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Big change ahead: beginning September 30, 2025, the federal government will stop issuing paper checks for most payments, which includes IRS tax refunds.
The shift is part of a Treasury push to move to electronic payments to cut fraud, mail theft, and delays, and it covers most federal disbursements after the deadline.
Why This Is Happening
Paper checks are more vulnerable to problems in the mail.
Treasury’s Fiscal Service says checks are over 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, altered, or delayed than electronic payments.
Moving to direct deposit speeds up delivery and reduces risk.
Who Is Affected
If you still get your IRS refund as a paper check, you’ll need to switch to an electronic method.
The Treasury announcement notes that “most” payments will move off paper; taxpayers who already receive refunds by direct deposit don’t need to do anything.
How You’ll Get Your Refund Going Forward
The default will be direct deposit to your bank or credit union account.
The IRS already issues the vast majority of refunds this way—about eight in ten taxpayers choose direct deposit today—because it’s the fastest and safest option.
If you don’t have a bank account, Treasury points to safe options to open one (FDIC GetBanked or the National Credit Union locator).
For federal benefit payments (like Social Security), people without bank accounts can use the Direct Express® card; for tax refunds, plan to provide bank routing and account numbers on your return for direct deposit.
What To Do Now
- File electronically and select direct deposit. E-filers who choose direct deposit typically get refunds in less than 21 days, while paper returns take longer. Use Where’s My Refund? to track status (updates once a day).
- Check your bank details before you file. You’ll need your routing and account numbers to receive funds quickly.
- Watch for scams. Treasury warns to verify any request to “switch” your payment method by using official websites or phone numbers.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Topic | What Changes | What You Should Do | Deadline/Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refund delivery method | Paper refund checks end for most payments; electronic becomes standard | Opt for direct deposit when filing your return | Sept 30, 2025 cutoff for paper checks |
| Speed of refunds | Direct deposit is fastest; paper takes longer | E-file + direct deposit to target <21 days | Typical IRS timeline during filing season |
| If you don’t bank | Resources to open an account; Direct Express® applies to benefits | Open a bank/credit union account for refund direct deposit | Do it before you file |
| Tracking refunds | “Where’s My Refund?” shows status daily | Check online once per day | Status windows: 24 hours after e-file; longer for paper |
What This Means For Late Or Amended Filers
If your 2024 (or prior) return is processed after Sept 30, 2025, expect your refund electronically—not by paper check.
Keep your direct-deposit details ready, and continue to monitor your refund with the IRS tool as usual.
Title Options
- Catchy Title: IRS To Halt Tax Refund Checks Soon — Here’s How To Get Your Money Faster
- SEO Title: IRS Ending Paper Refund Checks On September 30, 2025: Direct Deposit, Deadlines & What To Do
The end of paper refund checks is a major modernization step that should make IRS refunds faster and safer for most people.
To avoid delays, file electronically, choose direct deposit, and have your bank details ready before you submit.
Use Where’s My Refund? to monitor progress, and rely on official channels if you’re asked to update payment information.
With a little prep, you’ll be ready for a seamless switch to electronic refunds when the September 30, 2025 deadline arrives.
FAQs
Most federal payments, including tax refunds, will shift to electronic only. Plan for direct deposit; agency-specific instructions will guide any limited exceptions, but the policy is to phase out paper.