The IRS, following President Trump's Executive Order 14247, will
phase out paper checks for tax payments beginning September 30, 2025.
In one of the most sweeping changes to IRS payment and processing in recent years, the Internal Revenue Service will no longer issue or accept paper checks for most federal payments, including tax payments and refunds,starting September 30, 2025. While this move has been in motion for several years, a new executive order has made it official and set a clear deadline for the change.
Why the IRS Is Moving Away from Paper Checks
This new policy is part of a push by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to modernize payments and reduce fraud, theft, and administrative inefficiency. Electronic payments are more secure and much less likely to be lost, stolen, or altered than traditional paper checks. In fact, paper checks are at least 16 times more likely to result in some sort of payment error or fraud. The cost savings are substantial as well, with each paper check costing about 50 cents to process, versus just a fraction of that for an electronic funds transfer.
How the Change Will Work
Electronic payments will become the default for all federal disbursements, including IRS tax refunds, starting after September 30, 2025. If a tax return includes banking information, the refund will be issued by direct deposit, giving taxpayers their money faster and with far less risk.
For payments, individuals and businesses will use Direct Pay, EFTPS, debit or credit card, or digital wallets. The IRS assures taxpayers that these options will be widely available and secure.
What About Exceptions?
There will be a few, but only in special cases. Limited waivers or exceptions may be available to individuals who do not have access to electronic banking, face significant hardship, or encounter unique situations where electronic payments are not feasible. In these rare instances, taxpayers can work directly with the IRS or Treasury for alternative arrangements.
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ON FOREIGN TAXPAYERS & TRUSTS
What Taxpayers Should Do Now?
Taxpayers who still use checks, whether for refunds or sending payments, should begin preparing for this transition now. That means updating bank account information, learning how to use IRS electronic payment systems, and ensuring electronic deposit details are included with returns. Delays are possible for anyone who tries to use a paper check after the deadline, as the IRS will be unable to process them.
A New Era for IRS Payments
With electronic payments, taxpayers can expect quicker refunds, fewer delays, and enhanced security. This is a significant step in reducing government waste and the risks associated with traditional check payments. If not already familiar, now is the time to learn how to make IRS payments electronically and to ensure that the next tax return includes the necessary information for direct deposit.
Change is rarely easy, but in this case, the benefits are clear. The IRS’s move away from paper checks is designed to make the tax payment and refund process faster, safer, and more efficient for everyone.
Have an IRS Tax Problem?
Contact the Tax Lawyers at
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Sources:
2. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/modernizing-payments-to-and-from-americas-bank-account
3. https://www.claconnect.com/en/resources/articles/25/irs-electronic-payments
4. https://www.duanemorris.com/alerts/irs_shifts_electronic_methods_tax_refunds_payments_0925.html
5. https://www.grantthornton.com/insights/alerts/tax/2025/flash/irs-electronic-payment-requirements
6. https://www.meadenmoore.com/blog/tax/irs-payment-changes-coming-september-2025-act-now
7. https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card
8. https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc202
9. https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay-help
11. https://arbcpa.com/irs-moves-toward-mandatory-electronic-payments-what-you-need-to-know/
12. https://www.irs.gov/payments
13. https://www.reddit.com/r/tax/comments/1l7gfbc/what_are_your_plans_for_the_irs_no_longer/
14. https://www.irs.gov/filing/get-an-extension-to-file-your-tax-return
15. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-time-guide-use-irs-electronic-payment-options-for-fast-safe-service-avoid-penalties-and-interest
16. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-to-phase-out-paper-tax-refund-checks-starting-with-individual-taxpayers
17. https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2025/09/23/irs-confirms-that-it-will-make-the-switch-from-paper-refund-checks/
18. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/modernizing-payments-to-and-from-americas-bank-account
19. https://www.nextgov.com/digital-government/2025/09/irs-announces-phased-end-paper-check-refunds/408314/
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