We want to inform you of a significant change in how the IRS will issue tax refunds and accept payments, following President Trump’s Executive Order 14247, “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account,” signed on March 25, 2025. On September 23, 2025, the IRS stated that they will publish detailed guidance for 2025 tax returns before the 2026 filing season begins. Until further notice, taxpayers should continue using existing forms and procedures, including filing of 2024 returns on extension with a due date prior to December 31, 2025. 

What’s Changing?  

The U.S. Treasury currently plans to discontinue the issuance of paper checks for all federal disbursements, including IRS tax refunds effective September 30, 2025. After this date, most federal payments—including tax refunds—will be made electronically, Options such as prepaid debit cards, digital wallets, or limited exceptions will be available.  Payments to the federal government for 2025 returns will also need to be made electronically.

What Does This Mean for You? 

• If you are expecting a tax refund, you will need to provide valid U.S. bank account information to receive your refund via direct deposit. 

• If you do not have a U.S. bank account, you may need to seek an exception or alternative payment method, but these will be limited and subject to Treasury approval. 

• For tax payments, electronic payment methods are now the standard and are strongly encouraged to avoid delays and penalties.  Accepted electronic methods include direct deposits, debit and credit card payments, digital wallets, and real-time payment systems. 

Tax Payment Options: The IRS offers several secure electronic payment options: 

• Direct Pay (from your bank account): https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay 

• Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS): https://www.eftps.gov/eftps/ (IMPORTANT NOTE: this payment option can currently be used, but it will likely be eliminated for individuals in the near future.  If you need to set up a new electronic payment account, we suggest using one of the other options.)

• Debit or Credit Card or Digital Wallet Payments (fees apply): https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-your-taxes-by-debit-or-credit-card 

• IRS2Go Mobile App: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp 

• IRS Online Account: https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account 

• For more information on all payment options, visit: https://www.irs.gov/payments 

Action Steps 

• Please ensure you have a U.S. bank account available for direct deposit of any IRS refunds and payment of tax obligations. 

• Our clients: For future tax filings, please let us know if you would like us to set up ACH payments for your tax obligations prior to signing your e-file authorization (typically Form 8879). 

• Our clients: Alert us if you change bank accounts for tax payments or refunds. 

If you don’t already have an IRS Online Account, we recommend setting one up.  It provides easy and secure access to your tax information, convenient payment and refund tracking, and a secure option for communicating with the IRS.