No More Paper Check Refunds After September 30th
The IRS/U.S. Treasury Department will be ending the issuance of paper checks post September 30th, 2025:
What’s Changing
- On March 25, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account.”
- Under this order, the federal government will stop issuing paper checks for most federal disbursements — including tax refunds, Social Security benefits, veteran’s benefits, vendor payments, etc.
- Also, the federal government will require that payments made to it (tax payments, fees, etc.) be done electronically “as soon as practicable,” with limited exceptions.
Exceptions & Special Cases
The end of paper checks isn’t absolutely universal; there are exceptions:
- Individuals who don’t have access to electronic banking or other payment methods.
- Certain emergency payments or payments where using electronic methods creates an undue hardship.
- Agencies will provide alternatives (e.g. Direct Express debit cards, other digital /electronic methods) for those who can’t use standard banking.
Effective Date
- September 30, 2025 is the date when the U.S. Treasury will cease issuing new paper checks for most federal payments.
- After that date, most refunds, benefits, etc., will be delivered electronically, assuming no exception applies.
What You Should Do (if this affects you)
If you currently receive paper checks from the IRS, Social Security, Veterans Affairs, or other federal agencies, or pay them via paper check:
- Switch to direct deposit — update your payment preferences.
- If you don’t have a bank, look into options like Direct Express debit card, or find a way to open an account.
- For payments you owe to the IRS, ensure you use electronic payment methods (IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS, etc.).
- Watch for communications from agencies about enrolling electronic payment or being eligible for exceptions.