the top menu options and select Set up Direct Deposit.
3. Tap Get Started. You’ll need to read through the terms and conditions, then select Continue.
4. Confirm your information with PayPal and select Submit.
5. Next, you’ll need to upload a photo ID or your Social Security or ITIN document.
6. Once you have that completed, you’ll be able to access your routing and account information in your PayPal wallet.
For more information, here’s how to track your tax refund. Also, these 10 tax changes could impact the size of your tax return.