The IRS is moving away from paper refund checks in favor of digital payment methods to improve speed, security, and cost efficiency. For the 2026 tax filing season, taxpayers are encouraged to pay—and get paid—electronically, including receiving refunds by direct deposit. The new directives stem from Executive Order 14247, issued by President Donald Trump in 2025.

Since the order impacts how taxpayers will get their tax refunds during the tax filing season, the IRS recently updated its guidance. Here’s what you need to know.

Executive Order 14247, issued on March 25, 2025, requires federal agencies, including the U.S. Treasury and the IRS, to stop issuing paper checks by September 30 in favor of direct deposit, prepaid cards, or other digital payment options. The order doesn’t apply only to disbursements. It also applies to receipts—payments Americans make to the federal government, such as tax payments. The goals are to reduce fraud, improve security, increase efficiency, and lower costs.

The IRS began phasing out paper tax refund checks, including for individual taxpayers, effective September 30, 2025.

The IRS has been making the change slowly. This tax filing season marks the first major push.

No. You’ll still file your tax return the same way you always have. The only difference is how your refund is delivered.

Most taxpayers will receive their refunds electronically. Direct deposit remains the primary method the IRS uses to issue refunds, and the agency says electronic refunds are generally faster and more secure than mailed paper checks.

The IRS recognizes that not all taxpayers have access to traditional banking services, and the Executive Order explicitly accounts for unbanked or underbanked individuals. As a result, the IRS will offer alternative electronic payment options, including refunds delivered through certain mobile payment apps and prepaid debit cards. If those options don’t work, limited exceptions allowing paper checks will still........

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