global Tax Deadline ALERT: IRS Moves to 100% Electronic Payments on September 30, 2025 September 03, 2025 Attention taxpayers…starting September 30, 2025, all federal tax payments and refunds must be made electronically, meaning paper checks will largely be phased out. Here’s what you should prepare for. In efforts to reduce costs, improve efficiency and minimize paper check fraud, the Treasury and the current administration have issued an executive order mandating that all payments including tax refunds must be made electronically beginning September 30, 2025. Key changes ahead for taxpayersBeginning September 30, 2025:Paper checks are out- Tax refunds will arrive only through electronic methods and the IRS will no longer accept paper checks for tax payments.Every U.S. Treasury transaction, from IRS refunds to Social Security must be made electronically.Are there any exceptions to the new rules?At the discretion of the Treasury Secretary, certain payments could be waived from the electronic payment requirement. Some exceptions include:Individuals without access to banking or electronic payment systemsEmergency situations (including disaster relief) where electronic payments are not practical/possibleCertain national security or law enforcement related activitiesYou can request a waiver from the electronic filing requirement by contacting the IRS directly.What should taxpayers do to prepare for this change?At the discretion of the Treasury Secretary, certain payments could be waived from the electronic payment requirement. Some exceptions include:Individuals without access to banking or electronic payment systemsEmergency situations (including disaster relief) where electronic payments are not practical/possibleCertain national security or law enforcement related activitiesYou can request a waiver from the electronic filing requirement by contacting the IRS directly.What should taxpayers do to prepare for this change? “This mandate is not something taxpayers can afford to ignore. September 30th will be here quickly, and anyone still relying on paper checks for refunds or payments risks delays, penalties, and unnecessary headaches. Now is the time to act, be sure to update your banking details, enroll in direct deposit, and switch to electronic payment methods before the deadline.” – Jade Toher Ahead of the September 30, 2025 implementation date, U.S. taxpayers should:Update your IRS account (or create one if you do not have an account) with accurate banking details. You can register here: https://www.irs.gov/payments Set up direct deposit for refunds through your tax software or tax preparerUse approved electronic payments (IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS or the IRS2GO app)Stop mailing paper checks after September 30th (unless you qualify for an exemption)FAQs: New E-Filing MandateHow will this impact my tax refunds? Refunds will only be issued electronically through methods like direct deposit, prepaid cards, or digital wallets. Paper refund checks will be discontinued.Can I still pay my taxes by mailing a check? No. After September 30, 2025, paper checks will no longer be accepted for tax payments. Taxpayers must use an IRS-approved electronic payment method.Are there any exceptions to this rule? Yes, exceptions may be granted for individuals without access to banking services, certain emergency or disaster situations, and specific national security or law enforcement needs. All exceptions require Treasury approval.Does this only impact U.S. taxpayers? No. Foreign taxpayers paying U.S. income tax are also affected. They must use a U.S. bank account or a global account that supports ACH transfers, or IRS-approved international wire transfers like EFTPS with international access or SWIFT.