IRS Says Electronic Payments Are Preferred
Beginning Sept. 30, 2025, the IRS announced it would begin phasing out paper checks (both for payments to the IRS and refunds due from the IRS) in favor of electronic payments. While the IRS has not fully made the switch, it is recommended that payments be made electronically, when possible, to ensure that your estimated payments are recorded properly by the IRS.
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The official IRS guidance for electronic payments, issued in November 2025, is summarized below:
The IRS will continue to expand electronic payment options to make it easier, faster, and more secure for individuals and businesses to pay taxes. Until further notice, existing forms and procedures should be used to make payments to the IRS. To avoid delays, taxpayers should use existing electronic payment options.
How To Prepare
- Use IRS Direct Pay to pay directly from your bank account without fees.
- Set up the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) for individual or business tax payments.
- Use the IRS2GoApp mobile app for easy and secure mobile payments.
- Explore debit/credit card payment options or use digital wallets where supported.
To continue receiving IRS notices and correspondence related to your payments, ensure your contact information and payment preferences are up to date.
For a full list of payment options, visit Payments.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this shift, please reach out to your tax advisor for assistance.
By Scott Eichar, CPA, CFP, PFS, Partner, Tax & Advisory
Seeking Additional Tax Guidance? Check Out These Resources:
Navigating 2025-2026 Individual Tax Changes Under The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)
Major Changes To The SALT Cap: What Taxpayers Need To Know For 2025 & Beyond
