Overview

• The IRS confirmed it will begin moving individual refunds to electronic delivery on Sept. 30, starting a phase‑out of mailed checks.
• The change follows Executive Order 14247 signed by President Donald Trump, which directs agencies to end paper checks in favor of digital payments.
• Most refunds already arrive electronically, with 93% direct deposited in the 2025 season, and paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, altered or delayed.
• Taxpayers without bank accounts will have options such as prepaid debit cards, digital wallets and limited exceptions, and the IRS urges people to verify or set up accounts.
• Until new guidance is issued, taxpayers should use current filing and payment procedures, including for 2024 returns filed on extension, and note that overseas refunds require a U.S. bank account or affiliated account.