Printable Form 2026

IRS Publication 5490 English & Spanish

IRS Publication 5490 English & Spanish – In today’s fast-paced world, receiving your tax refunds or federal benefits quickly and securely is essential. The IRS Publication 5490 English & Spanish (officially titled Get your Money on time, Every Time – English-Spanish version) is a free bilingual flyer designed to help English- and Spanish-speaking taxpayers understand the benefits of direct deposit.

This official IRS resource promotes switching from paper checks to electronic payments for faster, safer access to your money. Whether you’re expecting a tax refund or federal benefits like Social Security, this guide makes it simple.

Download the official bilingual PDF here: IRS Publication 5490 (en-sp) (Revised February 2021, Catalog Number 75381E).

There’s also an updated English-only version: Publication 5490 (1-2026), titled Direct Deposit: Get Your Payments On Time, Every Time.

Why IRS Publication 5490 Matters in 2026?

The IRS strongly encourages direct deposit as the fastest and most secure way to receive payments. In fact, the IRS is phasing out paper refund checks, and starting in 2026, refunds without valid direct deposit information may face delays or require extra steps from the taxpayer.

Eight out of ten taxpayers already choose direct deposit for refunds, and nearly 98% of Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits arrive electronically. Combining e-filing with direct deposit gets most refunds issued in less than 21 days.

The bilingual Publication 5490 (en-sp) is especially valuable for Spanish-speaking individuals and families, providing clear parallel text in both languages to eliminate confusion.

Example of a personal check showing the routing number (left) and account number (middle) – exactly what you’ll need for direct deposit.

Key Benefits of Direct Deposit (From IRS Pub 5490)

The publication highlights three big advantages:

  • FAST: Payments arrive on time, on payment day, every single time.
  • SAFE: Secure electronic transfer – no risk of lost, stolen, or damaged checks.
  • EASY: Money is automatically deposited into your account – no trips to the bank.

Paper checks come with serious drawbacks, according to the IRS:

  • 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen.
  • 22 times more likely to result in a “non-receipt” claim.
  • 1.6 million paper checks go uncashed each year.
  • Delays from disasters, pandemics, mail issues, or other events.

Direct deposit eliminates these problems while saving the government (and ultimately taxpayers) money – it costs only about 10 cents per electronic payment versus over $1 for a paper check.

How to Sign Up for Direct Deposit – Step-by-Step?

You only need two pieces of information from your bank:

  1. Routing number (9 digits – usually the first set at the bottom of your check).
  2. Account number (the next set after the routing number).

For IRS Tax Refunds:

  • Enter your routing and account numbers when filing your tax return electronically (recommended) or on paper.
  • Use tax software, tell your preparer, or complete Form 8888 if splitting your refund into up to three accounts (savings, checking, IRA, etc.).
  • Visit IRS.gov/DirectDeposit for details.

For Other Federal Benefits (Social Security, Veterans benefits, etc.):

  • Go to GoDirect.gov.
  • Call 800-333-1795.
  • Or contact your specific federal benefit agency.

The numbers are easy to find on your paper check, mobile banking app, or by calling your bank/credit union. Prepaid debit cards and certain mobile apps also work if they provide valid routing and account numbers.

Who Should Use the Bilingual IRS Publication 5490?

  • Spanish-speaking taxpayers and their families.
  • Anyone new to direct deposit who wants simple, official guidance in both languages.
  • Recipients of tax refunds or federal benefits who want to avoid paper check hassles.
  • Community organizations, tax preparers, and financial educators helping diverse populations.

Additional Tips for 2026 Tax Season

  • File electronically and choose direct deposit for the fastest refund (often under 21 days).
  • Double-check your bank details to avoid rejection – the IRS now freezes many rejected direct deposits instead of automatically mailing a paper check.
  • Track your refund with the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov.
  • If you don’t have a traditional bank account, explore safe banking options through the FDIC, NCUA, or Veterans Benefits Banking Program.

Download and Share IRS Publication 5490 Today

Don’t wait for your next payment to be delayed. Switch to direct deposit and get your money on time, every time.

Official bilingual download: p5490esp.pdf
English version (updated 2026): p5490.pdf

For more help, visit IRS.gov/DirectDeposit or IRS.gov/Spanish for additional bilingual resources.

Get your money faster and safer – sign up for direct deposit today!

All information is based on official IRS sources as of February 2026. Always verify the latest details directly on IRS.gov, as tax rules and procedures can change.