Starting September 30, 2025, the federal government will stop issuing and accepting most paper checks for tax payments, refunds, Social Security, and other federal transactions. This change is due to Executive Order 14247 (EO) which was signed in March 2025. The EO is part of a nationwide effort to modernize payments, making them faster, more secure, and more cost-efficient. If you’re still writing checks to the IRS or receiving refunds by mail, now is the time to update how you send and receive payments.
What’s Changing
- Tax refunds, Social Security payments, and other federal benefits will be issued electronically (for example, by direct deposit).
- Payments to the federal government—such as income tax, payroll tax, and other federal fees—must also be made electronically (where allowed under current law).
- Accepted electronic methods include direct deposit, debit and credit card payments, digital wallets, and the IRS’s Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).
- Paper checks will no longer be the standard option after September 30, 2025.
If You’ve Been Paying the IRS by Check
- Here are the official, IRS-approved ways to make payments electronically:
- Direct Pay (no fees, pay directly from your bank account): IRS Direct Pay
- Electronic Funds Deposit and Withdrawal (integrated with e-filing)
- IRS Online Account (view balance, schedule, and make payments): IRS Payments
- Pay by debit/credit card or digital wallet: IRS Debit/Credit Card Payments (fees apply)
- IRS2Go mobile app: IRS2Go
- Businesses: Use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) to schedule and track federal tax payments: EFTPS
If You’ve Been Receiving Refunds by Check
Tax refunds will be deposited directly into your bank account once you provide your routing and account number on your tax return. For federal benefits like Social Security, you can enroll in direct deposit here:
- Go Direct® Enrollment
- SSA Direct Deposit
If you do nothing, you risk delays—refund checks will no longer be mailed out after September 30, 2025.
Limited Exceptions
A small number of taxpayers may qualify for a waiver—for example, if you do not have access to banking or electronic payment options.
- To request a waiver: Call the U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Center Waiver Line at 1-855-290-1545, or request a waiver form by mail.
What You Should Do Now
- Stop writing paper checks. Begin using one of the electronic options listed above.
- Provide your direct deposit information. Make sure your bank routing and account number are up to date with the IRS and Social Security Administration.
- Plan ahead for businesses. If you manage payroll or business taxes, ensure you are enrolled in EFTPS and confirm your authorized users.
- Protect your information. Always access payment portals directly through IRS.gov/payments.
Key Takeaway
Beginning September 30, 2025, paper checks will no longer be an option for most payments to or from the federal government. By switching to electronic payments now, you’ll avoid delays and ensure your refunds and payments are processed quickly and securely.
