09/08/2025
Effective 9/30/2025, the U.S. Treasury and the IRS will no longer issue paper checks—including Social Security payments and tax refunds—and will phase out accepting paper payments. This is part of a federal initiative to transition to fully electronic payments for faster, safer, and more cost-effective transactions.
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The Benefits
Faster funds: Refunds and other federal payments will reach you much more quickly electronically than via paper checks.
Safer with fewer lost or stolen payments: Paper checks are about 16 times more vulnerable to fraud or loss compared to electronic transfers.
Huge cost savings and eco-friendly: Paper-based transaction processes cost taxpayers over $657 million in FY 2024. Let your tax dollars be better utilized.
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What You Should Do Before Sept. 30, 2025
1. Set up electronic payment options:
For tax payments, INDIVIDUALS should set up an ID.me account (https://api.id.me/en/session/new) or use IRS Direct Pay (https://www.irs.gov/payments) and BUSINESSES should use EFTPS (https://www.eftps.gov/eftps/).
For refunds, ensure that your tax professional has your correct direct deposit info when filing your tax return.
2. Open a U.S. bank or no/low-fee credit union account if you’re presently “unbanked” or have bank accounts outside the U.S. (i.e., U.S. expats) to receive IRS refunds electronically. You may also consider options like prepaid debit cards or digital wallets.
3. Update payment workflows now: If you presently use paper payments for taxes, switch to electronic options immediately to avoid disruption.
4. Trustees and Estates should pay special attention to make sure that account names match tax return filers.
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For Gineris & Associates clients who have any questions or would like help verifying information we have on file for you, updating account information, enrolling in electronic payments, or planning next steps for your family or business, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.