I wanted to share an important update that could impact how you pay taxes or receive refunds. On March 25, 2025, a federal executive order was signed that requires government agencies, like the IRS and Social Security Administration, to stop using and accepting paper checks for disbursements and payments by September 30, 2025.
What this means for you:
- Tax refunds will only be issued electronically (direct deposit, prepaid debit card, or digital wallet).
- Payments to the IRS (including estimates and balances due) must also be made electronically — no more mailing paper checks.
- There may be limited exceptions, but these are unlikely to apply to most people.
In light of this, we want to reassure you:
- Electronic payments are secure and less prone to delays, fraud, or loss than paper checks. In fact, FINCEN reported in 2024 over 15,000 reports of mail-related check fraud totaling over $688 million in both attempted and completed fraudulent transactions.
- We adhere to rigorous security protocols and are dedicated to safeguarding your sensitive information in all aspects, including for those transitioning to electronic payment methods.
- You can still pay online using a debit or credit card if you prefer not to share banking info (note: processing fees may apply).
This shift also brings significant benefits on a national scale: According to the 2022 AFP Payments Cost Benchmarking Survey, the median cost of issuing a paper check was $2.01 to $4.00. Moving to digital methods will help reduce waste and improve efficiency.
