Treasury and IRS to End Paper Checks: What Taxpayers Need to Know

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS will discontinue paper check payments for most federal transactions starting September 30, 2025, according to Executive Order 14247.

After this date, the Treasury Department is expected to stop issuing or accepting paper checks, including tax payments and refunds. Limited exceptions may apply at the Treasury’s discretion, such as for individuals without banking access or in emergencies where electronic payment is not feasible.

Understanding the Change

This move to digital payments is designed to reduce inefficiencies for both the IRS and taxpayers related to paper-based payments while also increasing transaction security and preventing fraud. As noted within the Federal Register, paper checks are reportedly 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen or altered than electronic transfers.

How Taxpayers Can Prepare

To simplify tax payments, the IRS offers several secure online systems: the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) for businesses and IRS Direct Pay for individual taxpayers. As taxpayers prepare, it’s important to understand these options to select the appropriate payment platform and ensure timely registration.

Choose the right payment method

• Individuals: If you’re making personal tax payments (e.g., balance due on Form 1040), you can use:
  • IRS Direct Pay: Registration is not required, and you can pay directly from your bank account.
  • EFTPS: Registration is required, and the taxpayer has broader payment options, including scheduling payments in advance.
  • Debit, credit and other electronic payments: The IRS will allow these payments through authorized processors for a fee.
  • Electronic funds withdrawal: This includes payments made during e-filing process for tax returns.
  • IRS online: This is similar to IRS Direct Pay, but individuals can set up an account to track payments and refund status. We recommend this option over IRS Direct Pay to see your payment history.
• Businesses: Required to use EFTPS for all federal tax deposits (e.g., payroll, excise, corporate income taxes)
• Trusts and estates: Required to use EFTPS for all federal tax deposits

Register for EFTPS 

• Go to eftps.gov
• Select “enrollment” and complete the online form: Provide your taxpayer identification number (social security number (SSN) or employer identification number (EIN)) and banking information and set up contact details
• Within about seven business days, the IRS will mail you a personal identification number (PIN)
• After receiving your PIN, return to http://www.eftps.gov/, create your online password and activate your account

Make payments on EFTPS

• Log in to EFTPS with your EIN/SSN, PIN and password
• Select the type of tax, tax form and period
• Schedule payments up to 365 days in advance (individuals) or 120 days (businesses)
• Receive a confirmation number for each scheduled payment

Register for IRS Direct Pay (individuals only)

• Visit irs.gov/payments/direct-pay-with-bank-account
• Select the type of tax payment and tax year
• Verify your identity with prior-year tax return information
• Enter your bank routing/account number and authorize payment

Weaver Can Help

This change to an all-digital system is designed to improve efficiency and security, but getting a late start could lead to payment delays. If you’re unsure how this change could impact your business or need help setting up an electronic payment method, our team is here to help. Contact us.

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