The IRS, alongside the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is implementing a significant alteration in the issuance of tax refunds. Starting September 30, 2025, the IRS will no longer issue paper tax refund checks to individual taxpayers.
As part of Executive Order 14247, the Administration strives to enhance the efficiency and security of payments by moving to electronically issued tax refunds.
The security risks associated with paper checks are substantial. Tax refund paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost in the mail, delayed in delivery, altered or forged, or stolen and misused than a digital payment.
Refunding electronically means lower risks and more direct access to a secure digital account.
When taxpayers file electronically and select direct deposit, the IRS generally issues payment within 21 days.
Taxpayers who receive paper checks may wait an additional 6 weeks.
The digital payment method streamlines the entire refund process, enhancing the taxpayer’s access to their refund.
The IRS’s cost of issuing paper checks extends beyond the physical printing of checks.
The entire refund process is digitized and automated, which means smoother and more predictable operations during the peak tax season—for both the IRS and taxpayers.
Here’s how this change affects you and what steps you can take:
You can still file your taxes using:
Refunds will no longer be sent by paper check under most circumstances. The default options will include:
If you are unbanked or underbanked, you still have options. The IRS and Treasury have been advocating for access through:
Tip: Open an account early to avoid delays during tax refund season.
This shift aligns IRS policy with what is already most beneficial and widely adopted by taxpayers.
Executive Order 14247 also pertains to how taxpayers make payments to the IRS.
More information will be available at:
IRS.gov/modernpayments
IRS digital payments and direct deposit are designed to protect your refund, speed up processing, and modernize your tax experience.
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SAI CPA Services offers expert tax, accounting, and financial solutions with 25+ years of experience. We ensure accuracy, compliance, and growth.
Copyright © 2025 – Powered by SAI CPA SERVICES