Treasury to Stop Issuing Paper Checks on September 30, 2025

The White House on March 25, 2025, issued Executive Order 14247, “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account.” The executive order states that effective September 30, 2025, to the extent permitted by law, the Secretary of Treasury will cease issuing paper checks for all federal disbursements, which includes tax refunds. 

In addition to establishing the September 30 deadline for stopping paper checks, the executive order also provides that payments to the federal government should be made electronically as soon as practicable. The executive order indicates that the purpose is to modernize and minimize the costs, delays, risks, and inefficiencies that paper-based payments entail. It notes that mail theft has increased in recent years, and Department of Treasury paper checks are significantly more likely to be reported lost or stolen, returned, or altered than electronic funds transfers (EFTs). 

The executive order instructs Treasury to support the transition to digital payment methods, such as direct deposits, debt or credit card payments, digital wallets, and other electronic payment systems. Treasury is authorized to grant limited exceptions when electronic payment is not feasible, including for individuals who do not have access to bank services or electronic payments systems. Other potential exceptions include: 

• Emergency payments when electronic disbursement would cause undue hardships; 
• National security and law enforcement-related activities when non-EFT transactions are necessary or desirable; and 
• Other circumstances as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury. 

On August 14, 2025, Treasury issued a news release indicating that it will stop paper checks for most federal benefit items on September 30, 2025.