The IRS just announced a major change: after September 30, 2025, paper checks will no longer be accepted for federal tax payments.
This shift comes from a recent Executive Order on Improving Government Efficiency and Digital Services, which directs federal agencies to modernize operations and reduce reliance on paper. For the IRS, that means going all-in on electronic payments.
When will taxpayers feel this?
While the cutoff is technically September 30, 2025, most taxpayers will feel the change for the first time when they make:
- Q4 2025 estimated tax payments due January 15, 2026, and
- 2025 balances due on April 15, 2026.
From that point forward, tax payments will need to go through systems like EFTPS, IRS Direct Pay, or other approved electronic platforms. No more mailing a paper check to “buy time.”
But… the IRS does make exceptions
It’s worth remembering that the IRS and the federal government have a long history of granting extensions, exemptions, and relief in response to taxpayer hardships.
- Filing and payment deadlines were extended during COVID-19.
- Deadlines are regularly pushed back in areas hit by natural disasters.
- Certain taxpayers and industries have been given transition relief when new policies created sudden burdens.
So while September 30, 2025 is the official cutoff, it’s possible the IRS could carve out exceptions or delay certain provisions if widespread hardship becomes clear.
The bottom line
For now, taxpayers should prepare as if the deadline is real:
- Get set up with EFTPS or IRS Direct Pay well before the due dates.
- Test the system with a smaller payment (like a quarterly estimate) so there are no surprises later.
And as always—stay tuned. We’ll continue tracking IRS updates and share if any extensions or exceptions come into play.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on as professional tax or legal advice. Always consult your tax advisor before making decisions.
