All IRS and U.S. Treasury Payments Go Fully Electronic by September 30, 2025
If you’ve been mailing checks to the IRS, it’s time to start thinking differently. Beginning September 30, 2025, the IRS and U.S. Treasury will stop accepting most paper checks. That means all payments—whether you’re settling a tax bill, making estimated payments, or receiving a refund—will need to happen electronically.
This change may feel sudden, especially if you’ve relied on paper for years. Fortunately, transitioning doesn’t have to be difficult.
Why the Transition?
Let’s start with the “why.” According to the federal government, the move to digital payments is all about modernization. Paper-based transactions are not only slow and costly, but they also come with security risks. In fact, paper checks are significantly more likely to be lost, delayed, or tampered with than electronic payments.
Last year alone, managing paper payments cost the federal government over $650 million. By going fully electronic, they’re aiming to cut waste, reduce fraud, and improve accuracy—all while getting your money where it needs to go, faster.
What Do I Need to Do?
If you’re expecting a refund or need to make a payment, you’ll want to have your bank information ready. When filing your return, be sure to include your routing and account numbers so the IRS can deposit any refunds directly.
If you haven’t already, consider setting up an online IRS account. This allows you to view your balance, schedule payments, and manage your information securely, all in one place.
There are also a few different ways to make payments electronically. Some people prefer Direct Pay, which links directly to a bank account. Others may use a debit or credit card (though that may involve fees). For business owners or anyone scheduling payments in advance, the EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) is a great tool to set things up ahead of time.
If you don’t have a bank account? You’re not out of luck. The Treasury is working to ensure that prepaid debit cards and approved digital wallets are viable options too.
Additionally, to prepare, you will need:
A verified ID.me, Login.gov, or IRS EFTPS account.
My phone number added for secure login codes if we are submitting your tax payments.
Your written approval for me to process payments on your behalf.
What Happens If I Don’t Switch?
If you continue trying to pay with a paper check after the September deadline, your payment may not be processed—and that could come with consequences. Late payments can trigger penalties and interest, even if the check was mailed on time.
Business owners, estate managers, and fiduciaries required to file specific forms (e.g., 941, 1041) must already use EFTPS for federal payments. Not doing so could result in a 10 percent penalty under IRC Section 6656 for failure to deposit electronically.
Plus, continued use of outdated payment methods could flag noncompliance or a misunderstanding of IRS requirements, increasing the likelihood of correspondence or audit.
Also, if you’re expecting a refund and haven’t set up electronic delivery, you could be facing delays. Paper checks will no longer be issued in most cases, so having your digital payment method ready is key to avoiding disruptions.
Looking for Help?
If all of this feels like a lot, you’re not alone. Many people are navigating this change, and it’s okay to have questions. Our team is here to help you sort through the details—whether that means setting up your IRS online account, registering with EFTPS, or just understanding which payment method is right for your situation.
We can walk you through every step to make sure your information is secure, and your payments stay on schedule. Don’t wait until the deadline sneaks up—let’s get started now so you’re ready well ahead of September 30, 2025.