IRS to Eliminate Paper Checks for Refunds and Payments: What You Need to Know

If you currently send or receive paper checks to or from the IRS, this update will affect you.

On March 25, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14247, titled “Modernizing Payments to and From America’s Bank Account.” This order directs the U.S. Department of the Treasury (including the IRS) to phase out the use of paper checks for all federal transactions — not just issuing refunds, but also receiving payments.

📌 Effective Date: September 30, 2025

After this date, the IRS may no longer send refunds by paper check or accept tax payments by paper check. At this time, the IRS has not yet released an official process for how taxpayers will be required to switch from paper checks to electronic payment methods.

👉 View the full Executive Order here:https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/03/modernizing-payments-to-and-from-americas-bank-account/

What You Can Do to Prepare

✅ No immediate action is required — but we encourage taxpayers to begin preparing for this shift. Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Ensure you have access to a bank account or electronic payment method that can be used for direct deposit or ACH transfers.

2. If you owe tax payments (e.g., quarterly estimates, balances due), be prepared to submit those payments electronically in the future — likely via IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS, or another digital platform.

3. Work with your tax advisor to ensure your refund and payment preferences are updated when the process becomes available.

We will keep you informed as soon as the IRS releases its formal transition plan.

Questions? We’re Here to Help

We know that changes to federal payment methods can create uncertainty, especially for those who rely on traditional check handling. If you have questions or want to review your current refund or payment setup, please contact us to discuss your options.