In and effort to reduce fraud and waste, effective September 30, 2025, paper checks issued by the government will cease. After that date, all government departments and agencies will be required to only accept and pay out funds via electronic means, such as electronic funds transfer (EFT), debit & credit cards, digital wallets and other real time fund transfers. An exception for individuals without banking or EFT access will be allowed. Assuming that there are no delays in implementing this new financial policy, taxpayers will no longer be allowed to send in a check for balance due tax returns nor receive a check if expecting a cash refund from the IRS for 2025 tax returns being filed in 2026. This change will also impact taxpayers that have filed an extension for their 2024 federal tax return and who will file that tax return after the date of September 30, 2025.
