The IRS Has Phased Out Paper Checks. Here’s What Taxpayers Need to Know.

As of September 30, 2025, the IRS has officially stopped mailing paper checks for most federal disbursements, including tax refunds. This change was enacted under Executive Order 14247, which aims to modernize how the federal government sends and receives payments.

This nationwide policy shift is designed to reduce fraud, lower administrative costs, and speed up how quickly taxpayers receive their refunds.

What’s Changing – and What’s Not

Tax refunds are now issued electronically by default. Taxpayers must provide valid banking information to receive a refund via direct deposit. The IRS will no longer mail refund checks except in very limited circumstances.

Tax payments are also addressed by the executive order. However, the IRS has not yet released updated guidance on any changes to how taxpayers should submit them. Until new procedures are announced, all existing payment methods - including paper checks - remain available. Further guidance is expected prior to the 2026 tax filing season.

What You Should Do Now

If you’ve received a paper refund check in the past, that option is no longer available. Be sure to have your current bank account and routing numbers ready when filing.

For now, nothing changes on the payment side - mailing a check to the IRS is still allowed. That will likely shift in the near future, but not until formal guidance is issued.

A Quick Note from Vivify

We’ve always encouraged direct deposit and direct debit because they’re faster, safer, and more reliable than paper checks - and with the current turmoil at the IRS, that’s more important than ever.

Vivify now requires all clients to provide banking information for both refunds and payments. Our tax questionnaire has been updated to enforce this policy, and we’ll continue monitoring IRS guidance to keep you one step ahead.