Under an executive order signed earlier this year, beginning on September 30, 2025, the federal government must stop issuing paper checks (with very few exceptions) and will no longer accept paper checks from taxpayers. The executive order outlined the key reasons for this change, including heightened security/lower fraud risk, reduced administrative costs, and increased efficiency in payment delivery/receipt. This change impacts tax payments and refunds, Social Security benefits, and vendor payments.

The IRS will make payments, such as tax refunds or monthly Social Security benefits, via direct deposit, prepaid debit cards, and digital wallets (such as PayPal, etc.) going forward. It will accept payments, such as quarterly estimates, extension payments, or balances due with filed returns, via ACH transfer from your bank or via direct payment through one of the following sites:

https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals

https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-business-taxes-from-your-bank-account

https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system

There are limited exceptions to this rule, the main one being for individuals without access to an electronic payment option, such as someone living abroad. The application of how to apply for this exception is still in process.

During this transition, we recommend you create an online account with the IRS through one of the above listed sites to allow you to make any necessary payments. If you do not currently have a bank account, you will need to open one prior to making your next payment or filing your next tax return.

Please contact your AHP representative if you have any questions or would like to discuss further.