Starting October 2025, the IRS will no longer send most tax refunds or other payments by paper check. Instead, payments will be made electronically—directly to your bank account, prepaid debit card, or digital wallet. This change is designed to make payments faster, safer, and more reliable.
No More Paper Checks for Balances Due
The IRS is also phasing out paper checks for tax payments. Beginning with 2025 tax returns, you will need to pay any balance due using secure electronic methods such as direct bank transfer (IRS Direct Pay), debit or credit card, Electronic Funds Withdrawal, or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS).
What You Need to Do:
Provide your bank account information for direct deposit and electronic payments when you file your tax return.
If you don’t have a bank account, consider opening a free or low-cost account, or use a prepaid debit card or digital wallet.
If you don’t provide electronic payment details, the IRS will contact you for this information. If you don’t respond within six weeks, a paper check may be sent as a temporary measure during the transition.