I’m Kevin McCormally of Kiplingers with today’s tax tip. I want to call your attention to a couple of lines on the tax return that can actually make your life a bit easier. It is for you to direct the IRS to do something for you so at your refund straight to your bank account.

Basically, all you have to do is write the routing number of your bank and your account number. The IRS instructions even show you where to find those numbers on your checks. The IRS likes direct deposit because it saves the government money, but what’s in it for you. Will you get your money faster than the government has to print and mail your check? And an electronic can’t be lost in the mail, or stolen on the way to the bank.

Plus there is no chance that your check will be returned to the IRS’s undeliverable as millions of dollars worth refund checks are each year. Direct deposit is a win-win deal. You ought to take advantage of it.

For more tax tips to help lower your tax bill, visit the Kiplinger tax center at www.kiplinger.com/taxcenter.