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By Aliss Higham
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has updated its guidance on sending and receiving payments as the federal government ends the use of paper checks.
Why It Matters
Tax filing season opened on Monday, meaning Americans are now able to file their 2025 taxes with the IRS, up until the deadline on April 15.
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Executive Order 14247—signed by President Donald Trump on March 25, 2025—required federal agencies, including the Treasury Department and the IRS, to move away from using paper checks by September 30, 2025, and instead use direct deposit, prepaid cards or other electronic payment methods.
The order covers not only government payments sent to Americans but also money paid to the federal government, such as taxes. The White House said using paper checks "imposes unnecessary costs; delays; and risks of fraud, lost payments, theft, and inefficiencies."
Ending Paper Checks
The executive order directed the Treasury Department to stop sending paper checks beginning on September 30, where the law allows. In a small number of situations, the federal government will still send payments by check.
As for making payments to the IRS using paper checks, this is still accepted. However, the IRS strongly encourages taxpayers to make payments using the existing electronic options.
"Over time, the IRS will reduce reliance on paper checks and money orders for receiving payments, with limited exceptions made for specific situations such as those involving hardships, and/or legal and procedural requirements," the agency said.
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Does This Change How Taxes Are Filed?
You'll still file your tax return the same way you always have. What's changing is how you get your refund.
For most people, refunds would be sent electronically. Direct deposit remains the IRS's main method, and the agency says electronic payments are usually faster and safer than receiving a check in the mail.
The IRS also acknowledges that not everyone has a bank account. The executive order makes room for people who are unbanked or underbanked by allowing other electronic options, such as certain mobile payment apps or prepaid debit cards. In cases where none of those options are possible, paper checks will still be issued—but only on a limited basis.
What People Are Saying
The White House said in March: "The continued use of paper-based payments by the Federal Government, including checks and money orders, flowing into and out of the United States General Fund, which might be thought of as America's bank account, imposes unnecessary costs; delays; and risks of fraud, lost payments, theft, and inefficiencies."
IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano said: "These FAQs support the Executive Order in its effort to reduce fraud, improve security, lower costs, and make payments to and from the IRS faster and more reliable."
What Happens Next
Unless you have a filing extension, tax returns and payments are due nationwide on April 15.
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