IRS Paper Check Payments: A Likely Shift Ahead
While the IRS currently accepts paper checks for tax payments including quarterly estimated payments and payments submitted with tax returns recent federal initiatives suggest this may soon change.
What’s Changing?
In March, Executive Order 14247, Modernizing Payments to and From America’s Bank Account, directed the Treasury Department and IRS to phase out paper checks for federal disbursements by September 30, 2025. This includes tax refunds, Social Security benefits, and vendor payments.
Although this order does not currently apply to payments made to the IRS, the broader push toward electronic transactions indicates that paper check payments may be phased out in the near future.
What Taxpayers Should Know
As of now, there has been no official announcement from the IRS stating that paper checks for tax payments will be discontinued after September 30, 2025. However, taxpayers are encouraged to prepare for a potential transition by exploring electronic payment options.
If you are currently mailing in your quarterly estimated tax payment vouchers or tax return payments with a check, it’s wise to begin planning for electronic alternatives.
IRS Electronic Payment Options
The IRS offers several secure and convenient ways to pay, including the following:
- IRS Direct Pay – Pay directly from your bank account with no fees.
- EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System) – Ideal for individuals and businesses; schedule payments in advance.
- IRS Online Account – View your balance, payment history, and make payments.
- Debit/Credit Card or Digital Wallet – Processing fees apply.
For more details:
How Jones & Roth Can Help
Whether you’re a business owner managing quarterly payments or an individual preparing your return, Jones & Roth is here to help you transition smoothly to secure electronic payment methods. We’ll guide you through setup, answer your questions, and ensure you’re ready just in case paper checks are phased out.
Let’s get ahead of the change together. Contact us today to get started.
