We all know the IRS has been slowly dragging itself into the 21st century. But now it’s making a leap:
As of September 30, 2025, you’ll no longer be able to:
- Receive your tax refund by paper check, or
- Mail the IRS a check to pay taxes, penalties, or fees.
It’s digital or nothing. Period.
1. What’s Changing (and When)
The Executive Order behind this applies government-wide, but the IRS angle is the one that matters to most people:
- No more paper tax refunds. Direct deposit or prepaid Treasury card only.
- No more mailing tax payments. IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS, debit card, or digital wallet options only.
- Deadline: September 30, 2025.
2. Why the Change?
Because paper is slow, insecure, and expensive. In 2024 alone:
- Paper checks cost taxpayers over $657 million.
- They’re 16× more likely to be lost or stolen.
- Refunds and payments often get misrouted, delayed, or rejected due to human error.
3. What You Need to Do
To get refunds:
- Use direct deposit on your return (IRS will reject check delivery).
- No bank account? Use the Treasury’s Direct Express® prepaid card or enroll via GetBanked.
To pay taxes:
- Sign up for IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS, or an approved payment processor.
- Set reminders for quarterly payments—no more mailing in 1040-ES vouchers with a check.
Pro Tip: If you’re advising clients, get them onboarded now—especially the elderly, unbanked, or tech-averse.
4. What About Other Payments?
This isn’t just the IRS:
- SSA, VA, OPM, and other federal agencies will also stop mailing payments and taking paper checks.
- There are a few narrow exceptions (hardship, rural banking access, law enforcement needs), but they’re rare—and shrinking.
5. Final Thoughts
This is a digital shift that makes sense—but it will catch people off guard. Don’t wait for a rejected refund or bounced tax payment. Act now.